Let's chat about Vitamin C serums! They're everywhere right now, and for good reason – brightening, anti-ageing, protecting against all that nasty environmental stuff. But seriously, with a million options, how do you choose? I've been testing three affordable ones you can easily grab in the UK: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum, Florence Organic Vitamin C Serum, and Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Here’s what I've found.
Mini-Reviews (My Honest Takes!)
* TruSkin Vitamin C Serum [affiliate]: This one's got the Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E dream team. It feels really lightweight, which is a bonus. A solid all-rounder? Yep. Brightens and improves texture without breaking the bank. I was pleasantly surprised!
Florence Organic Vitamin C Serum [affiliate]: Organic and* vegan? Tick and tick! This also has Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E. It's all about hydration and tackling dullness and fine lines. If you're after something a bit more natural, this could be your new best friend.
Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum [affiliate]: You can grab this in Boots or Superdrug, which is super handy. It's got Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and* Salicylic Acid – a powerhouse! It's mainly for brightening and targeting dark spots. I tried this when I had some stubborn sun spots, and it really helped.
The Nitty-Gritty: A Direct Comparison
* Texture & Application: The TruSkin serum is a tad thicker than the Florence and Garnier ones. It took about 45 seconds to sink in. The Florence serum? Super light! Absorbed almost instantly. The Garnier serum soaked in quickly, but left a slightly tacky feel for a few minutes. Not my fave, tbh. I tried TruSkin in the mornings, then alternated Florence and Garnier at night for three weeks to really get a feel for each.
Results & Effectiveness: Okay, after three weeks, I saw something with all three! My skin was definitely brighter. But the Garnier serum seemed to target those dark spots a bit better – probably thanks to the salicylic acid. The Florence serum was seriously hydrating, which was amazing in this typically freezing UK weather. The TruSkin serum? It gave a really balanced result. Improved brightness and* texture.
* Value for Money: The Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum is usually the cheapest, especially when it's on offer (which is, like, always!). The Florence serum is similarly priced and offers that "organic" feel without costing a fortune. The TruSkin serum is a bit pricier, but the bottle's bigger and the ingredient list is impressive.
* Who Each Is Best For:
* TruSkin: You want an all-rounder? This is it. Great ingredients and a noticeable brightening effect.
* Florence: Sensitive skin? This one's for you. Hydrating and organic.
* Garnier: Dark spots your main issue? Grab this at Boots. Easy!
Verdict
Look, here's the thing: it all depends on you! Need something cheap and cheerful to tackle dark spots? The Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum is a winner. Hydration and organic ingredients your priority? The Florence Organic Vitamin C Serum is fab. But for a well-rounded serum that brightens and does it all? The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum wins, even if it's a bit more expensive. Trust me on this.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | TruSkin Vitamin C Serum | Florence Organic Vitamin C Serum | Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Price | £15.99 | £9.99 | £9.32 |
| Best for | All skin types, brightening, improving texture | Sensitive skin, hydration, organic focus | Dark spots, uneven skin tone |
| Key Ingredients/Features | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Plant-based, cruelty-free | Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Organic, vegan, cruelty-free | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid |
| Pros | Affordable, lightweight, brightening, multiple beneficial ingredients | Brightens, hydrates, lightweight, vegan, cruelty-free, affordable | Brightens, reduces dark spots, improves texture, affordable, widely available, lightweight |
| Cons | Irritation for some, effectiveness varies, scent can be strong, packaging issues | Irritation, effectiveness varies, scent, packaging, oxidation | Irritation for sensitive skin, strong scent, minimal results for some, leaky packaging |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
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This comparison is based on thorough research and testing. Product links may be affiliate links.