<p>“Body lotion formulated with vitamin C offers many benefits for the skin,” says <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/skinbydrazi/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Dr. Azadeh Shirazi</a>, board-certified dermatologist and founder of <a href=”https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://azimdskincare.com/collections/all__;!!Ivohdkk!nTfyy920UjVAmsRl185KRA0wE6vYVw6ZZ5kAHyHBzxdrofvitzCp35EnWI2N2o_0zs-v75vW6EcSLiGQIbyQSJw$”>AziMD</a>. Shirazi notes that since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it helps protect the skin against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV damage. Shirazi also says that vitamin C helps make collagen, which can boost skin’s elasticity and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and it also helps to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation “The moisturizing ingredients in vitamin C body lotions help hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth,” she says. </p><p>Ahead, find the best vitamin C body lotions on the market, according to editors, dermatologists, and rave reviews.</p>”/>
1
Best Overall
Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream with Vitamin C
Pros
- Moisturizes and gently exfoliates
Cons
- Smell might be a bit strong for some
Sol de Janeiro’s body lotions are known for smelling good and working even better on skin. Dr. Shirazi recommends it since it is “formulated with vitamin C along with exfoliants like AHAs, and cupuaçu butter to brighten, even out skin tone, and smooth skin texture.”
Key ingredients: AHAs, cupuaçu butter, vitamin C
Size: 240 mL.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5
An ELLE editor says: “If there’s one thing that I can always count on with Sol de Janeiro, it’s that the products will leave my skin glowing and smelling amazing. This cream in particular also has Vitamin C which helps to smooth the skin and even your skin tone. I love that I can add this to my collection of body butters knowing that it’s helping to treat my skin instead of just sitting on top of it.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
2
Best Value
Olay Brightening Vitamin C Body Lotion
Pros
- Adds radiance to skin
Cons
- Might be too light for drier skin
Olay’s vitamin C body lotion boasts brighter skin in just 21 days. “You can easily find this budget-friendly brightening lotion at your nearby drugstore, and one bottle goes a long way,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Enriched with a nutrient-rich formula, it features vitamin C along with Olay’s renowned vitamin B3 complex, providing a hydrating and revitalizing boost to your skincare routine.”
Key ingredients: B3, vitamin C
Size: 17 fl. oz.
Olay rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “This body lotion has a light, jelly-like texture. It smells really good—like a fruit smoothie! It’s not the richest cream, but it makes skin look radiant. I think it’s great for the summertime, but it might not be the best winter moisturizer for those dealing with really dry skin.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor
3
Best for Exfoliating
AmLactin Daily Vitamin C Lotion
Pros
- Sloughs off dead skin and makes skin soft and smooth
Cons
- Has a strong acid smell
Shirazi notes that AmLactin is one of the most highly recommended body lotion brands among dermatologists. AmLactin’s products are all enriched with lactic acid, which is an exfoliant that not only sloughs off dead skin cells but also acts as a humectant that helps hydrate skin. Since this formula is fortified with vitamin C, its brightening properties go one step further.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, vitamin C
Size: 7.9 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5
An ELLE editor says: “I like that this cream has a thick, rich texture, but still soaks in easily. It’s supposed to be fragrance-free but definitely has the classic AHA smell—in my opinion, as acids have a pretty distinct smell. Since it has 7 percent lactic acid, it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and leaves me with baby-soft skin.” —Katie Berohn
4
Best for Brightening
DRMTLGY Vitamin C5
Pros
- Many different kinds of vitamin C for brightening benefits
Cons
- Pricey
If you want an option with the highest amount of vitamin C possible, try this lotion. You can use it on your face or your body. Five different forms of vitamin C mean it’s extremely brightening, while moisturizing ingredients help soften and hydrate skin.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, vitamin C
Size: 17 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “This lotion contains five forms of Vitamin C—tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl glucoside, ascorbyl palmitate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. It also contains ceramides, Vitamin E and peptides, and is moisturizing but not heavy.” —Dr. Sara Hogan, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the George Washington University Department of Dermatology
5
Best for Oily Skin
Obagi Medical C-Exfoliating Day Lotion
Pros
- Exfoliates and moisturizes
Cons
- Some dislike the packaging
This vitamin C-infused lotion exfoliates while brightening for the most radiant skin possible. AHAs help slough off dead skin cells to reveal your smoothest, glowiest skin.
Key ingredients: AHAs, vitamin C
Size: 59 mL.
Dermstore rating: 4/5
Our expert says: “A little goes a long way with this product. It moisturizes while gently exfoliating. This lotion contains alpha-hydroxy acids in addition to ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is ideal for normal to oily complexions.” —Dr. Sara Hogan
6
Best for Sensitive Skin
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Pros
- Moisturizing and firming
Cons
- Pricey
Necessaire’s body lotion has quickly become a cult favorite. “This classic delivers a potent blend of vitamins, including vitamins C and E, alongside niacinamide, omega-6, and omega-9,” says Dr. Shirazi. “This synergistic combination effectively moisturizes, nourishes, and fortifies the skin, leaving it free from any lingering scent or greasy residue.”
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, omega-6, omega-9
Size: 6.8 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “I rarely go back to a body lotion after trying it once, but I’ve gone through at least five tubes of this one. It is by far and away my favorite body lotion—it leaves my skin radiant and moisturized, and it sinks in right away.” —Katie Berohn
7
Best for Keratosis Pilaris
Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
Pros
- AHA helps smooth rough skin
Cons
- Might be too harsh for sensitive skin
If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, this body lotion is a great choice. It has a high concentration of AHA, which helps encourage cell turnover, leading to the softest skin possible. It also has shea butter to ensure plenty of hydration.
Key ingredients: AHA, vitamin C
Size: 7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “This is a great option if you’re looking for an exfoliating lotion. It’s a bit strong for my skin, which is drier and more sensitive, but I gave a bottle to my best friend, who has keratosis pilaris on her arms, and this lotion cleared it up within a few uses. She is obsessed.” —Katie Berohn
8
Best for Firming
Beautypie Superdose Vitamin C Bio-Vitamin Brightening and Firming Body Lotion
Pros
- Brown algae helps firm skin
Cons
- Some find the scent too strong
This body lotion is loaded with vitamin C and formulated with hyaluronic and tranexamic acids, so it’s extremely hydrating. The brown algae helps firm skin.
Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, vitamin C
Size: 8.45 fl. oz.
Olay rating: 4.5/5
Our expert says: “This uses the classic potent form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and combines it with other lighting and brightening ingredients such as tranexamic acid.” —Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC
9
Best for Radiance
Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Moisturizer
Pros
- Leaves skin looking dewy and hydrated
Cons
- Some wish it dried down faster
If you think of Isle of Paradise as solely a tanning brand, it’s time to try their body lotion. This brightening body lotion is made with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Size: 9.46 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “I’m a big fan of Isle of Paradise’s self-tanners, but I was a bit skeptical about trying their body lotion. This lotion pleasantly surprised me—it smells like a tropical drink and makes my skin feel firm and moisturized. Plus, I appreciate how much lotion comes in the bottle.” —Katie Berohn
10
Best for Barrier Repair
Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX 10% Vitamin C Complex Glow Body Lotion
Pros
- Prebiotics help the skin’s microbiome
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
This body lotion is formulated with 10 percent vitamin C and contains prebiotics that help balance your skin’s microbiome. Its illuminating finish leaves skin radiant and glowy.
Key ingredients: Prebiotics, vitamin C
Size: 6 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s very easy to apply, and it absorbs very nicely. It feels good on the skin, and it makes the skin glow. It has an amazing scent.”
11
Best for Mature Skin
Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Body Cream
Pros
- Blend of vitamin C, amino acids, and rosehip oil helps reduce sagging
Cons
- Pricey
This is the perfect lotion to try if you like richer, more luxurious-feeling creams. It’s packed with vitamin C, amino acids, and rosehip oil to help smooth and firm, impart radiance, and reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
Key ingredients: B3, vitamin C
Size: 17 fl. oz.
Olay rating: 4.6/5
An Amazon reviewer says: “While this is an expensive product, it is one of the nicest lotions I have ever used. No smell, keeps the moisture in, and not greasy at all. I love it.”
12
Best for Dark Skin Tones
CAY SKIN Deepwater Hydrating and Soothing Body Crème
Pros
- Protects against oxidative damage and deeply hydrates
Cons
- Some dislike the smell
This rich cream does more than just moisturize the skin. It’s made with nutrient-packed sea moss to hydrate skin and niacinamide to tone, but the star ingredient is kakadu plum. Kakadu plum contains an extremely powerful form of vitamin C that helps protect against oxidative damage.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C from kakadu plum, niacinamide
Size: 17 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.7/5
A Sephora reviewer says: “I am obsessed with this lotion. With a subtle scent and dense texture, a little of this creamy lotion goes a long way all while providing lasting hydration. While the formula is thick, it goes on smooth and absorbs without leaving a slimy residue. After using it for two weeks, I’ve noticed my skin texture, softness and glow have improved.”
13
Best for Muscle Recovery
ALO Superfruit Hydrating and Soothing Body Lotion
Pros
- Magnesium and arnica help relieve muscle soreness
Cons
- Some wish it was more hydrating
If you want a moisturizer that also soothes sore muscles, this superfruit-loaded cream from Alo is the perfect choice. It contains amla and marula oil to hydrate and brighten skin, but it also contains magnesium and arnica to ease stress and reduce muscle soreness.
Key ingredients: B3, vitamin C
Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
Olay rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “When I was training for the marathon last fall, I was constantly dealing with sore muscles and trying to find solutions. I really feel like this body cream helped ease my muscle soreness a bit, and it makes my skin feel soft and hydrated.” —Katie Berohn
14
Best for Tightening
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream
Pros
- Caffeine helps stimulate circulation
Cons
- Pricey
This cream is made to help tighten and smooth skin. Vitamin C brightens while hyaluronic acid adds moisture and caffeine tightens and firms. It also has a floral, minty scent.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, vitamin C
Size: 17 fl. oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have used this for over a week and am very happy with the way that my skin looks and feels. This is a quite thick cream that absorbs really easily into my skin. After a week of use I can already see a difference and my skin looks smooth and supple. I think the price is also fair considering it is a luxury brand and the size is decent.”
15
Best for Dry Skin
Vitablast C Body Butter
Pros
- Rich formula deeply moisturizes skin
Cons
- Some wish it absorbed into skin faster
This body lotion is a powerhouse when it comes to hydrating skin. It’s formulated with vitamin E, aloe, and shea butter, which help plump and smooth skin. Vitamin C is the cherry on top, adding a brightening boost.
Key ingredients: B3, vitamin C
Size: 6.7 fl. oz.
Bluemercury rating: 4.6/5
A Bluemercury reviewer says: “I absolutely love this body lotion. It evens out my skin tone, absorbs in a matter of seconds while still being super hydrating and it’s fragrance free which I love because it doesn’t clash with my perfume. Please don’t ever discontinue this wonderful product.”
What are the benefits of a body lotion with vitamin C?
Vitamin C helps curb environmental pollution, brighten skin, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a versatile ingredient that works well in body lotions. “It is well-tolerated by most people and can be used from head to toe,” says Dr. Hogan. “Vitamin C lotion formulations are thicker than serums and more easily spread. This is ideal for those wanting a more moisturizing product, or that can be applied to larger areas of the body.”
What should I look for in a body lotion with vitamin C?
When deciding on a lotion with vitamin C, you’ll want to consider the concentration and type of vitamin C used, plus how it’s packaged to preserve longevity. “First, look at the concentration of vitamin C, aiming for a range between 5 percent to 20 percent for noticeable benefits,” says Dr. Shirazi. “You should also look at the type of vitamin C used, such as L-ascorbic acid or its derivatives, noting their stability and potency. Look at the other ingredients in the lotion, as formulations with complementary ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, and other antioxidants can help enhance vitamin C’s effects and provide added skin care benefits. Packaging is crucial, as opaque or dark containers help maintain the stability of the vitamin C formulation by shielding it from light and air exposure.” You should also opt for a formula that suits your skin type.
How should I apply body lotion with vitamin C?
Add body lotion with vitamin C to your morning routine. “Vitamin C products work best if applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its highest,” says Dr. Hogan. “Vitamin C lotions should be applied after cleansing the skin and under sunscreen.”
Dr. Hogan also notes that when using a body lotion with vitamin C, you should avoid retinol or retinoids. “Since Vitamin C also encourages skin cell turnover, it should not be layered immediately with retinol or retinoids, which have similar action,” she says. “For some people, this combination can increase the risk of irritation.”
Meet the experts
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD.
Dr. Sara Hogan is the Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the George Washington University Department of Dermatology.
Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
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