The Best Vitamin C Body Lotions for Smooth, Glowing Skin (2024)

Another drugstore option, this lotion is perfect for those struggling with dull or dehydrated skin because it contains vitamin C plus a vitamin B3 complex to help skin feel softer and look smoother.

One reviewer says: "My skin felt soft, revitalized, and hydrated after only one use. I cannot express enough how great my skin felt after using this lotion. I will definitely be adding this to my shopping list." -Sarah

This formula is super powerful for an OTC body lotion. It has THD ascorbate to boost radiance plus tranexamic acid to brighten hyperpigmentation. Pro tip: Use this vitamin C serum in the morning, teamed with Necessaire's Body Retinol at night for brighter and firmer skin.

One reviewer says: "At almost 60, my skin had begun to look dull and crepey. I’ve been using the retinol body serum, which helped with firmness. Once I added this serum, my skin really started looking better — firm, smooth, and glowing. I use the retinol serum at night and this one in the morning." -Mich

Because it contains lactic acid for exfoliation (plus vitamin C for skin brightening), this lotion is a great option for treating spots of keratosis pilaris, rough and bumpy skin, or hyperpigmentation.

One reviewer says: "I purchased this lotion to help with my hyperpigmentation. Although it is meant to be used consistently to see results, I noticed a definite improvement in my hyperpigmentation even without strict consistency! It's an effective product for this issue. The only downside is that it has a soy sauce-like smell when applied, but fortunately, the scent fades." -Maria P.

This rich moisturizer combines vitamin C with exfoliating fruit enzymes and Cupuacu butter to hydrate, brighten, and soften the skin. Plus, it smells like a dream, with a scent that rivals any perfume in scent and longevity.

One reviewer says: "I love it more than original Bum Bum Cream! Not only will you get firmer skin, but you get the lingering scent all day long!!" -Mufven S.

At 280 milliliters, this body moisturizer is a great value—you won't run out for months, even with daily use. Our dermatologists like the combination of vitamin C and niacinamide to boost skin brightness and radiance. Reviewers also call out the scent, a blend of grapefruit, pineapple, and apple blossom.

One reviewer says: "This is by far the best moisturizer I have ever used. I cannot believe how amazing my skin looks and feels since I began using it. And the smell is fantastic! My husband loves it too." -Angela K.

For a lightweight treatment option, this body serum contains a combination of encapsulated (slow-release) retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide to even skin tone and support skin firmness and elasticity. Pro tip: Apply to the backs of your hands, followed by SPF for sun protection.

One reviewer says: "I’ve been using it for a week on my hands, knees, chest, and arms. My skin looks like it’s firming already!" -Danielle

This Gold Bond lotion comes highly recommended. It contains vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and seven intensive moisturizers for 24 hours of hydration. Moreover, it's accessible and affordable.

One reviewer says: "Very moisturizing, the scent is very mild, and it’s silky feeling on the skin. Nice size tube for the price too!" -Audra

Prebiotics help balance the skin's microbiome, while 10% vitamin C gives skin an immediate glow, and organic viola flower increases skin hydration.

One reviewer says: "My skin is so different now. It was dry and you could see dead skin, but now it’s hydrated and the dark spots are lighter. Skin looks great!" -Stephanie

Made with a powerhouse blend of arnica (anti-inflammatory), magnesium (reduces muscle and joint pain), and vitamin C, this offers healing and skin-softening benefits.

One reviewer says: "This is one of my favorite moisturizers for my body and hands. I like to rock climb and since I've started using this product on my hands to recover, my skin doesn't blister or peel (nearly as much) anymore! My hands are the envy of other climbers at the gym." -Gabbie

This dark spot and bump treatment improves both hyperpigmentation and texture. A concentrated blend of AHAs, BHAs, and Papain (a fruit enzyme) exfoliates, preventing bumps and any "strawberry" texture. At the same time, the tranexamic acid and vitamin C brighten spots of discoloration.

One reviewer says: "I suffer from body acne, mainly on my back, and I have a tendency to pick at my skin. As a result, I've been having to deal with the hyperpigmentation left behind. [...]This serum is gentle, absorbs quickly, and doesn't feel tacky at all, which I'm pleasantly surprised by. After a week of usage, I'm already noticing my skin looks less bumpy and discolored." -Cori W.

• Courtney Rubin, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the co-founder and chief medical officer of Fig.1 Beauty.

• Melissa Doft, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York.

• Heather D. Rogers, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder & CEO of Doctor Rogers Skin Care.

• Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center.

You can. Dermatologist Heather D. Rogers recommends bringing your vitamin C facial serum down to your body instead of buying a dedicated vitamin C body lotion. "For our face, vitamin C products are typically thin (serum-like)," explains Rogers. "They are also expensive because high percentages of quality active ingredients are expensive to [formulate]. Most body lotions with vitamin C will not be able to deliver the same results as these products because they have a lower percentage of vitamin C."

The downside to this approach is that you will run through your single vitamin C serum quickly, making it work double-duty. Moreover, Zubritsky and Doft agree that a well-formulated vitamin C body lotion may be an easier and more effective addition to a skincare routine with no downsides.