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Courtesy of Necessaire

The Best Vitamin C Body Lotions for Smooth, Glowing Skin

From Nécessaire to Alo, these body lotion formulas help brighten things up

By Megan Decker

Your morning skincare routine probably includes a vitamin C serum. It's a foolproof addition to any routine because a good, gentle vitamin C serum (make sure it's low-concentration if you have sensitive skin) adds a natural glow to the skin, offers antioxidant support (i.e. buffers skin cells from damage), and fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation. You can extend these benefits to the skin below your chin—your neck, chest, arms, and legs—by upgrading your body lotion to one with vitamin C.

"Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens and revitalizes dull skin," explains board-certified dermatologist Courtney Rubin. "A vitamin C body lotion will moisturize the skin, brighten, even tone, and support elasticity and firmness as vitamin C supports collagen production."

Ahead, we asked our roster of expert dermatologists to recommend the best vitamin C body lotions, with elegant formulations, a non-sticky feel, and fast absorption. Then, we ranked and reviewed them so you can find the one that works best for your skin and budget. Find the full list below.

Best Deal

Olay Revitalizing & Hydrating Body Lotion

Revitalizing & Hydrating Body Lotion
Pros
  • Accessible price point
  • Ergonomic pump packaging
  • Available at mass retailers
Cons
  • Contains a light scent

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

Best Overall

Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C | THD Ascorbate

The Body Vitamin C | THD Ascorbate
Pros
  • Fragrance-Free
  • Airless pump
  • Hypoallergenic
Cons
  • $55 price point

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

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Best For Treating Keratosis Pilaris

AmLactin Daily Vitamin C Lotion

Daily Vitamin C Lotion
Pros
  • No synthetic fragrance
  • Paraben-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
Cons
  • Some reviewers could do without the formula's natural scent

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.

Best-Smelling

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

Bom Dia Bright Body Cream
Pros
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Clinically-tested
  • Can be used 2 times a day on areas prone to ingrown hairs
Cons
  • Those sensitive to scent, may prefer a fragrance-free alternative

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.

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Best Value

Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Moisturizer

Brilliantly Bright Body Moisturizer
Pros
  • Clean at Sephora
  • Dermatologist-approved
  • Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
  • Buttery texture must be rubbed in for optimal absorption

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.

Best With Retinol

Fig. 1 Beauty Retinol Renewal Body Serum

Retinol Renewal Body Serum
Pros
  • Contains encapsulated (slow-release) retinol
  • Clinically-tested
  • Dermatologist-developed
Cons
  • Due to the retinol, the formula is not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing

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

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Best For Face & Body

Gold Bond Body Bright Daily Body & Face Lotion With Vitamin C

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Body Bright Daily Body & Face Lotion With Vitamin C
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Pros
  • Can be used on face and body
  • Accessible price point
  • Available at mass retailers
Cons

    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

    Best For Dry Skin

    Juice Beauty Prebiotix 10% Vitamin C Complex Glow Body Lotion

    Prebiotix 10% Vitamin C Complex Glow Body Lotion
    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Free of synthetic fragrance
    • Sustainable packaging
    Cons
    • Contains a natural floral scent

    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

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    Best For Athletes

    Alo Superfruit Hydrating + Soothing Body Lotion with Arnica, Magnesium & Vitamin C

    Superfruit Hydrating + Soothing Body Lotion with Arnica, Magnesium & Vitamin C
    Pros
    • Made in California
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Contains light natural fragrance

    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

    Best For Treating Post-Acne Scars

    InnBeauty Project Bright & Smooth Body Serum

    Bright & Smooth Body Serum
    Pros
    • Clinically proven to reduce look and feel of bumpy texture
    • Plastic negative packaging
    Cons
    • To avoid irritation, conduct a patch test before applying

    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.

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    Meet the Experts

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    • 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.

    Is vitamin C body lotion good for my skin?

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    Yes. According to plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, a vitamin C body lotion would be a welcome addition to anyone's body-care routine. "It helps smooth fine lines by increasing collagen, brightens the skin by targeting the tyrosinase pathway, and acts as an antioxidant preventing free radicals," she explains. Plus, lotions with vitamin C are generally well-tolerated due to the moisturizing ingredients.

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    Can I mix vitamin C serum into my body lotion?

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    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.

    What are the side effects to using a vitamin C body lotion?

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    There aren't many. Generally speaking, vitamin C body lotion can be used like any other body lotion once daily after showering. The only thing to consider is your skin's sensitivity. "Those with very sensitive skin should consider using just one to three times weekly," offers Rubin, as vitamin C can be irritating. However, most of the lotions on this list are suitable for daily use; just be mindful of the packaging instructions.

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    Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

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    For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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