Fruit and vegetables usually do the job for getting that all important Vitamin C in your diet.
But, if you have a dietary restriction, sometimes it can be hard to get the amount you need. And that’s where supplements come in.
Not sure where to start? With so many different vitamin C products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones to pick – which is why we’ve listed 10 of the best vitamin C supplements in one easy place.
In this article, you’ll also learn about:
- What vitamin C supplements are
- Why vitamin C is good for you
- Natural sources of vitamin C
- Some of the best to supplements and how to choose them
- How vitamin C is absorbed
- The final say
What are vitamin C supplements
Vitamin C supplements usually come in the form of ascorbic acid. But you can also find sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, other types of mineral ascorbates, and ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids.1
Why is vitamin C good for you?
There’s a reason why we always hear about vitamin C. With so many different health benefits, vitamin C is good for you for several different reasons.
Antioxidants in vitamin C reduce the risk of oxidative stress.
It plays a part in everything from your immunity to your skin, teeth, and bone health.
Natural sources of vitamin C
Luckily, you’ll find plenty of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. You’ll find the highest amounts in:
- Citrus fruits (like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit)
- Strawberries
- Kiwi fruits
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli and kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes²³
Natural sources of vitamin C
10 of the best vitamin C products
So what are the top vitamin C products available today?
Slow release vitamin C supplements
A classic type of vitamin C supplement – with a twist. These vegan "slow release” supplements mean that your body gets vitamin C slowly and throughout the day, rather than all in one go.
A timed release vitamin C might be easier on your digestive system. Also, because our body excretes excess vitamin C through our urine, getting little and often throughout the day means no nutrients go to waste.
Key benefits:
- Timed release for longer-lasting action as nutrients are released slowly over time
- Vegan formula
- Supports immune system, energy, and collagen production
Slow release vitamin C supplements
Customer reviews:
Satisfied customer – Effective and serves the purpose - 5/5 stars
“One of the best products as this has a timed release which evidently I wasn’t too clear but the H&B staff were kind enough to explain.”
OlixHer – Very good product – my go to vitamin C - 5/5 stars
“Good value for this strength. The tablet breaks in half pretty easily if I want to take less than 1000mg.”
YourZooki Vitamin C 1000mg
Not a fan of taking tablets? We’ve got you.
These handy vitamin C liquid sachets are a great alternative; simply have them straight from the packet or as a part of a healthy beverage.
Key benefits:
- Add to water, juices, and smoothies or have on their own
- Vegan friendly
- Easy to take
YourZooki Vitamin C 1000mg
Customer reviews:
F1boss – Best Vit C - 5/5 stars
“Very easy to use and a very good vitamin C which had good concentration.”
Ali Akbar – YourZooki - 5/5 stars
“Had this recommended to me by a friend. Absolutely brilliant stuff. Tastes fantastic and mixes very well.”
Effervescent vitamin C drink tablets
Another different way to take vitamin C if you don’t like capsules is to have effervescent (fizzy) tablets.
Not only do these make it easier to get the nutrients you need, but it also makes a tasty fizzy drink too.
Key benefits:
- Vitamin C with zinc to help support your immune system6
- Vegan friendly
- Easy to take
Effervescent vitamin C drink tablets
Customer reviews:
Marshie – Great & easy way for your daily dose of Vit C - 5/5 stars
“It a wonderful way and very safe way if taking Vit C... daily...there are a variety of flavours ..blackcurrent is particularly nice!”
P C H – Really good! - 5/5 stars
“Tasty and a good boost. Bought one orange and one blackcurrant. Will buy again soon!”
Vitamin C 2000mg Powder
Prefer to mix up your own vitamin C? Try using a powder like this one . With no added sugar, all you’re getting here is the good stuff!
Key benefits:
- Acts fast
- Vegan friendly
- Easy to take
Customer reviews:
Angie - Vitamin C powder - 5/5 stars
“I am pleased with it. Pure vitamin C and easy to take the required amount. Would recommend.”
buyerhere - No sugar - 5/5 stars
“Great. No sugar. As I wanted! Big and will use a long time.”
Vitamin C 2000mg Powder
Vitamin C gummies with iron
Although these are for kids, there’s no harm in adults enjoying a fruity dose of vitamin C with iron either.
Perfect for little ones who aren’t a fan of taking supplements – and fussy grown-ups too!
Key benefits:
- Iron and vitamin C to help combat fatigue
- Gummy format
- Suitable for vegans
Vitamin C gummies with iron
Customer reviews:
Sully – Delicious! - 5/5 stars
"These are absolutely delightful. Soft and not too chewy like some others. I think i loved themm more than my kids did!"
Kerenf – Gummies with iron - 5/5 stars
“I bought these because they contain iron and my 7 year old loves them and he is normally very fussy. Very pleased customer.”
Vitamin C multivitamins
Perfect for getting a range of vits in one go (including vitamin C), these women’s multivitamins are a quick, easy way to get the right nutrients into your diet.
Key benefits:
Vitamin C multivitamins
Customer reviews:
Nell 3030 - Great product for restoring energy – 5/5 stars
“Brilliant product restores energy levels and great all round vitamin”
Val 22 – Fun vitamins – 5/5 stars
“Amazing I always forgot to take my vitamins not now. So easy now just like eating a sweet”
Vitamin C spray
Just as effective as tablets, you can also opt to use a vitamin C spray instead.⁴ And with an added burst of cherry and blueberry, you won’t forget to take this morning treat.
Key benefits:
- Naturally sourced
- Easy to take
- Contains selenium
Customer reviews:
Angel1 - Gorgeous taste - 5/5 stars
“So much easier to take, as I have issues taking tablets.”
Vitamin C spray
Vitamin C pills with collagen
With vitamin C supporting collagen function, why not put them both in one easy tablet?
Ideal for those looking to up their vitamin C intake and try to improve their skin at the same time.
Key benefits:
- Contains vitamin C and collagen to help support skin health
- Suitable for pescatarians
- Contains 3000mg of marine collagen and 20mg of vitamin C per tablet
Vitamin C pills with collagen
Tanya – Stronger Nails! - 5/5 stars
“I’ve been taking these supplements for about 3 months now, I’ve had paper nails my whole life and have suddenly realised they’ve become a great deal stronger, my friends have also commented on my hair being shiny so maybe that’s an effect too!”
Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid
Okay, so this one may not be a supplement, but we thought it was a product worth mentioning.
This vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid may help to have a hydrating effect on your skin, as well as helping with hyperpigmentation.⁵
Key benefits:
- Suitable for normal and combination skin
- Vegan friendly
- Contains hyaluronic acid for added skin benefits
Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid
Customer reviews:
Maggie – 1 drop on each cheek - 5/5 stars
“Love this. 1 drop on each cheek does my face and neck. Sinks in very easily. Skin feels moisturised. Vegan friendly and no scented smell.”
Muma Marge – Great Serum. - 5/5 stars
“Non sticky, goes on smoothly. I mixed it with Otto Rose Day Cream, perfect!”
Vitamin C night cream
And, similarly, you can buy vitamin C in night cream form,. Perfect before heading to bed after a busy day and hydrating your skin all the while!
Key benefits:
- High levels of vitamin C and omega oils for hydration
- Vegan friendly
- Collagen boosting
Vitamin C night cream
Customer reviews:
C Cousins – Vitaskin night cream - 5/5 stars
“This is a really thick comforting cream with a nice citrus smell, a little goes a long way. My skin always feels good the next morning.”
Beth – “Great night cream – 5/5 stars
“Really great night cream. Best I've found so far. I have combination skin with a tendency to get spots if my face cream is too thick or oily. This cream is neither. It soaks in well and leaves my skin feeling soft and fresh. I'll be buying more in this range.”
How to pick the best vitamin C supplements
Choosing which vitamin C supplements to take depends on your personal preference.
If you’re not keen on taking tablets, there are a range of alternatives – from gummies and lozenges to drinks and sprays.
Equally, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, make sure to choose a supplement that adheres to your diet as some may contain added ingredients from animal products.
How is vitamin C absorbed in the body?
Oral vitamin C products are absorbed in the small intestine.
However, what makes it slightly complicated is that different proteins transport the vitamin C depending on how much you take in.
When there are moderate levels of vitamin C in the small intestine, an active transport system moves it through the gut and into the bloodstream, where your body uses it for all the things it needs.
However, with higher levels, the active transport system becomes overwhelmed and isn’t as efficient.⁶
Because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, your body doesn’t store the excess. Between 70-90% of vitamin C is absorbed if you’re taking between 30-180mg a day.
But when this creeps over a daily dose of 1g, less than 50% is absorbed and the rest is removed in urination.⁷
The final say
Vitamin C is an important mineral for keeping our bodies healthy, from our skin to our immune system.
So be sure to get your dose in a way that you feel comfortable with, whether that’s by using supplements or simply through your diet.
Last updated: 14 February 2023
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
- https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/vitamin-d-spray-effective-as-taking-a-tablet-1.868904
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/factors-that-impact-vitamin-c-absorption
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
