11 of the best vitamin C supplements

Fruit and vegetables are usually perfectly fine for getting that all important vitamin C in your diet.

But if you have a medical condition or 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 eleven 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
• Some of the best to supplements and how to choose them
• How vitamin C is absorbed

What are vitamin C supplements?

Before we dive into the best types, what actually are vitamin C supplements? And what do they do?

Most commonly vitamin C supplements come in the form of (but are not limited to) ascorbic acid, as well as 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 a number of different reasons.

Antioxidants in vitamin C can fight free radicals and reduce the risk of oxidative stress. To learn more about what vitamin C does for the body, check out our article on Vitamin C: Why we need it and where to get it.

11 of the best vitamin C products

So what are the top vitamin C products available today? Read on to find out. 

1. Timed release vitamin C supplements

Holland & Barrett Timed Release Vitamin C with Rose Hips 120 Caplets 1000mg

A classic type of vitamin C supplement – with a twist. These timed-release supplements mean that your body gets vitamin C slowly and throughout the day, rather than all in one go.

Key benefits:

• Timed release for longer-lasting action as nutrients are released slowly over time
• Vegan formula
• With added rose hips

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.”

2. Vitamin C liquid sachets

YourZooki Vitamin C 1000mg 15ml Sachets 30 Pack

Not a fan of taking tablets? We’ve got you. A great alternative are these handy vitamin C liquid sachets, 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 it just on it’s own
• Vegan friendly
• Easy to take

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.”

3. Effervescent vitamin C drink tablets

Holland & Barrett Vitamin C & Zinc Orange Effervescent 20 Tablets

Another different way to take vitamin C if you don’t like capsules is to have effervescent tablets.

Not only do these make it easier for you 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

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!”

4. Vitamin C and zinc lozenges

Holland & Barrett Vitamin C and Zinc 60 Lozenges

And we have another alternative for you, vitamin C lozenges. But these also have zinc in as well.

Key benefits:

• Vitamin C with zinc to help support your immune system 
• No artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners
• Easy to take
• Vegan friendly

Customer reviews:

Kit C – A good find - 5/5 stars

"Well I needed them and they seem to be doing the trick!"

kc67 - Chewable tablets with pleasant taste - 5/5 stars

“Great health supplement, easily chewable, pleasant orange taste.”

5. Vitamin C powder

Holland & Barrett Pure Vitamin C 567g Powder 2500mg

Prefer to mix up your own vitamin C mixture? Try using a powder like this one instead. With no added sugar, all you’re getting here is the good stuff.

Key benefits:

• Dissolves quickly and 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.”

6. Vitamin C gummies with iron

Bioglan SmartKids Iron with Vitamin C 30 Strawberry Flavour Gummies

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

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.”

7. Vitamin C multivitamins

Together Health WholeVits Woman's MultiVit 30 Capsules

Perfect for getting a range of vits in one go (as well as vitamin C) these women’s multivitamins are a quicky, easy way to get the nutrients your body craves into your diet.

Key benefits:

• Easy to take
• Multiple vitamins in one go
• Vegan friendly
• Made from natural ingredients

Customer reviews:

R Blaxill – Great natural women's multivitamin - 5/5 stars

“Easy to digest. Natural ingredients help you to absorb the vitamins. A great product.”

Mononoke – “Best multi vitamins for women!” 5/5 stars

“I like this multi vitamin as it contains all the vits & minerals women need like extra B6 and its all derived from whole foods and is an easy to swallow capsule too!”

8. Vitamin C spray

Betteryou Vitamin C Daily Oral Spray Cherry & Blueberry Flavour 25ml

Equally as effective as tablets, you can also opt to have use a spray instead.⁷

And with an added burst of cherry and blueberry, you won’t be forgetting 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.”

9. Vitamin C pills with collagen

Holland & Barrett Marine Collagen with Vitamin C 60 Tablets

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 1000mg of marine collagen and 20mg of vitamin C per tablet

Customer reviews:

PatC – Marine Collagen With Viramin C - legend! - 5/5 stars

“Good product. I've been taking this for 6 months now. The benefits are visible and I feel great within.”

Annemarie - Marine collagen - 5/5 stars

"Been using this particular product for 3 years. I am very pleased with the results"

10. Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid

Holland & Barrett Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

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.⁸

Key benefits:

• Suitable for normal and combination skin
• Vegan friendly
• Contains hyaluronic acid for added skin benefits

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!”

11. Vitamin C night cream

Vitaskin Vitamin C Collagen Boosting Night Cream

Similarly, you can buy vitamin C in night cream form too. Perfect for popping off 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

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?

The absorption of oral vitamin C products are regulated by one specific (depending on the dose) active transporter.

Cells then accumulate vitamin C through a second transporter protein.

It also produces tissue and plasma concentrations that the body has tight control over.

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.⁹

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 your diet.

Last updated: 22 June 2021