There’s almost nothing that topical vitamin C doesn’t claim to do, from alleviating acne to lightening dark spots to improving overall skin tone — next thing you know, it’ll be claiming to make 401(k) contributions.While working on this guide, though, we found the research to be far more measured: Topical vitamin C is actually better at preventing discoloration, dullness, and lines than it is at reversing them. It’s a powerful antioxidant that can deactivate pesky free radicals, which can contribute to signs of aging.To find the best options, we considered 60 different formulas — serums, lotions, and drops — and we tried 34 over several months. Then we sent 20 strong contenders (with their labels hidden) to testers of different ages and with diverse skin types. In the end, we arrived at six standouts, including a splurgy, category-launching classic; a plush, moisturizing formula; an impressive budget option; and more. We’re confident that you will enjoy applying one of our picks every morning.