Vitamin C has forever changed our beauty routines with unrivalled skin-illuminating powers - so were on the hunt for the best budget Vitamin C moisturisers so we can get all that nourishment without spending an arm and a leg. Despite it being such a popular ingredient, many don’t know what this brightening hero actually does. So, we’re here to enlighten you. Here is our guide to the best moisturisers with that magical vita-C, with products starting from just £6.65.

　　Whilst you may drink some Vitamin C every morning (because orange juice is the best juice, not apple), its also just as important to add vitamin C to the surface of your skin. A study by Harvard Health showed that daily use of a Vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.

　　Closers best budget Vitamin C moisturisers, at a glance: Best budget Vitamin C moisturiser (Editors Choice): No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser - View offer on Boots

　　Best budget organic Vitamin C moisturiser: Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser - View offer on The Body Shop

　　Best budget Vitamin C moisturiser with SPF: NIVEA Q10 Energy Healthy Glow Day Cream + Vit C SPF15 - View offer on Superdrug

　　While there are tons of different ways to add a little vitamin TLC into your skincare regime, a Vitamin C moisturiser is one of the easiest ways to receive a major complexion boost. Apply it both morning and night, as the final step in your routine to reap the brightening benefits - whether youre in need of a moisturiser for combination skin, oily, or dry. Wed suggest using Vitamin C sparingly if you have sensitive skin, but you dont have to wave goodbye to it completely. Overall - its a blessing for any skin type. Looks like we’ll all be stocking up on Vitamin C moisturisers then. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a neat selection of products all for under £25 – you’re welcome.

　　SHOP: Best vitamin C moisturisers under £25 1. No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser

　　Best budget Vitamin C moisturiser (Editors Choice)

　　Price:17.95www.boots.com

　　View offer Description

　　This simple yet powerful combination of Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ginseng root extract works deep in the skin, resulting in smooth, healthy-looking skin that feels hydrated with fewer fine lines. Gentle enough for all skin types including sensitive, the No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser absorbs quickly into the skin, making it ideal for morning application before makeup.

　　Customer review: I tested this product as part of a product test and review panel and was pretty impressed with the results. With continuous use, I found it evened out my skin tone, hydrated my very dry skin, and gave me a beautiful radiant finish. It sits well under makeup and is great for refreshing your foundation and concealer during a long working day. Just add a pea-sized amount on the back of the hand, using a soft brush, and apply in swirling motions where necessary. Great for people who suffer from dry skin like myself. Mixes well with foundation and concealer too. I keep a travel-size pot full of this in my handbag for emergencies. Beautiful Product.

　　Pros ConsProsNeutralises free radicalsBrighter complexionAbsorbs instantly Tightens up the skin for a smoother feel and improved elasticity Lightens dark spots without altering your normal skin’s pigmentationConsNeed to layer SPF over the top if wearing during daytime2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser

　　Best budget organic Vitamin C moisturiser

　　Price:22www.thebodyshop.com

　　View offer Description

　　Brightening and plumping up all skin types, The Body Shops Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser is an intense moisturiser for dehydrated skin. It is made with natural camu camu berries, which are known to contain more than double the Vitamin C content you’d find in juicy oranges. Impressive stuff!

　　Customer review: A really lovely lightweight moisturiser that works hard to bring out a lovely hydrated glow. Smells lovely and fresh and just sinks into the skin, leaving it hydrated but not shiny or greasy.

　　Pros ConsProsPerfect moisturiser for oily skin or combination skinNatural ingredientsEnhances the radiance of skinFair Trade practicesConsCan leave the face feeling slightly sticky3. Nivea Q10 Energy Healthy Glow Face Day Cream with Vitamin C

　　Best budget Vitamin C moisturiser with SPF

　　Price:13.95www.superdrug.com

　　View offer Description

　　Formulated with vitamins C E, this moisturiser with SPF leaves skin feeling supple and dewy whilst giving some serious glow. When it comes to do-it-all moisturisers, this Nivea Q10 Energy Healthy Glow Face Day Cream with Vitamin C is the best no-fuss option you’ll find. The formula with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and 100% skin-identical Q10 reduces the appearance of fine lines in just two weeks, as well as firming skin, all while reducing dullness and alleviating signs of tiredness. 

　　Customer review: Only a small amount is needed for a glowing face. An excellent all-day, non-greasy moisturiser, smells nice. But the real magic is as a make-up base. Try it, youll find out.

　　Pros ConsProsThree powerful anti-oxidants – Q10, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E – to boost skinContains SPF15Works to reduce the appearance of fine lines in just 2 weeks as well as firming skinWorks great as a makeup primerConsNot ideal for oily skin4. Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Skin Defence Daily Moisturiser

　　Best budget anti-wrinkle Vitamin C moisturiser

　　Price:17www.lookfantastic.com

　　View offer Description

　　Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant ferulic acid work together in this lightweight moisturiser to increase skin density while hydrating and smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and boosting a natural glow. The Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Skin Defence Daily Moisturiser is also formulated with mineral UVA and UVB filters, which help protect the skin from harmful rays from the sun.

　　Customer review: My skin is visibly smoother and brighter since using this. It smells LUSH and I’m very picky when it comes to scents and don’t like anything overpowering. New skincare staple.

　　Pros ConsProsHigh-performance pro-collagen Vitamin CMoisture-binding Hyaluronic Acid and anti-oxidant Ferulic AcidLovely fragranceConsTakes two to three weeks for the formula to work5. Garnier Vitamin C Serum Cream 50ml

　　Best budget Vitamin C moisturiser/serum

　　Price:6.66www.boots.com

　　View offer Description

　　Combining the benefits of a brightening serum with the lasting moisture of cream, use this Garnier Vitamin C Serum Cream daily in the morning for a complexion that looks even, clear and more radiant over time. If dewy skin is what you’re after, this won’t disappoint.

　　Customer review: I am really impressed with this product. It’s not a sticky consistency like other Vitamin C serums, it glides onto the skin and absorbs quickly. The added SPF is a game changer, especially for the summer and this combo leaves my skin feeling protected glowing!

　　Pros ConsProsCombines a serum with a moisturiser, 20% serum enriched with Vitamin C* Super CitrusSPF 25 moisturiserDermatologically testedSuitable for all skin types, even sensitive skinConsMica powder leaves fine gold particles on the face for a "luminous" look6. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 30ml

　　Best budget Vitamin C night cream

　　Price:6.90www.lookfantastic.com

　　View offer Description

　　This brightening formula of The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres contains the most direct exposure to high concentrations of Vitamin C, so you might get a slight tingling sensation before your skin gets used to it. It’s also packed with hyaluronic acid spheres that work to smooth out any fine lines and wrinkles. The texture is powder-like, with a greasy feel that takes a while to settle into the skin, which is why we’d recommend using this at night, as it doesn’t make a great base for makeup. Expect super smooth, youthful-looking skin after use.

　　Customer review: I used to use this constantly and it’s incredible at what it does! So affordable too, only had to stop as silly me booked an expensive holiday so all luxuries had to go on pause. It’s gritty but only slightly and the grittiness goes away quickly, it tingles very slightly (May do it more on more sensitive skin so something to consider for yourself) but the tingling sensation also doesn’t last long, it does also give you a heads up on the box that it may tingle so there shouldn’t be any surprises if you read the instructions! Wonderful glowing skin even after the first use, really does help brighten a dull complexion I swear by it!

　　Pros ConsProsWater-free and silicone-freeFormulated with 23% of pure Vitamin CHyaluronic Acid plumps skin with moisture and promotes smoother, younger-looking skinConsNot suitable for sensitive skinNeed to wash hands after use7. Soap Glory In The Bright Of Day Vitamin C Gel Moisturiser

　　Best budget brightening Vitamin C moisturiser

　　Price:8.99www.boots.com

　　View offer Description

　　We’re obsessed with this Soap Glory In The Bright Of Day Vitamin C Gel Moisturiser for its speedy brightening and hydrating powers. Giving a fabulous glow and improving the look of dry skin, this works wonders on lacklustre complexions. This is an ideal moisturiser for dry skin, so why not give it a go if your skin needs a boost?

　　Customer review: This cream smells amazing. It has a lovely fresh, citrus fragrance. The gel cream has a lightweight texture that is nicely absorbed into the skin. Despite the light texture, the cream feels very hydrating. After using this over the last few weeks Ive noticed my skin looks brighter and more radiant.

　　Pros ConsProsLightweightHybrid gel cream for all skin typesVeganDermatologically testedSmells ah-mazingConsMay sting sensitive skin types8. The Inkey List Vitamin B, C and E Moisturiser 50ml

　　Best budget lightweight Vitamin C moisturiser

　　Price:7.99www.lookfantastic.com

　　View offer Description

　　Aside from vitamin C, The Inkey List Vitamin B, C and E Moisturiser 50ml is also made with essential skin-loving vitamins B E. Even without the hefty price tag, this packs a serious punch. The formula glides onto the skin comfortably and absorbs so instantly that you’ll likely forget you’re wearing anything at all.

　　Customer review: I normally use the inker list peptide or omega moisturisers but my skin has felt a bit dry lately so wanted something richer and this ticks the box! I can be prone to spots, but this doesn’t break me out or make my skin greasy at all. I use it as a night moisturiser and wake up glowing.

　　Pros ConsProsIdeal for normal skin typesNiacinamide minimises the look of redness and visibly reduces oilVitamin B5 and vitamin E protect and nourish skinLightweight texture absorbs quicklyConsMedical fragrance9. Garnier SkinActive Vitamin C Brightening Day Cream 50ml

　　Best budget Vitamin C moisturiser to even skin tone

　　Price:5www.boots.com

　　View offer Description

　　With over one hundred five-star reviews on Boots, this happily affordable Vitamin C Brightening Day Cream from Garnier promises smoother, more luminous and tighter skin after just two weeks of use. Garniers Vitamin C is powered by science for clear, even-looking skin thats luminous. This range is perfect for anyone with dull, uneven-looking skin. Say goodbye to tired skin and hello to skin so healthy, it glows. Finding a budget Vitamin C moisturiser is as easy as pie.

　　Customer review: Amazing cream smells so good and is so rich and absorbs quickly and smells Devine with subtle citrus scent. Do not need much cream as spreads well and do notice my skin was glowing and felt amazing. Will definitely buy again.

　　Pros ConsProsEnriched with Super Citrus and brightening Vitamin CHelps to re-plump fine lines and reduce their appearanceAntioxidant helps protect your skin from sun damageDermatologically tested Suitable for all skin typesConsHeavy formula, so works best as a night cream10. Revolution Skincare Vitamin C Moisturiser 45ml

　　Best vitamin C moisturiser for blemishes and spots

　　Price:9.99www.superdrug.com

　　View offer Description

　　The Revolution Skincare Vitamin C Moisture Cream is the hydrating, brightening day cream that you need for glowing skin. Enriched with vitamin C, the glow-boosting hero ingredient, as well as sunflower seed and shea butter to hydrate. Niacinamide helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes and dark spots, making this your new go-to moisturiser for acne.

　　Customer review: Nice and lightweight on the skin. It is reasonably priced as well and I will be looking to buy more once this one is finished.

　　Pros ConsProsSunflower Seed Oil and Shea Butter help keep skin soft and smoothNiacinamide helps even and brighten skin toneReduce the appearance of blemishes and dark spotsHyaluronic Acid hydratesConsSmaller bottle at 45ml What is vitamin C? Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and this means that it fights against harmful toxins that can come into contact with your skin from external sources like air pollution or from the inside of the body as a result of normal processes like your metabolism. It’s totally superior in terms of its ability, as a barrier cream ingredient, to protect your complexion from external nasties and improve the skin’s overall appearance. It is basically all you need for a little skin pick-me-up. It works especially well as a winter moisturiser when your skin is in need of extra TLC.

　　Aside from this, it also accelerates the production of collagen and elastin to help prevent premature ageing. Furthermore, it inhibits your skin’s melanin production, which is what causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation. What’s not to love, eh?

　　What are the benefits of vitamin C? Brightening – Vitamin C can aid in helping skin pigmentation as well as reducing dullness for glowy radiant skin.

　　Reducing redness – The vitamin is an anti-inflammatory agent and can neutralise redness as well as dark spots.

　　Promotes collagen production - Vitamin C is well known for boosting collagen production, a higher level of collagen prevents premature ageing. It works just as effectively as a moisturising face mask in promoting elasticity for your skin.

　　Hydration – Vitamin C is great for helping your skin retain water, with better-hydrated skin, your face cream will make your skin feel plumper and smoother. But, Vitamin C can also be used in a body moisturiser. Or, if you want to wear makeup without it drying out your skin, why not opt for a tinted moisturiser?

　　Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her dupe queen, as theres not a product in the world she cant find a cheaper alternative for.