The Top Vitamin C Supplements of 2024

By: DTW Health Advisory Board

This website is owned and operated by Stingray Direct. Stingray Direct is the distributor of Stonehenge Health products and may receive compensation from companies featured when you purchase through the provided links.

what to avoid?

what to look for?

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Vitamin C is a powerful micronutrient that is essential to our health and is considered by many as the go-to supplement to boost the immune system during the long winter season. However, many of us have begun supplementing with vitamin C all year round for the benefits it offers to brain, heart, and skin health.

While the human body requires vitamin C to perform many essential functions, it can’t produce it on its own. Thankfully, vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can be found naturally in abundance in a variety of citrus fruits and even vegetables like broccoli. So, with all of these natural sources and even food being fortified with vitamin C, you may be surprised to know that a study of 16,000 Americans found that 33% are deficient in vitamin C.1 That is one out of every three people.

Even just moderate vitamin C deficiency can affect the normal function of the immune system and can increase tiredness, body discomfort, dry and rough skin, normal wound healing, weight management, and heart health.2-5

How To Pick A Good Vitamin C Supplement & Avoid The Junk

There is little doubt that with the colder months upon us, the popularity has led to hundreds of vitamin C supplements flooding the marketplace. While these supplements all promise to deliver benefits, the reality is that many fall short. Some of the most popular brands use ineffective or insufficient doses of vitamin C and may contain potentially harmful fillers and additives.

With so many options, it seems many of us might still be unclear about what to look for in a quality vitamin C supplement. To help cut through the clutter, we have compiled months of research into this short guide to help you know what to look for and what to avoid. We will also compare the top 5 vitamin C supplements sold today that we researched so you don't have to.

vitamin c benefits

Boosts Immune Health

Keeping your immune system strong throughout the year is critical, especially during times when winter is in full swing. Studies have confirmed that by getting the proper amount of vitamin C helps strengthen the upper respiratory systems for year-round protection.6

Powerful Antioxidant

Our bodies are constantly under attack by free radical scavengers, which cause damage to our cells. These free radicals are brought on by oxidative stress due to everything from our daily exposure to the sun, pollution, stress, alcohol, smoking, and diets high in trans fats and sugars.7 Vitamin C has been shown in studies to be a potent antioxidant that helps support the body in keeping free radicals at bay and even helps revive other antioxidants like vitamin E.8,9

Help Promote Brain Function

A systematic review of 50 clinical studies looking at the link between vitamin C and cognitive function found that patients with memory struggles had lower plasma vitamin C levels.10 However, a study found that supplementing with vitamin C and other antioxidants can help protect the brain from normal cognitive decline by acting as a shield from the harm caused by free radicals.11

Helps Support Heart Health

A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled clinical trials found that vitamin C supplements may help improve heart health by promoting healthy LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.12

Helps Promote Collagen Production

Your body needs vitamin C to hold cells together during the formation and storage of collagen. With sufficient vitamin C levels, your body can best help support healthy nails, hair, and skin.13
Title

4 Things To AVOID

When Buying A Vitamin C Supplement

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1. soy lecithin

We advise you to avoid vitamin C formulas that contain soy lecithin as it may be sourced from genetically modified soybeans, which go through a harsh extraction method that uses hexane. This harmful chemical solvent is also used in glue and varnishes.14 Soy lecithin may also be a cause of food allergies.15

2. bioflavonoids

Many manufacturers claim that they can increase the absorption of vitamin C by formulating their products with bioflavonoids, which are nutrients found in the rinds of citrus fruits. While flavonoids are well known for their antioxidant benefits, there is a lack of scientific evidence backing the marketing hype that, when combined with vitamin C, it can increase the absorption rate.16,17

3. relying on amazon reviews

Research showed that in March 2019, there were 1.8 million new unverified reviews, with an average of 99.6% of them being 5-star reviews.18 We suspect many of these reviews are from people paid to write them with no actual use of the product. We can also suspect many of these fake reviews inflate the number and overall star rating of a product. When deciding on a supplement that can impact your health, don’t just rely on Amazon reviews, as they don’t always show the true benefits of a product or if that customer actually purchased and used the product.

4. insufficient return policy

A reputable vitamin C supplement brand will demonstrate its faith in its product by offering a 100% money-back guarantee policy. Some try to complicate their refund policies by limiting what kind of returns they will take. Avoid any brand that does not have, at minimum, a no-questions-asked 90-day money-back guarantee.

Why Vitamin C Is NOT Easily Absorbed

Our bodies have a difficult time absorbing vitamin C when consumed orally through food or supplements.

Not Fat-Soluble

Vitamin C is water-soluble, and so it can make its way in and between cells. But it is not fat-soluble, which means it can’t get into the essential part of the cells, which consist of fatty tissue and membranes.

Limited Transporters

Once vitamin C is consumed, it enters the gut and requires the use of transporters to bring it across the gut wall lining. This process uses up energy, and there is a limited number of transporters available to do this job. If not enough transporters are available, then the remaining vitamin C will proceed through the digestive tract and get excreted as waste.19

Quickly Excreted

The vitamin C that makes it across the gut lining gets rapidly circulated by the blood to essential organs like the heart, brain, and muscles. What can’t be absorbed by the cells will get excreted by the kidneys within a matter of a few short hours. To keep a consistent level of vitamin C in the body, one would need to take a dose every few hours, which is very inconvenient and unrealistic for most people.

Which Form of Vitamin C Is Best

standard vitamin c supplements

Standard vitamin C is traditionally sold in tablets or powders and is generally inexpensive because it uses the most basic delivery system, which has a relatively low absorption rate. If you take a 2,000 mg dose of “standard” ascorbic acid supplement, you will probably end up only absorbing approximately 50% or as little as 1,000 mg.20 Not exactly the bargain you thought you were getting.


Keep in mind that taking a mega-dose of standard ascorbic acid can be problematic for some.21

liposomal vitamin c supplements

Liposome technology is a relatively new method used by a few high-quality brands to increase the absorption of vitamin C. Compared to standard vitamin C pills, studies have demonstrated that liposomal vitamin C offers better absorption and maximum effectiveness.22


The manufacturing process takes a high-quality vitamin C and injects it into microscopic spheres resembling tiny bubbles. Studies have shown that the spheres act as a protective envelope, safely transporting the nutrients through the harsh digestive elements, helping to support successful delivery directly into the bloodstream.23


Each sphere has two layers and is made from phospholipid fats, the same kinds of fats that make up human cell membranes. Your body sees the liposome sphere just as it does any other dietary fats, and it gets easily absorbed by the lymphatic system.
 

Studies have shown that phospholipid fats are almost entirely absorbed, usually over 90%, and quickly show up in blood plasma.24 While liposomal vitamin C may cost a bit more than standard vitamin C tablets or powders, the health benefit of better absorption of this essential nutrient is most often worth it. After all, your health is important.
Title

Top 3 Criteria For A Quality

Liposomal Vitamin C Supplement

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We spent months researching vitamin C supplements and gathering user feedback. The dosage and delivery system help differentiate high-quality vitamin C supplements from generic ones. Below are the three most essential aspects to consider before deciding on which vitamin C brand is best for your needs.

#1 Phosphatidylcholine

When selecting a “Liposomal Vitamin C” brand, be sure that it lists phosphatidylcholine in the supplement facts. Phosphatidylcholine is used by high-quality as the type of phospholipid fat used to create the liposome spheres. The benefit of phosphatidylcholine is that it is the primary building block of cell walls, allowing the sphere to easily fuse with cell membranes and transfer the vitamin C deep into the cells for maximum bioavailability and immediate use. Phosphatidylcholine has numerous additional benefits. It has been shown in studies to help support cognitive function, liver, and gastrointestinal health.25-27 We found many brands that attempt to increase their profit margins by labeling their products as “Liposomal” when, in fact, they are using a cheaper generic fatty acid instead of phosphatidylcholine.

#2 Sunflower

A trustworthy brand will go the extra mile to source quality ingredients. Look for a brand that uses phospholipids derived non-GMO sunflower.28 Some brands attempt to save money by substituting sunflower for genetically modified soy. Sunflower is a better choice because, unlike soy, sunflower is not considered a significant allergen. It also goes through a much gentler extraction process that does not use harmful chemicals.

#3 Dosage

Look for a liposomal vitamin C supplement containing a daily dose of at least 1,500 mg. While vitamin C is considered safe and well-tolerated by most healthy users, do not take more than the recommended daily allowance of 2,000 mg per day as set by The National Institute of Health.29

How We Evaluated 
Our Vitamin C Recommendations

natural, science-backed ingredients

We looked for natural, clean, science-backed quality ingredients to support you getting your recommended daily dose of Vitamin C. We also looked for brands that didn’t include additives, dyes or added sugars. 

dosage

We looked for brands that included and listed ingredients at the dosage necessary to be clinically impactful, without adding mega doses which can have potentially adverse effects.

delivery system

To ensure the supplement was the most bioavailable and clinically effective, we looked for brands that prioritized the delivery system of their Vitamin C as research has demonstrated that liposomal vitamin C offers better absorption and maximum effectiveness.

ease of use

When choosing a supplement, we know it will become part of your everyday routine, so it needs to be easy to take. We looked for a reasonable capsule serving per day (two or fewer), easy to swallow pills, and a 60-day or more satisfaction guarantee.

2024 Vitamin C Buying Guide

Advertisement sponsored by Stingray Direct, the distributor of Stonehenge Health products.

Pros

Liposomal Technology

Phosphatidylcholine from Sunflower

Potent 1,500 mg daily dose

Endorsed by a Doctor

Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free

Verified 90-day 100% money-back return policy

Cons

Often out of stock due to high demand

why we approved

Stonehenge Health's Dynamic Liposomal Vitamin C is the top recommended choice because this formula contains a potent 1,500 mg dose of Vitamin C encased in a high-quality liposomal delivery system.
 

In reviewing dozens of vitamin C brands, we found that most use the basic water-soluble form of vitamin C, which tends to have absorption challenges. Stonehenge Health also uses phosphatidylcholine sourced from non-GMO sunflower, instead of soy like many other liposomal formulas. We are confident your body will get the maximum benefits from this vitamin C supplement.
 

Dynamic Liposomal Vitamin C also uses phosphatidylcholine and not bioflavonoids to maximize absorption. We verified that Stonehenge Health’s formula does not contain synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients and does not use the potentially dangerous chemical Hexane.
 

Stonehenge Health backs its products with a no-questions-asked, 90-day money-back guarantee and is one of the few brands to be endorsed by a board-certified doctor. We also like that they offer customers discounts on bundles. Click on the link below to see their current specials.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.

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livon laboratories 
lypo-spheric vitamin c

researched

Pros
Title

Liposomal Technology

Contains Phosphatidylcholine

Potent 2,000 mg daily dose

Non-GMO, no Gluten, dairy, sugar, artificial ingredients, or fillers

Lifetime return policy

Cons
Title

Very expensive

Made from Soy Lecithin

Not appropriate for those limiting their salt intake

Requires to be mixed with water

User complaints related to product taste, headaches & digestive discomfort

LivOn Laboratories Lypo–Spheric® Vitamin C is a quality liposomal product that uses a patented delivery system. The product contains a daily dose of 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 1,000 mg of phosphatidylcholine. While we were happy to see that LivOn Laboratories uses phosphatidylcholine as its phospholipid source, we were disappointed to see that it is sourced from soy lecithin. The company states that the soy is non-GMO, but it still may not be suitable for those who have soy allergies or trying to eliminate soy from their diets.


The product comes in individual serving packets containing a gel that needs to be squeezed into cold water. The gel does not dissolve, and users have complained it tastes like salty Vaseline. The salt taste likely comes from LivOn’s uses of sodium ascorbate, a form of ascorbic acid. Some feel that sodium ascorbate can reduce the acidity of vitamin C. However, it may not be appropriate for users who are needing to reduce or eliminate salt from their diet. LivOn Laboratories ingredients come in at a close second to the top-recommended brand on our list.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Lypo-Spheric is a registered trademark of LivOn Laboratories, Inc.

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american health ester-c

researched

Pros
Title

1,000 mg daily dose

Vitamin C as Ester-C®

Contains Bioflavonoids

Veggie capsules, Non-GMO, and gluten-free

Cons
Title

Lower than an optimal amount of vitamin C

Contains Gelatin

Large capsules are difficult to swallow

Quality concerns regarding empty capsules

Return policy limited to point of purchase

American Health’s vitamin C uses Ester-C® with added citrus bioflavonoids. The daily dose is 1,000 mg, which is a bit lower than our recommended 1,500 mg dose. This formula uses Ester-C® , which is calcium added to ascorbic acid to help to reduce the acidic feeling some users experience when taking basic ascorbic acid. American Health also uses bioflavonoids to claim better absorption. However, as we previously noted, there is a lack of scientific evidence backing marketing claims regarding bioflavonoids and absorption.


Consumers have voiced concerns about receiving bottles with some capsules either unfilled or only partially filled. Additionally, some users have found that the large 1,000 mg capsule is too difficult to swallow. Lastly, American Health does not offer any product guarantee or return policy on their website.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Ester-C is a registered trademark of Nestle.

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emergen-c

researched

Pros
Title

1,000 mg dose of Vitamin C

Contains Zinc, Vitamin E, and Manganese

Non-GMO and Gluten-Free

Cons
Title

Lower than an optimal dose of vitamin C

Uses standard ascorbic acid

Contains maltodextrin and silicon dioxide

Contains Sugar

Return policy limited to point of purchase

Emergen-C is a popular product that combines vitamin C and B with other vitamins and nutrients. Each dose comes in an individual packet of powder that needs to be mixed with water. The vitamin C used in this formula is standard ascorbic acid with a daily dose of 1,000 mg. The dosage is lower than other brands we evaluated, and there is little in this formula to help with absorption. However, Emergen-C does include zinc ascorbate, which some studies have shown can be beneficial for the immune system.30 Unfortunately, those studies used a minimum of 75 mg of zinc, and Emergen-C only has 2 mg. So, you may not want to rely too heavily on the zinc in this formula to offer much immune support. This brand has done a good job marketing its product over the years but found itself settling a class-action lawsuit in 2014 for the claims they made. We found Emergen-C to be similar to another popular product, Airborne, in the fact that they don’t pack a comparable dose or highly bioavailable dose of vitamin C but they do have elements that are similar to a low-dose multi-vitamin.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Emergen-C is a registered trademark of HALEON US HOLDINGS LLC

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vimergy micro-c® capsules

researched

Pros
Title

500 mg of Vitamin C

Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO

Cons
Title

Uses all calcium and magnesium ascorbate

No Liposome technology

Only 30-day return policy

Only gives returns for unopened bottles

Vimergy Micro-C® Capsules are unique in that they combine Vitamin C with Rutin, Grapeseed Extract, Rose Hips Fruit Powder, and Acerola Fruit Extract.


However, this formula offers the lowest dose of Standard vitamin C of all our picks, 500 mg, and uses the most basic delivery system. We would have preferred to see Liposome technology to increase vitamin C absorption.
 

The vitamin C in this formula is also from calcium ascorbate and magnesium ascorbate, which the brand touts as low-acidity vitamin C, to create an effective, buffered formula that’s easy on the stomach and digestive tract, but in our opinion of the available  research there is little to support this hypothesis.
 

Additionally, we found their return policy to be disappointing. Vimergy only offers returns after 30 days for unopened bottles, which doesn’t give the consumer any freedom to try a new product risk-free. We prefer to see a 90-day no-questions-asked return policy, like our top-rated recommended offers.

*Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information. Vimergy Micro-C is a registered trademark of VIMERGY, LLC

find out more >

Citations
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24724766.
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19079838.
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
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  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27529239/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373990.
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22228951/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/.
  9. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060224104219.htm.
  10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28867798/
  11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22366772/
  12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19674720/
  13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28805671/
  14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02659652
  15. https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/49517.
  16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10917564/
  17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8021423/
  18. https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/.
  19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17884994/.
  20. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/.
  21. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/.
  22. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/NMI.S39764.
  23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7248325/
  24. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/2/2/116
  25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7782901.
  26. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20832797/
  27. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21152327/
  28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11246377/.
  29. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/.
  30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27021581.