Vitamin C for the skin: what does it do and how do you use it?
Does your skin look a little tired and dull, or do you have pigmentation spots that won't go away? Vitamin C is one of the ingredients many women choose. Here you'll find out what vitamin C does for the skin, which kind to choose and how to get the most out of it.
In brief
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can give skin more glow and a more even skin tone.
- Use it in the morning after cleansing, and always finish with sunscreen.
- Choose a form of vitamin C that keeps well in the bottle, and give your skin a couple of months before assessing the results.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is a vitamin that the body cannot produce itself. We get it from fruit and vegetables, and the skin itself contains high levels of it1. The skin uses vitamin C when it produces collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm.
Mature skin and skin that has had a lot of sun exposure contain less vitamin C than young skin2. That's why vitamin C has become so popular in skincare: you apply it directly to the skin. This is different from the vitamin C you eat, and one does not replace the other.
To learn more about the different forms of vitamin C and the research, read our page on vitamin C.
What does vitamin C do for the skin?
Vitamin C is one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare. It does three things for the skin:
- Evens: Vitamin C can make pigmentation spots less visible and give skin a more even tone4.
- Smooths: Pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can make skin smoother when you use it consistently over several months5.
- Protects: Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It helps skin resist the harmful substances that sun and pollution generate in the skin3.
Many people also find that their skin has more glow, making it look fresh and rested. And it's nice to have a little moment to yourself in the morning before the day begins.
Did you know?
Vitamin C is not a sun filter. It helps the skin but does not protect against the sun on its own. Sunscreen is therefore still the last step in the morning. Read more about why skin needs vitamin C to produce collagen in our guide to collagen and the skin.
Myth or fact?
Vitamin C can replace sunscreen.
Myth. Vitamin C and sunscreen complement each other. Use vitamin C first and sunscreen last.
A vitamin C serum has to tingle to work.
Myth. Some people notice a slight tingling, but it isn't a sign that the serum is working better. If it stings, take a break.
Vitamin C can turn yellow in the bottle.
Fact. Pure vitamin C reacts with air and light and can change colour. That's why forms that keep better are also available.
Which vitamin C should you choose?
Vitamin C comes in several forms. The pure form is called ascorbic acid. It is the most studied, but it is delicate and doesn't keep well when exposed to air, light and heat. That's why forms that keep better in the bottle have been developed, such as ascorbyl glucoside, which is vitamin C bound to a sugar molecule6.
| Pure vitamin C | Stable vitamin C | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed as | Ascorbic acid | e.g. ascorbyl glucoside |
| Stability | Sensitive to air, light and heat | More stable form of vitamin C |
| On the skin | Can tingle, especially at high strength | Usually milder |
| Choose it if | you use the bottle quickly and tolerate a strong formula. | you want a vitamin C that keeps well and is gentle on the skin. |
Whichever you choose, pay attention to the packaging. A dark or opaque bottle with a good lid protects vitamin C best, and how long the product keeps also depends on how you store it. Follow the shelf life guidance on the packaging.
How do you use vitamin C serum?
Most people use vitamin C in the morning. That way, the antioxidant works while you're out in daylight, and the sunscreen applied over it protects the skin. Apply a couple of drops to clean skin and let the serum absorb before applying your cream.
- Cleanse the skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a couple of drops of vitamin C serum over the face and neck.
- Apply your day cream once the serum has absorbed.
- Protect the skin with sunscreen.
- Cleanse the day off your skin.
- Use your evening serum, for example with retinol or peptides.
- Finish with your night cream.
Always follow the directions on your product. If you use retinol or acids, see how to combine them in our guide What shouldn't you use with vitamin C?
Our tip
Store your vitamin C serum in a dark, cool place with the lid screwed on tightly, for example in a cupboard rather than on a windowsill. This will help it keep as well as possible.
When will you see a difference?
How quickly you see a difference depends on the product and your skin. Pigmentation spots and fine lines take time, so use it every morning for at least two to three months before assessing the results. Consistent use is what makes the difference.
Can everyone use vitamin C?
Most people can use vitamin C, including those with mature skin and skin that is changing. Some notice slight tingling or redness, especially with high-strength pure vitamin C.
Good to know
If you have sensitive skin, start with a couple of mornings a week and try the product on a small area first. Read more about protecting your sensitive skin with the right products.
Find vitamin C at ECOOKING
Our vitamin C serums are fragrance-free and contain ascorbyl glucoside, a form of vitamin C that keeps well in the bottle.
Choose Vitamin C & Ginseng Serum if your skin looks tired and dull and needs a glow. It contains 4 % vitamin C along with ginseng and hyaluronic acid. Choose C-Vitamin Serum if you want a glow and a more even skin tone with an extra boost of moisture. It can tingle a little, so it's best suited to skin that isn't sensitive. And if pigmentation spots are your main concern, choose Pigmentation Serum with 10 % niacinamide, vitamin C and rainbow algae extract.
If you're not happy with your purchase, you have our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Vitamin C & Ginseng Serum
A vitamin C serum that strengthens skin's collagen, gives tired skin a glow a...
Vitamin C serum 10 ml
Our vitamin C serum 10 ml gives plenty of glow, smooths and evens the skin an...
Pigmentation Serum
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See all products with vitamin C
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Frequently asked questions
Should I use vitamin C serum in the morning or evening?
Most people use it in the morning after cleansing and before cream and sunscreen. Always follow the directions on your product.
What is the best vitamin C serum?
The best vitamin C serum is one that your skin feels good with and that you want to use every morning. Look for a form of vitamin C that keeps well and a bottle that protects against light and air, and choose fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive.
Which is better: vitamin C cream or serum?
A serum is light and absorbs quickly, so you can apply your usual cream over it. A cream with vitamin C is convenient if you want to keep your routine short. The most important thing is to use it consistently.
Can I use vitamin C around my eyes?
Yes, if the product is intended for that. The skin around the eyes is thin, so use only a little and keep it away from the eye itself.
Can I use vitamin C with retinol?
Yes, but preferably at different times of day: vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening. See more in our guide What shouldn't you use with vitamin C?
Sources
- Vitamin C and Skin Health. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. lpi.oregonstate.edu
- Pullar JM et al. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017. PubMed
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017. PubMed
- Correia G et al. Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023. PubMed
- Humbert PG et al. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Experimental Dermatology. 2003. PubMed
- Enescu CD et al. A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2022. PubMed
