Vitamin C

Vitamin C — The Brightening Antioxidant

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against environmental damage, brightens skin, and support a brighter complexion. It's your morning defence system against aging.

What Does Vitamin C Do?

Antioxidant Protection

Free radicals from UV exposure, pollution, and stress damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Vitamin C neutralises these free radicals before they cause harm. Think of it as a protective shield for your skin.

Collagen Support

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. Your body literally cannot make collagen without it. Topical vitamin C supports this process directly in the skin.

Brightening

Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, fading dark spots and evening out skin tone. It gives skin a healthy, radiant glow.

Enhanced Sun Protection

While not a sunscreen replacement, vitamin C boosts the effectiveness of SPF and helps repair UV damage. Use it under your sunscreen for maximum protection.

Types of Vitamin C

L-Ascorbic Acid

The pure, most researched form. Most effective but also most unstable (degrades quickly when exposed to light and air). Look for concentrations of 10-20%. Higher isn't always better — 20% can irritate sensitive skin.

Ascorbyl Glucoside

A stable, gentler form. Converts to ascorbic acid in the skin. Good for sensitive skin or vitamin C beginners.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Water-soluble and stable. Less potent but gentle. Often used in products for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Oil-soluble, very stable, penetrates well. Found in more luxurious formulations.

Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

Stable and effective. Converts to ascorbic acid in skin. Gaining popularity as a best-of-both-worlds option.

How to Use Vitamin C

Best Time: Morning

Vitamin C is ideal for morning use because:

Provides antioxidant protection during the day when you need it most
Boosts your sunscreen's effectiveness
Gives skin a brightening glow for the day ahead

Application Order

Cleanse
Apply vitamin C serum to dry skin
Wait 1-2 minutes to absorb
Apply moisturiser
Apply SPF (essential!)

Concentration Guide

Beginners: 10-15% L-Ascorbic Acid, or start with a gentler derivative
Experienced users: 15-20% L-Ascorbic Acid
Sensitive skin: 5-10%, or use ascorbyl glucoside

Vitamin C + Other Ingredients

Great Combinations

Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid — The "holy trinity." Vitamin E and ferulic acid stabilise vitamin C and boost its effectiveness by up to 8x
Vitamin C + SPF — Enhanced sun protection
Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid — Brightening + hydration

What to Avoid (Same Routine)

Vitamin C + Retinol — Different pH levels. Use vitamin C morning, retinol night
Vitamin C + Niacinamide — Old advice said avoid; newer research suggests it's fine, but some people experience flushing. If in doubt, separate them
Vitamin C + AHAs/BHAs — Can be irritating together. Use at different times

Signs Your Vitamin C Has Gone Bad

L-Ascorbic Acid oxidises when exposed to air and light. Signs to watch for:

Colour change — Clear/pale yellow turning orange or brown means it's oxidised
Smell change — A metallic or unpleasant odour
Texture change — Becomes thicker or develops sediment

Storage tips: Keep in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration extends lifespan. Use within 3 months of opening. Look for airless pumps or opaque bottles.

Common Vitamin C Questions

Can vitamin C cause irritation?

Higher concentrations of L-Ascorbic Acid can irritate sensitive skin. Start with 10% or a gentler derivative. A slight tingling is normal; burning or prolonged redness is not.

Why is my vitamin C pilling?

Likely a formulation or layering issue. Try applying to completely dry skin, using less product, or waiting longer between layers.

Can I use vitamin C every day?

Yes! Daily use is recommended for best results. Some people use it twice daily, though morning is the priority.

Does vitamin C make skin sun-sensitive?

No — this is a common misconception. Vitamin C actually provides photoprotection. You should still wear SPF, but vitamin C itself doesn't increase sensitivity.