Type “What does vitamin C do for your skin?” into your search engine of choice, and you’ll likely be met with a laundry list of purported benefits. This powerhouse antioxidant is widely touted for its ability to help brighten the skin, tackle the visible signs of aging, and smooth the skin’s texture. But not all products with vitamin C are created equally, and choosing the right formula is the key to getting the most out of this skincare staple. Here, we’ll explain what vitamin C is and reveal the most notable science-backed vitamin C benefits for skin. Then, we’ll offer tips on choosing the right vitamin C product for your skin type, routine, and beauty goals. What Is Vitamin C? According to the Cleveland Clinic, in dermatology, vitamin C is recognized as a powerful antioxidant that helps treat and prevent photoaging (premature skin aging caused by UV exposure). When applied topically, it not only defends against sun-induced skin damage but also helps improve the look of discoloration, making it a go-to ingredient for brighter, more even-toned skin. There are several forms of vitamin C used in skincare products. L-Ascorbic Acid is the purest and most potent form, but it’s also the least stable and can oxidize quickly if stored improperly. As such, many brands use more stable forms of the molecule—such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) or Ascorbyl-6-Palmitate—to prolong products' shelf lives. These forms of vitamin C are less biologically active than L-Ascorbic Acid, but less prone to oxidation. Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin Whether targeting dark spots, dullness, or the first signs of aging, vitamin C brings a long list of skin-loving benefits. Keep reading to learn why it deserves a permanent place in your routine. 1. Helps brighten the skin Vitamin C is a game-changer for brightening dull skin and fading those stubborn dark spots. Whether you're dealing with post-acne marks, sun damage, or uneven tone, products with this multitasking antioxidant work overtime to visibly even out your complexion. 2. Promotes a smoother skin texture The Cleveland Clinic explains that vitamin C helps support the production of collagen, one of the key proteins that gives your skin structure and elasticity. As collagen levels get a boost, fine lines and wrinkles become less noticeable, leaving your skin looking smoother and more youthful. 3. Protects against environmental stressors Vitamin C doesn’t just work wonders on your skin’s surface—it also helps protect what’s underneath. As a powerful antioxidant, it fights free radicals caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors. While it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, using vitamin C in combination with your sunscreen can provide even better sun protection and sun aging protection, according to Harvard Health. 4. Improves the look of dark circles If you have dark circles even after a solid night’s sleep, consider adding a vitamin C eye serum to your routine. Per the Cleveland Clinic, eye treatments with this antioxidant can help improve the look of stubborn dark circles, promoting a brighter, fresher-looking eye area. Choosing the Right Vitamin C Product Vitamin C is in many products, so it’s fairly easy to incorporate into your routine. Still, it’s important to select a formula that aligns with your skin type, concerns, and goals. Here are a few things to consider when searching for your new skincare holy grail. The formula Vitamin C can be found in all kinds of skincare products, from cleansers to face masks, but serums and moisturizers are the most popular product types. Vitamin C serums are typically the go-to because they're more potent, delivering a high concentration of active ingredients in a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. The Vichy LiftActiv16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum is among our favorite vitamin C serums for the face—it’s formulated with 16% pure L-Ascorbic Acid and works to brighten, smooth, and even the skin for a more radiant-looking complexion over time. Moisturizers with vitamin C, on the other hand, tend to be a bit gentler on the skin, making them ideal for first-time users or those with more sensitive complexions. For brightening benefits and a boost of hydration, try the La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Cream, which is dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all skin types. Vitamin C concentration Vitamin C products can come in a range of strengths—typically, the higher the concentration, the more potent the product will be. Harvard Health recommends seeking out products that contain between a 10% and 20% concentration of pure vitamin C and have a pH below 3.5, as this is what’s studied most in clinical trials. Higher concentrations of vitamin C may irritate your skin (plus, they’re not proven to be any more effective). Other ingredients Vitamin C plays well with many other ingredients. For a boosted glow and longer-lasting potency, look for formulas that pair vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid—these antioxidants help stabilize vitamin C and enhance its effectiveness. You can find all three skincare heroes in the beloved Skinceuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. The potent formula helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors and works to correct eight signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient you’ll commonly find paired with vitamin C. When used topically, this moisture-loving molecule helps hydrate the skin, leaving it looking plumper, smoother, and firmer. You can layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid separately, but if you’d rather combine them into one step, snag the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum. It’s formulated with 12.5% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid and helps diminish the look of fine lines in as little as 2 weeks. Salicylic acid can also be a great complement to vitamin C, particularly for those with oily or blemish-prone complexions. Reap the benefits of both ingredients with the La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum, which helps smooth the skin and boost radiance without clogging pores. How To Use Vitamin C In Your Skincare Routine Using vitamin C for skin the right way can seriously upgrade your glow game. If you’re a skincare minimalist or a full-on layering pro, here’s how to make the most of this antioxidant all-star. When should you use vitamin C? As a general rule, it’s best to use your vitamin C products in the morning, as the ingredient works in harmony with sunscreen and gives your skin an extra layer of protection against environmental damage throughout the day. However, we always recommend following the instructions on your chosen product to reap the best results. Some products are designed specifically for use in the daytime, while others are best reserved for nighttime. How often to use vitamin C For many, vitamin C can be used every day. However, you should follow the instructions listed on any vitamin C skincare product. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, you may want to incorporate it into your routine gradually and increase your usage based on how your skin reacts. If you experience redness, stinging, or other signs of irritation, scale it back to once every other day or try a product with a lower concentration of vitamin C. How to store skincare products with vitamin C To keep your vitamin C products fresh and effective, you must store them properly. Always store your products in a cool, dark place and select products in air-tight, UV-blocking packaging. Light and air can cause vitamin C to oxidize, which can weaken its benefits and irritate your skin. If you notice a color change, like a dark orange or brown, or it starts to smell unpleasant, it's probably time to toss it and grab a new bottle. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is vitamin C effective in an anti-aging skincare routine? Yes, vitamin C can be a helpful addition to an anti-aging skincare routine. This powerful antioxidant helps fight signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals caused by sun exposure and pollution. It supports collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improves overall skin tone and texture. Using it consistently can help your skin look firmer, smoother, and more radiant. Does vitamin C help with dark circles and under-eye bags? Yes, vitamin C can brighten the under-eye area and reduce the look of dark circles. Its skin-brightening properties help to fade hyperpigmentation and boost circulation, which can diminish the appearance of tired, puffy eyes. Look for a good vitamin C serum or eye cream with a gentle concentration of vitamin C formulated specifically for the delicate eye area. Does vitamin C help acne? Vitamin C can be a helpful addition to an acne-prone skincare routine. Some products with vitamin C can help calm breakouts, control oiliness and fade post-acne marks, according to Harvard Health. However, those with sensitive or active acne should slowly add vitamin C products into their routine in case of irritation or consult with a dermatologist before using high concentrations. How do I use vitamin C serum? To get the most out of your vitamin C serum, apply it in the morning after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing and applying sunscreen. A few drops are all you need. Gently press it into the skin and allow it to absorb fully. While it’s also safe to use at night, applying it in the morning gives your skin added protection from environmental damage during the day in combination with sunscreen. Next Up: 9 Types of Facials: Benefits and What To Expect
