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Hands up – anyone in need of brighter, glowier skin? Let’s find out what vitamin C can really do for your skin. From fine lines to breakouts and uneven tone, our guide breaks it down
Summary
1What is vitamin C in skincare?
Vitamin C is used as a glow-enhancing ingredient that helps protect skin from daily damage caused by pollution and UV exposure.
2What can vitamin C do for your skin?
It supports collagen, helps smooth fine lines and improves skin tone, leaving skin brighter and more even-looking.
3How do you use vitamin C on your skin?
You can usually apply it as a serum before moisturiser. Start low, build up slowly and store products away from light.
Vitamin C is having a real moment in the beauty world – and for good reason. Our skin goes through a lot day-to-day, from pollution and UV exposure to general environmental stress, all of which can leave it looking dull, tired and less bouncy than we’d like. That’s where vitamin C steps in – this skincare favourite helps support skin against daily stressors and can bring back that fresh, healthy-looking glow. But how much do you actually know about it?
You might already associate it with oranges or immune-supporting drinks. In skincare though, vitamin C has a whole different reputation – and it’s well earned.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant and one of the most talked-about ingredients in modern skincare. When applied topically, it helps protect skin from environmental damage, supports collagen production and improves overall skin tone and texture.2 It’s especially loved for its ability to help brighten the complexion, help reduce the look of dark spots and support skin radiance.1 In short, if glowing, healthy-looking skin is your goal, vitamin C is a great ingredient to have on your radar.
How vitamin C can support your skin
Vitamin C earns its cult status thanks to the visible difference it can make to skin over time – and here’s how it can help.
1. Supporting collagen
Collagen helps keep skin looking firm, smooth and plump – and vitamin C supports your body’s natural collagen production from within. Regular use of vitamin C can help improve skin elasticity and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a fresher, more youthful look.3,4,52. Brightening and hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C is well known for its brightening effects. It helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, making it a go-to for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation or post-blemish marks.5 With consistent use, skin often looks clearer, more even and noticeably brighter.3. Dark under-eye circles
Dark circles can be tricky, but vitamin C is often used in eye products thanks to its ability to improve the appearance of the delicate under-eye area. A small study found that under-eye creams made with a formulation of 10% sodium ascorbate (a form of vitamin C) helped improve the look of dark under-eye circles after regular use over several months. This effect is thought to be linked to improved skin thickness and texture, helping the area look smoother and more even.6
4. Blemish-prone skin
If your skin is prone to the odd breakout, vitamin C can still be a helpful addition. It can help improve the overall appearance of blemish-prone skin and reduce the look of post-blemish marks over time.
5. Delicate skin
Vitamin C can help delicate skin – it just needs a little extra care and time. If your skin is easily irritated, you can try:
- starting with a lower concentration
- choosing formulas with a pH closer to the skin’s natural level, which is around five to six (it’s not always listed on the packaging, but most skincare products sit around this range)
- avoiding highly acidic forms like L-ascorbic acid if your skin doesn’t tolerate them well⁷
- plus, taking it slow often pays off
6. Supporting healthy-looking ageing
In addition to a base of sunscreen, vitamin C helps protect the skin from everyday damage caused by UV exposure and pollution – two things that can speed up visible skin ageing. Studies suggest that regular use on the skin can improve skin smoothness, firmness and overall texture, helping skin look healthier and more resilient over time.7, 8 With consistent use, vitamin C may help improve:- skin texture and smoothness
- hydration
- the appearance of fine lines
- skin firmness and plumpness
Vitamin C skincare products
Vitamin C comes in lots of different skincare formats, so it’s easy to find something that fits into your routine. You’ll find it in:
Not all vitamin C products are created equal though. When choosing one, look for formulas that use well-researched skincare antioxidants such as L-ascorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E), glutathione or ferulic acid, contain around 10-20% vitamin C and are packaged in dark or opaque containers to help protect the formula from light and oxidation.2
Before you begin using vitamin C
- It’s not all about concentration: more concentrated formulas can deliver faster, more noticeable results – but that doesn’t mean jumping straight to the strongest option. If you’re new to vitamin C, start gently and build up as your skin adjusts
- Format matters: serums are often the most effective way to use vitamin C, as they’re lightweight, concentrated and sit well under other products. Masks, toners and oils can also give your routine a glow-enhancing lift
- Store it smart: vitamin C is sensitive to light and air. Keep products in airtight, opaque packaging and store them away from direct sunlight to help keep them effective for longer
Vitamin C FAQs
Vitamin C can pair nicely with plenty of skincare ingredients, but it’s worth being careful when layering it with other strong actives. Try not to use vitamin C at the same time as exfoliating acids – such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid, as this can increase the chance of dryness, stinging or irritation.
Vitamin C and retinol do different jobs, so one isn’t necessarily better than the other. Vitamin C is often used to support brighter-looking skin and help protect against environmental stressors, while retinol is usually chosen for skin texture, fine lines and blemish-prone skin. Many people use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, but it’s best to introduce them gradually.
Applying vitamin C every day may help your skin look brighter and more even over time, especially when used in the morning with moisturiser and SPF. However, stronger formulas can sometimes cause tingling, dryness or irritation – so start by trying it just a few times a week first, then build up if your skin seems happy with it.
The final say
Feeling more clued up on vitamin C? It’s easy to see why this ingredient has earned its glow-giving reputation. With the right product and a little consistency, vitamin C can be a great addition to your skincare routine – helping skin look brighter, smoother and more even over time. Curious about more skincare that actually delivers? Check out our expert’s favourite products for dry skin or find your next go-to retinol.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
2. Firas Al-Niaimi, Yi N. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology [Internet]. 2017 Jul;10(7):14. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605218/
3. Farris PK. Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):814–7.
4. Humbert PG, Haftek M, Creidi P, et al. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Exp Dermatol. 2003;12(3):237–44.
5. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143–6.
6. Ochiai Y, Kaburagi S, Obayashi K, et al. Effects of sodium ascorbate on dark circles of the lower eyelids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009;8(2):121–8.
7. Traikovich SS. Use of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on the skin. Dermatol Surg. 1999;25(10):815–7.
8. Lin FH, Lin JY, Gupta RD, et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):826–32.
9. Traikovich SS. Topical vitamin C and the skin. Dermatol Surg. 1999;25(10):815–7.
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