Vitamin C skincare boosts and brightens all skin types. Highly compatible with other formulas, learn how to use vitamin C for skin and the right products for your routine. 

Topical vitamin C is a science-backed and dermatologically loved ingredient that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and signs of acne as well as sun damage.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant – which means that it can prevent oxidative stress in cells. Oxidative stress occurs through environmental stressors and creates ‘free radicals’ – otherwise known as unstable molecules. When free radicals are present, loss of elasticity, discolouration and wrinkles in skin can occur.

Luckily, the antioxidants in vitamin C skincare neutralise and disarm free radicals, preventing them from compromising complexions. Free radicals usually form as a result of UV rays, diet and lifestyle choices. Incorporating vitamin C skincare products can help to protect skin from these influences.

Cumulative environmental exposure is one major cause of damaged and visibly aged skin. Free radicals encourage signs like fine lines and sagging, because they diminish collagen content within the skin. Skin is especially at risk of free radicals in Australia as the UV index tends to be higher. This is because Australia is close to the equator and often has clear, blue skies, particularly in the summer months. Using vitamin C for skin helps to address this stressor.

One of the most effective anti-ageing products, vitamin C skincare can support collagen production and skin’s volume for a fuller, brighter, and more radiant looking complexion.

Types of vitamin C skincare include pure vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and vitamin Cg. These different versions have varying levels of potency.

Pure Vitamin C: Otherwise known as L-ascorbic acid, this vitamin C skincare version is highly potent and refined. The antioxidant and brightening benefits of it make this an ideal skincare ingredient.

Ascorbyl palmitate: Ideal for use in moisturisers and other rich formulas, Ascorbyl palmitate is a fat-soluble version of vitamin C. Using vitamin C skincare products which contain this form still offers antioxidative benefits.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate: Perfect for use by those with sensitive or especially dry skin, this version can enhance skin by penetrating deeply, which helps to maintain comfort. Because of its potency, vitamin C products with this form should be used as directed.

Vitamin Cg: Vitamin Cg, also known as ascorbyl glucoside, is a water-soluable vitamin C derivative that can be formulated alongside ingredients which prompt it to convert into vitamin C. In this form, vitamin C can be gentler on skin.

All skin types and tones can benefit by using vitamin C for skin. Alongside daily use of sun protection, vitamin C products can visibly enhance skin of any age and type.

When should you apply vitamin C?

We all have varying skin needs and routines, but as a general rule, we recommend incorporating vitamin C products into your skincare regime every – or every other – morning. Morning use can be especially beneficial, as the antioxidant helps provide the skin with antioxidant protection to shield from stressors like pollution and UV light.

Does vitamin C have any side effects on the skin?

Vitamin C is a potent and efficacious ingredient, but it’s generally suitable for use by all skin types – including sensitive. Because of its active nature, it’s best to gradually introduce it into your skincare routine if your skin can tend to be reactive.

What order to apply vitamin C in a skincare routine?

Where vitamin C products sit in your skincare routine will depend on the formula. The general rule in routines is lightest to thickest – so as to let each formula absorb into skin. A vitamin C serum will go directly after cleansing for example – and a vitamin C cream will be applied next before sun protection.

Vitamin C cleanser

Vitamin C’s brightening benefits are an ideal addition to cleansers. Cleansers which contain this ingredient assist in purifying fresh skin, for a clean, brighter complexion. Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water is enriched with vitamin Cg and is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.

Vitamin C serum

Serums are highly effective for delivering actives into the skin, and the inclusion of vitamin C can visibly improve and support all complexions. How much vitamin C serum to use will depend on the formula you use alongside your skin type. Skin Active Vitamin C Brightening Serum combines niacinamide and salicylic acid to target dark spots and discolouration. Skin immediately looks smoother and more radiant, and over time beautifully enhanced skin becomes apparent. In 3 days, skin appears more even, brighter and smoother. In 6 days, the density of dark spots appears reduced. In 8 weeks, -43% of dark spot and acne mark appearance is visibly reduced.