Not using Vitamin C for skin yet? Here’s why you should

If you’ve ever looked at the ingredient list of a brightening skincare product, chances are you’ve seen vitamin C featured prominently. There’s a reason this hardworking antioxidant is considered the gold standard—not only does it help defend the skin against external aggressors like pollution and UV rays, it also supports a smoother, more even complexion while improving skin elasticity by encouraging collagen and elastin production.

Before adding it into your routine to target concerns like dullness and discolouration, here’s what to know—according to Dr Kuek from Illuminate Medical Aesthetics Dempsey.

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant with multiple scientifically proven benefits for the skin. It plays a key role in collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin structure and firmness. It also brightens the complexion by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production, thereby reducing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. As an antioxidant, vitamin C neutralises free radicals caused by UV exposure, pollution, and environmental stressors, helping to prevent premature ageing and skin damage. In addition, it offers anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce redness and irritation, making it beneficial for acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin, while also supporting skin repair and wound healing.

For dull or tired-looking skin, vitamin C helps restore radiance and brightness, while acne-prone skin may benefit from its calming, anti-inflammatory effects that support healing and reduce redness. Even sensitive skin can benefit when used in gentler formulations paired with soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ferulic acid.

Not all vitamin C is created equal

The effectiveness of vitamin C depends largely on its form and concentration. L-ascorbic acid is the most potent and well-researched form, typically used in concentrations of 10% to 20%, although higher levels may be more irritating. More stable and gentler derivatives such as ascorbyl glucoside and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are usually found in 5% to 10% formulations and are better suited to sensitive skin. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble form, penetrates more deeply and is suitable for all skin types, particularly those concerned with ageing or dryness. As a guide, higher concentrations are typically used for pigmentation concerns, while lower strengths are better for sensitive skin or maintenance.

How to effectively incorporate vitamin C into your skincare regimen

Despite its benefits, there are common mistakes people make when using vitamin C. One is using too high a concentration too quickly, which can lead to irritation. Another is skipping sunscreen—while vitamin C helps protect against UV-induced damage, it does not replace SPF and works best when used alongside it. Storage is also important, as vitamin C is unstable and can degrade when exposed to light, air, or heat, so it should be kept in opaque and airtight packaging to preserve potency. It is also important to be mindful of ingredient combinations, as benzoyl peroxide or certain retinoids may reduce effectiveness or increase irritation. 

Certain ingredients work particularly well with vitamin C. Vitamin E and ferulic acid help enhance and stabilise its antioxidant effects, while hyaluronic acid supports hydration and complements its brightening and firming benefits. 

With these considerations in mind, here are some editor-approved vitamin C formulas to have on your radar.

Innisfree Vitamin C Brightening Mask-To-Foam, $21 

If dull, lacklustre skin is your main concern, this hardworking mask-to-foam formula is here to revive your complexion. Powered by vitamin C derived from mandarin extract, it works as a quick one-minute wash-off mask to help even skin tone and boost radiance. Used as a daily cleanser, it gently removes makeup and impurities while visibly brightening tired-looking skin.

Garnier Garnier Vitamin C Dry Touch Mochi Cream, $13.90

This wallet-friendly moisturiser combines a lightweight, oil-free texture with vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and BHA to help clear congestion while supporting and protecting the skin barrier.

Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum, $560

Beyond tackling dark spots and brightening the complexion, this science-backed serum features patented Advanced TFC8 technology, which supports the skin’s natural renewal process and helps direct key nutrients to skin cells for repair. It also incorporates vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside) and ergothioneine, alongside an algae evening complex and niacinamide to help minimise redness—making it ideal for those who want to incorporate vitamin C but are prone to flushing.

Decorte UV Comfort Bright, $51

This J-beauty sunscreen ticks all the boxes: it’s non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin, and is formulated with L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside, a vitamin C derivative that helps brighten the complexion and inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, to help prevent dark spots from forming. It also contains glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester to help smooth and calm the skin, alongside jojoba oil and bifida ferment lysate to moisturise and support a healthy skin barrier.

Sephora Collection Brightening Eye Cream, $28 

You wouldn’t want to use just any vitamin C serum around the eyes, as it can be too harsh or sensitising for this delicate area. Instead, it’s worth investing in a targeted treatment like this one from Sephora Collection. Powered by tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol (forms of vitamin E), it boosts the brightening effect of vitamin C to help revive tired-looking under-eyes, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid work to deeply hydrate and visibly smooth fine lines for a more refreshed, well-rested look.