One of the most ubiquitous skincare ingredients, vitamin C—also known as ascorbic acid—is infamous in the beauty world for a reason: it actually works. With the ability to soothe and reduce inflammation, brighten skin, reduce dark spots, neutralise free radicals, and promote collagen production, vitamin C is the antioxidant every one can benefit from. Over time, a good vitamin C product will help reduce fine lines and redness, and even out your complexion.
While doubling down on your citrus intake can do wonders for your immune system, very little of the vitamin C you consume actually makes it to your skin. When applied topically to the skin, a good vitamin C product can aid in protecting and enhancing your complexion. Its high antioxidant content means it offers protection against external aggressors while working to even out skin tone and texture, lessen the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, and brighten the skin.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful nutrient required for the growth and repair of cell tissue. However, this nutrient cannot be produced by the body, meaning it must be consumed orally (it’s found in citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and kiwis) or applied topically. A potent antioxidant, ascorbic acid has the ability to neutralise free radicals and aid in the skin’s natural repair and regeneration process.
In the same way that consuming antioxidant-rich foods aids in combating free radicals, using topical antioxidants helps your skin fight the effects of daily environmental stressors which contribute to the creation of free radicals, like air pollution and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Topical ascorbic acid application helps keep the skin healthy by preventing signs of premature ageing and protecting the skin from precancerous cells caused by UV exposure.
Ascorbic acid is a highly reactive (read: not stable) nutrient, which breaks down and loses its antioxidant properties when exposed to heat, light, or air. To get the most out of your ascorbic acid products, choose options that come in air-tight, dark or opaque packaging, and store them in a cool, dark environment to prevent oxidisation.
The benefits of vitamin C for skin
This essential nutrient is beneficial to the skin as it:
- Promotes collagen production: collagen provides our skin with support and structure. After age 25, collagen production gradually declines, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C in skincare regulates and promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and is an essential cofactor in collagen production.
- Fades dark spots: can help lighten discolouration, brown spots, and hyperpigmentation by blocking the skin’s melanin production (without altering your skin’s normal pigment).
- Protects against external stressors: as an antioxidant, ascorbic acid works to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays which create free radicals in the skin. Free radicals contribute to dull skin and wrinkles; by neutralising these, it keeps the skin healthy and improves of ageing.
What skin types can use vitamin C
Vitamin C can safely be used by most skin types. However, those with sensitive or reactive skin may find vitamin C irritating, so it’s best to do a patch text prior to use and stick to a skincare product with a lower concentration of vitamin C (around 5%). Those with oily skin types might find that certain vitamin C products can exacerbate oiliness or breakouts — it may take a little experimentation to find the right product (oil-free formulas are a good place to start!).
The best skincare products with vitamin C
To protect against sun damage and help you achieve that coveted even skin tone, these are the best vitamin C skincare products on the market.
1. Aesthetics Rx C Serum 23%
Formulated with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, Aesthetics Rx C Serum 23% works to counteract signs of ageing caused by sun damage and other environmental aggressors. The vitamin C in this formula comes from ascorbic acid (recognised as one of the best sources of vitamin C for skin) as well as kakadu plum, which is the best natural source of vitamin C. Additionally, the formula utilises hyaluronic acid and panthenol, which work to retain moisture while plumping up and soothing the skin.
Price: $119AUD
2. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Squalane-first brand Biossance’s Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum combines 10% vitamin c with the signature Biossance sugarcane squalane, making for a nourishing, yet effecting brightening serum. The addition of shiitake mushroom and liquorice root extract work synergistically with the vitamin C to target existing discolouration and dark spots while preventing the formation of future dark spots.
Price: $114AUD
3. Medik8 C-Tetra Intense
One of the best brands for effective, no-nonsense skincare, the Medik8 C-Tetra Intense utilises a shelf-stable, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C alongside vitamin E and vitamin F to brighten skin and provide protection from free radicals. The nourishing squalane and maracuja oil base sinks into skin quickly without causing any irritation, leaving skin feeling supple and moisturised.
Price: $86AUD
4. Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum
Three sources of clinical-grade vitamin C meet natural caffeine from yerba mate and guarana in this Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum. A shelf-stable formula, the vitamin C gets to work brightening the skin while the caffeine enhances circulation and reduces any puffiness. Added squalane provides hydration and locks in moisture, making for the ideal daytime serum.
Price: $59USD
5. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
You can’t talk vitamin C without mentioning the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. Considered the gold standard in vitamin C serums, this formula is beloved by beauty editors and celebrities alike. Combining vitamin C and vitamin E with ferulic acid, this formula is fast-absorbing and provides protection against photoaging while working to give you a healthy glow.
Price: $242AUD
6. Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum
A clinical-strength vitamin C skincare product, the Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum should be reserved for regular vitamin C users. Two types of shelf-stable vitamin C work to brighten and firm the skin while the addition of glutathione reduces irritation and provides additional protection against external stressors. This formula has a lightweight lotion texture and comes in a pump formal which makes it easy to apply.
Price: $92AUD
Words by John Deckard
