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Vitamin C

Suitable Skin Types

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Normal Skin


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Dry Skin


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Oily & Acne Skin


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Combination Skin


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Sensitive Skin


A white cosmetic jar of OOTD Snail Mucin Lifting Cream with natural ingredients for elasticity enhancement and repair technology.

Highlights of Vitamin C

  • Potent antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress
  • Brightens skin and helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Anti-ageing
Sandawha Vitamin C Brightening Toner bottle on lemon slices, 150ml.

What is Vitamin C? 

Since its discovery in the 1930s by Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi, vitamin C has become a star ingredient in skincare. Unlike other animals, humans can’t produce their own vitamin C due to the missing enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase. We rely on dietary sources to meet our needs. However, while consuming vitamin C is essential for overall health, only a limited amount reaches the skin.1 Topical application directly delivers vitamin C to the skin, maximising its potential benefits for a radiant and healthy complexion.

L-ascorbic acid (pure form of vitamin C), is the most studied form of vitamin C. It offers the most benefits, but can be finicky. It requires a low pH (ideally 3.5 or below) to work efficiently, this is why formulation plays a crucial role in maximising its effectiveness. Vitamin E and ferulic acid are common stabilisers and work best when used alongside L-ascorbic acid.2 Other more stable forms of vitamin C alternatives to consider are ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl-6-palmitate.

What can Vitamin C do for your skin?

Antioxidants – free radicals, generated by UV rays and pollution, wreak havoc on your skin through oxidative damage. Vitamin C acts like a scavenger, neutralising these free radicals. This can help prevent premature ageing, leaving your skin looking healthier and more youthful.3

Skin brightening and reduction in dark spots and hyperpigmentation – vitamin C helps lighten dark spots by reducing melanin production in the skin. Clinical studies back its effectiveness in treating melasma and hyperpigmentation, giving you a more even and radiant complexion.4

Stimulates collagen production – vitamin C has been shown to effectively stimulate collagen production in the skin.5 As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to a loss of firmness and the appearance of wrinkles. By stimulating collagen, vitamin C helps keep skin plumper and younger-looking.

Anti-ageing – vitamin C tackles wrinkles from multiple angles! It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with its antioxidant properties. Some forms also aid in skin hydration, allowing your skin to lock in moisture for a plumper and smoother texture. Consistent use of vitamin C can improve skin elasticity, contributing to a more youthful appearance overall.

Can you use Vitamin C when you’re pregnant?

While vitamin C is generally considered safe for topical application on all skin types, those who experience hypersensitivity should exercise caution, especially pregnant or lactating individuals. Vitamin C may cause irritation at high concentrations and allergic reactions should be considered. Always perform a patch test when introducing any new products to your skincare routine. If you have any concerns about incorporating vitamin C into your routine while pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider. They can offer personalised advice based on your unique health situation.
Sandawha Vitamin C Brightening Essence with lemons on a green background.

How do you use Vitamin C?

A superstar in skincare, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant found in toners, serums, moisturisers, treatments, and masks. However, its effectiveness hinges on proper formulation. Since vitamin C can be easily oxidised and lose its punch, look for products in dark or opaque packaging and store them in a cool, dark place. This ensures you reap the full benefits of this versatile ingredient.

Beyond formulation, maximising vitamin C’s effectiveness depends on factors like pH, concentration, and its companions. It thrives alongside supportive ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and even snail mucin. However, avoid mixing it with benzoyl peroxide, BHA (salicylic acid), or high-pH cleansers, as they can deactivate it. If incorporating retinol, alternate days or use them separately in your morning and evening routines to prevent irritation.

Like retinol, vitamin C requires a gentle approach. Concentrations above 20% can irritate, so start slow. Introduce it to your routine twice a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. This will maximise its benefits while minimising the risk of irritation.

Unlike retinol, which is photosensitive, vitamin C can be used in the daytime or evening. Now that we know all about vitamin C, get ready to smooth and brighten the skin with Sandawha’s gentle vitamin C range designed to bring that glow back to your skin. This includes their Vitamin C Brightening Pad, Vitamin C Brightening Toner and Vitamin C Brightening Essence. Be sure to try Naked Chemist’s C+ Ascorbic Acid Skin Shot which includes 10% Vitamin C, tocopherol and ferulic acid – the perfect blend to stimulate collagen production while brightening the skin.

Sources

1 Manela-Azulay M, Bagatin E. Cosmeceuticals vitamins. Clin Dermatol. 2009;27:469–474. Link

2 Lin FH, Lin JY, Gupta RD, Tournas JA, Burch JA, Selim MA, Monteiro-Riviere NA, Grichnik JM, Zielinski J, Pinnell SR. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005 Oct;125(4):826-32. doi: 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x. PMID: 16185284. Link

3 Chen L, Hu JY, Wang SQ. The role of antioxidants in photoprotection: a critical review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;67(5):1013–1024. Link

4 Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. Y. Z. (2017). Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(7), 14–17. Link

5 Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. Link
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