Oh my Glow! - Benefits of Vitamin C in cosmetics -effects & finding the right concentration for you #How to use Vitamin C with Retinol
- thatsglow
- 14. Nov. 2021
- 3 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 14. Feb. 2024
What is Vitamin C? How do I find my best product concentration? Can I mix vitamin C products? All questions answered...
Content
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, water-soluble and in its purest form known as ascorbic acid.
In cosmetics, for example, it occurs as L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and much more. Most of the studies are on L-ascorbic acid, and against this background the information must of course always be put into perspective.
Effects of Vitamin C in cosmetics
Vitamin C skincare
✓ helps against environmental damage & free radicals
✓ boosts collagen & prevents wrinkles
✓ moisturizes
✓ brightens the skin
✓ prevents hyperpigmentation
✓ evens out skin texture, inhibits micro-inflammations
Therefore it has a very good Anti-Aging-Effect! And on top of that: it is proven by numerous studies! 😍
How do I use vitamin C in my skin care routine?
❗️Store protected from light and use quickly - the effect can quickly be lost!
Vitamin C is a relatively unstable molecule. Too much light or air and the effects can quickly be lost. It is therefore recommended to pay attention to the packaging.
👉 The vessel should be as dark or opaque as possible to avoid exposure to sunlight.
If the bottle is light-colored, you may be able to store it in the outer packaging.
💡 The best products are in light and airtight pump dispensers.
However, there is evidence that vitamin C derivatives are more stable than the pure vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, so the packaging does not have such a big influence here.
How do I find the right vitamin C product for MY needs?
For sensitive skin, it is best to start with a concentration of up to 10 %.
15 or 20 % vitamin C may be too strong.
Especially for daily use, a concentration of up to 10 % will be the best option to start with.
Be equally careful around the sensitive eye area with stronger products.
In any case, let your skin get used to the new product slowly.
As a spot treatment or if you have thicker skin you can also go with higher concentrations.
To make the search easier: For a smooth start, please read the article & shop your products
For those who prefer higher concentrations, take a look @
Combined ingredients with Vitamin C
As mentioned above, vitamin C is a relatively unstable molecule. Vitamin E and folic acid have been found to be good stabilizers. So it is always an advantage if we find one of these components on the Inci.
Can I mix vitamin C products?
Vitamin C products can be mixed with other products.
For a long time there was rumors that vitamin C should not be mixed, esp. with niacinamides. According to the latest findings, tho, this is not a problem.
At best, the pure form of vitamin C together with a highly concentrated niacinamide, resulting in an acidic environment, could cause short-term redness, but this usually subsides quickly.
If you notice this happening to you, leave some time between the two products.
Vitamin C and Retinol
Theoretically, you can also mix vitamin C products with retinol. The only limitation here is your skin's tolerance, which you have to approach individually.
A good skin care routine with vitamin C and retinol would look like you use Vitamin C in the morning
and Retinol in the evening.
Summary & Tips
With sensitive skin start with a concentration of up to 10 % Vitamin C
Around 15 % with normal or thicker skin or as spot treatment
Use up quickly!
Keep away from light!