Vitamin C at a Glance
- One of the most well-researched antioxidants
- Improves the look of multiple signs of aging
- Brightens an uneven skin tone
- Also referred to as ascorbic acid
Vitamin C Description
Vitamin C is one of the most well-researched and beneficial vitamins you can apply topically. Ongoing use has been shown to improve the look of multiple signs of aging, brighten an uneven skin tone, as well as provide skin-restoring and soothing benefits.
Vitamin C comes in many forms, with ascorbic acid being the most well-researched for its efficacy. Other forms of vitamin C you will see included in skincare products include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl glucosamine, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate. In any form, vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection, shielding skin from damaging environmental stressors.
Note: All antioxidants, including vitamin C, are vulnerable to destabilizing when exposed to air and light. That means if you want to reap the reward of your antioxidant-enriched treatments, only choose those that are packaged in opaque tubes, air-restrictive bottles, or pumps that help keep their ingredients stable.
Vitamin C References
Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, September 2015, pages 463-470
Journal of the America Academy of Dermatology, November 2012, pages 1,103-1,024
Skin Research and Technology, August 2008, pages 376-380
Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 814-817