Vitamin C

Antioxidant

Also known as: Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside

Description

Vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen synthesis. In topical skincare it brightens skin, fades hyperpigmentation, neutralises free radicals and provides photoprotection when combined with sunscreen. Multiple stable derivatives exist for cosmetic use. [Pullar 2017] [Telang 2013]

Mechanism of Action

Neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV exposure. Essential cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylases required in collagen biosynthesis. Inhibits tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin production. Regenerates vitamin E, extending its antioxidant activity. [Pinnell 2001]

Indications

Available Concentrations

5%10%15%20%

Side Effects

  • Tingling or stinging on application (L-ascorbic acid) [Telang]
  • Oxidation and discolouration of product [Pinnell]
  • Mild irritation in sensitive skin at high concentrations [Telang]

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity [Telang]
  • Open wounds or severely compromised skin barrier

Pregnancy Category

A

Found In

Cosmetics containing Vitamin C

Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++AqualogicaAqualogica Illuminate+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++AqualogicaAsaya 10% Vitamin C Face SerumAsayaBioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF 50+ PA++++BiodermaConscious Chemist Rapid Glow & Brightening Essence SerumConscious ChemistCos-IQ 20% Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic AcidCos-IQCos-IQ 23% Vitamin C Face SerumCos-IQCos-IQ 8% Vitamin C Face SerumCos-IQDeconstruct Vitamin C Serum — 10% Vitamin C + 0.5% Ferulic AcidDeconstructThe Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++The Derma CoThe Derma Co 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma CoThe Derma Co 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with 5% NiacinamideThe Derma CoDot & Key Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C + EDot & KeyDot & Key 10% Vitamin C + E Serum with 5% NiacinamideDot & KeyDr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++Dr. Sheth'sFixderma FCL C Scape Serum (Vitamin C 15%)FixdermaFixderma Reticuram Retinol SerumFixdermaFixderma Skarfix-Plus CreamFixdermaFoxtale 10% Glutathione + Vitamin C Face SerumFoxtaleFoxtale 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid SerumFoxtaleGarnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Booster Serum 30xGarnier (L'Oréal)Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Garnier (L'Oréal)Garnier Vitamin C+ Face Serum for BrighteningGarnierHimalaya Brightening Vitamin C SerumHimalayaHyphen 18% Brightening + 20% Collagen Double Shot SerumHyphenJoy Revivify Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++Joy Revivify (RSH Global)Lacto Calamine Vitamin C Face SerumLacto CalamineLakme Sun Expert 1% Nia C Water-Light Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA++++LakmeLakme 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ SerumLakmeMamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Face SerumMamaearthMamaearth Vitamin C TonerMamaearthMamaearth Skin Illuminate Face Serum with Vitamin C & TurmericMamaearthMinimalist 16% Vitamin C Face SerumMinimalistMinimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum with Ethyl Ascorbic AcidMinimalistNeutrogena Ultrasheer Age Shield Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++Neutrogena (Johnson & Johnson)Olay Total Effects Serum with Vitamin C B5 NiacinamideOlayPilgrim 15% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin EPilgrimPilgrim 2% Alpha Arbutin & 3% Vitamin C Brightening Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim 0.5% Retinol + Vitamin C SerumPilgrimPilgrim 10% Vitamin C Face SerumPilgrimPilgrim Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++PilgrimPlum 15% Vitamin C Serum with MandarinPlumPOND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++POND'S (Unilever)POND'S Bright Beauty 12% Vit C+E+A SerumPOND'SRegaliz Brilante Max Brightening SerumRegalizSimple Booster Serum 10% Vitamins C + E + FSimple (Unilever)WishCare Super Bright C16 10% Vitamin C SerumWishCareWOW Skin Science Vitamin C SerumWOW Skin ScienceYellow Peel (Retinol 5% + Lactic + Ascorbic)Dermatology-grade

Related Conditions

Melasma Tyrosinase inhibitor to reduce melanin synthesis Photoaging Antioxidant photoprotection and collagen stimulation Acne Vulgaris Anti-inflammatory and post-acne pigmentation reduction Rosacea Anti-inflammatory antioxidant support (use stable derivatives)

References

  1. Pinnell SR, Yang H, Omar M, et al. "Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies." Dermatol Surg, 2001. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.00264.x
  2. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. "The roles of vitamin C in skin health." Nutrients, 2017. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
  3. Telang PS. "Vitamin C in dermatology." Indian Dermatol Online J, 2013. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593

Limitations

This page provides a general overview of Vitamin C in dermatology. It does not cover every possible use, formulation, or interaction. Individual responses to compounds vary — what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting or changing any treatment.