Ingredient · Morning
Vitamin C
On the label as: ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, ethyl ascorbic acid
Brightens dull skin and fades marks; boosts sunscreen.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. In the morning it mops up damage from sun and pollution, and over eight to twelve weeks it brightens dull skin and fades marks.
Pure ascorbic acid works fastest but can sting and spoils quickly; gentler forms such as ascorbyl glucoside or ethyl ascorbic acid suit sensitive skin.
Who it suits
Dull skin, tan and fresh acne marks; anyone who wants more from their sunscreen.
How to use it
- Morning, after cleansing, three or four drops.
- Moisturiser if you need it, then sunscreen.
- Keep the bottle closed and away from heat; a serum that turns dark orange has spoiled.
What to pair it with
Vitamin C + Hyaluronic acid
Work well together
A common pair; hyaluronic acid softens any tingle.
Vitamin C + Sunscreen
Work well together
Vitamin C under sunscreen adds antioxidant cover. The classic morning pair.
Vitamin C + Retinol
Use one in the morning, one at night
Vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen, retinol at night. Each works better that way.
Vitamin C + AHA
Use one in the morning, one at night
Both are acidic and can sting together. Vitamin C in the morning, the acid at night.
Vitamin C + BHA
Use one in the morning, one at night
Vitamin C in the morning, salicylic at night, so neither irritates.
Vitamin C + Benzoyl peroxide
Use one in the morning, one at night
Benzoyl peroxide oxidises vitamin C. Keep them to different times of day.
Everything else pairs fine with vitamin c: apply the thinnest product first.
