Because vitamin C is an acid, you shouldn't combine it with other skin-care acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like salicylic acid, and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like lactic and glycolic acids. “Mixing with other acids at the same time can change the vitamin C's pH and render it useless,” Dr. Chiu says.
Keep in mind that vitamin C is highly acidic, which may lead to skin irritation. To avoid any irritations, test a small area of your skin before applying it to your face. If you notice any redness or itchiness, then stop using the product immediately.
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
What should you not use Vitamin C serum with? While most products work pretty well with Vitamin C, experts recommend against using benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide along with Vitamin C. This is because using these ingredients together reduces their efficacy and does not deliver the desired results.
While most people can tolerate daily use of vitamin C serum, some people may experience redness, irritation, or even breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to start slowly when using a vitamin C serum. Begin by using it every other day, and gradually increase to daily use if your skin can tolerate it.
Acids, vitamin C serums and retinoids can all cause purging. Purging is an initial acne breakout that can occur when you're starting a new active skincare product—one that causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly. Products that can trigger purging include: Hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs) and fruit acids.
Yes, yes, yes! As long as you have picked up a formulation suitable for use on your face, Vitamin C serums rank among the best ingredients to use around the sensitive eye area.
Not only can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, but when you do, they can help create a more effective skincare routine. Each one has skincare benefits, some of which we mentioned, but when combined, they can form a more potent formula that offers increased results.
DO NOT mix vitamin C serums that contain L-ascorbic acid with niacinamide(AKA vitamin B3) or retinol (vitamin A). The pH levels of these elements don't interact well with those of vitamin C. The result, they end up canceling each other out and making both products ineffective.
Pairing with Wrong Ingredients
Never combine Vitamin C serum with AHAs, BHAs, retinol, niacinamide, and benzol peroxide in the same routine. It can lead to skin flaking, drying, and irritation. Dermatologists instead recommend choosing serums with 2 or more antioxidants.
Vitamin C works best in combination with vitamin E, ferulic Acid, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid. Designed to deliver a high concentration of actives, a vitamin C serum is a popular choice in skincare.
We recommend that beauty lovers use our Vitamin C Serum after cleansing, exfoliating, masking, and/or toning — but always before moisturizing. All you have to do is apply a couple pumps of serum to clean fingers, and gently press the product evenly over damp skin.
If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine. Using both of these products together can work significantly fast in improving your skin and its texture.
It's perfectly safe and very effective to incorporate both retinol and vitamin C into your skincare routine, as long as you use them at different times of the day.
Hyaluronic acid
If you're willing to give the duo a go, follow up your Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid-infused moisturiser, like the Pond's Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E. It's got the goodness of Vitamin E AND hyaluronic acid and will give you total skin hydration.
If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the hyaluronic acid afterward in order to help fortify the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.
To layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, always apply vitamin C first to cleansed, dry skin. Be sure to leave time for your vitamin C to sink in, then follow up with your hyaluronic acid.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
“When used topically, vitamin C can have depuffing and anti-aging effects,” shares LoGerfo. “It can help rejuvenate fine wrinkles and brighten skin tone.” And it's as effective for your eye area as it is for the skin on your face. Is vitamin C safe to use around the eyes? The good news, generally speaking, yes!
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
Yes! In fact, so long as it is properly formulated for the face, Vitamin C ranks among the best nutrients to use around the sensitive eye area. This naturally sourced antioxidant has shown to balance uneven skin tone, boost collagen production, and increase hydration.