Is Vitamin C Worth The Hype? (Doctorly Investigates)

Double Board-Certified Dermatologists Dr. Muneeb Shah & Dr. Luke Maxfield weigh in on vitamin C; is it worth the hype?

Yes it is, but…

There are some caveats, for example:

• It’s best to apply vitamin C on clean, dry skin and let it set before layering other products.
• Avoid mixing with oxidants like benzoyl peroxide (cancels out antioxidant effects).
• Avoid combining with copper (may negate brightening benefits).
• Do not use with hypochlorous acid (oxidative reactions cancel out benefits).
• Be cautious with retinol due to irritation risks.

However, used correctly, it does give very worthy benefits, and they recommend:

• Morning use: acts as an antioxidant, pairs well with sunscreen for better protection from sun and environmental damage.
• Night use: maximizes functions like improving tone, collagen production, texture, and reducing wrinkles.

That’s not to say that at night it stops being an antioxidant or during the day it isn’t critical for collagen synthesis, but it is to say: because of the different things our bodies typically encounter and/or do during the day or night, those are the best times to get the most out of those benefits.

They also review some popular products; here are some notes on their comments about them:

• Skinceuticals C E Ferulic: research-backed, $180, effective but potentially irritating.
• Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: includes 0.5% salicylic acid, good for acne-prone skin.
• Dermatology Vitamin C E Ferulic: relatively more affordable ($70), fragrance-free, includes peptides and ceramides.
• Drunk Elephant C-Firma: powder-to-serum formula, sued for patent infringement.
• Paula’s Choice C15 Booster: reformulated, fragrance-free, similar to Skinceuticals.
• Neutrogena Vitamin C Capsules: stabilized 20% ascorbic acid, single-use, travel-friendly.
• La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum: contains fragrance and alcohol, not ideal for sensitive skin.
• Matter of Fact Vitamin C Serum: includes ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, oily texture for dry skin.
• Medik8 Super C Ferulic: stable 30% ethyl ascorbic acid, lightweight texture.
• Naturium Vitamin C Complex: multi-form Vitamin C with niacinamide, alpha arbutin, and turmeric.
• Timeless Vitamin C Serum: affordable ($20), 20% ascorbic acid with E and ferulic acid.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

You might also like:

More Than Skin-Deep: Six Ways To Eat For Healthier Skin ← this one’s about a lot more than just vitamin C 😎

Take care!