The benefits of vitamin C have been praised extensively. 

This powerful antioxidant is perhaps the most celebrated ingredient in the skincare game. And for good reason: It has a unique ability to multi-task like no other. In its many forms – think vitamin C serum, powder, cream, cleanser, and exfoliator – it can brighten skin, protect against environmental damage (we’re talking pollution and UV rays here), fade pigmentation and boost collagen. 

Here, we reveal our guide to harnessing the full potential of this truly brilliant skin hero.

While you’ve likely already heard the term thrown about in the skincare world, it’s essential to understand the basics of this radiance-reviver to know why it’s a must for all skin types. 

To start, vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of all tissues throughout our body including our skin, but we can’t make it on our own. 

So, in order to get this powerful antioxidant we need to eat vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables and apply vitamin C-powered skincare products, such as moisturizers, toners, and, serums (often the most potent form).

Yes! It’s one serious skin-saver. There’s virtually nothing it can’t do. Here’s the lowdown:

It protects against environmental stressors

Vitamin C, like other antioxidants, helps prevent skin damage by neutralising free radicals.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that are pretty much everywhere around us (from UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors for instance) and damage cells causing dullness, wrinkles, and in more extreme cases, even cancer.

By getting rid of these harmful molecules, vitamin C protects the skin, keeping it healthy and improving any visible signs of aging.

It promotes collagen production

As we age, both collagen and elastin – two super important proteins that give our skin strength, structure and bounce – deplete over time. 

Vitamin C is a key player when it comes to our bodies’ production of both of these youth-giving proteins so it helps with keeping our skin supple and fine lines and wrinkles at bay. 

It’s also incredibly helpful for healing damaged skin as well as erasing marks leftover from acne or blemishes through the collagen production process.

It helps with hyperpigmentation and sunspots

Vitamin C is simply a superstar brightening agent. It not only helps prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring in the first place – by blocking the pathway in the skin where pigment is made - but it can also lighten and fade discolouration that’s already visible. 

It’s great for overall brightening

If you want a megawatt skin glow that truly comes from within (no brightening optics needed) you need some topical vitamin C in your life!

It helps to improve skin texture so light can reflect more easily off the surface of the skin, making your complexion look more even and smooth. Plus, it perks up and supercharges dull, tired or stressed-out skin over time.

This is one powerful antioxidant so it’s most commonly used as a morning serum applied straight to bare skin to fend of free radicals accumulated throughout the day. 

But you can also use it at night if you prefer a boost of collagen-synthesis goodness while your skin is working overtime on repair. 

When it comes to when you should use it, always apply your serum after cleansing and toning if you choose to do this step. Generally, a vitamin C serum should be applied on bare skin but all of your skincare serums, essences and creams should be layered on in the order of thinnest to thickest, so slot your favourite vitamin C serum into your regime accordingly. 

To finish, always apply an SPF to protect your skin and maximise the antioxidant effects of the vitamin C. We recommend a high-factor SPF 50 such as our beloved best seller Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream.

In some cases, for people with sensitive and reactive skin, vitamin C can be the cause of minor irritation and redness. If that sounds like your skin but you’re still eager to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare regime, Klairs The Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop is a must-try. 

This formula blends calming, soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients and is so gentle that it works for everyone regardless of skin type or concern. It’s worth nothing that vitamin C is safe to use in combination with other powerhouse skincare ingredients like niacinamide and retinol.  

However, especially when it comes to retinol and certain acids, irritation can still occur so we suggest to use a retinol or an acid-based product in the evening and a vitamin C serum in the morning to be extra cautious and kind to your skin. 

At TONIC15 we have a great selection of vitamin-C infused products that range from mild to powerful (but never too intense). Find your perfect match below…

For sensitive skin or if you’ve never used a vitamin C product before try…

Calming lavender oil and centella asiatica are mixed into this skin-brightening formula for a vitamin C serum that’s extremely gentle on skin.

If you have normal to combination skin or want to take your vitamin C game to the next level try…

This combo of vitamin C and ferulic acid ensures brighter, firmer, glowier skin. At a potency of 15% vitamin C, you’ll see some serious results without any risk of irritation.

If you’re a seasoned vitamin C serum user and your skin is used to it, try…

With 21.5% pure vitamin C at its heart, this silky serum is no joke. You’ll get maximum results – that means more nourished and supremely brighter skin – in a shorter time.

We love a dynamic duo so try this luminising combo if you do too…

A mix of pure vitamin C powder with three additional powerful antioxidants (idebenone, tranexamic acid and gluthaione),

Dr. Ceuracle’s Pure VC Mellight Ampoule is spot-on for perking up tired, dull skin. Layer the Mellight Cream over top which uses the same ingredient combination with added anti-inflammatory blue chamomile oil – a must for sensitive, stressed complexion.