What should you combine cosmetics with vitamin C with and what should you not use them with?

Vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients for healthy and radiant skin.

Its antioxidant properties help fight free radicals, stimulate collagen production and brighten the skin. That’s why more and more people use cosmetics containing this valuable vitamin. However, to enjoy its benefits, you need to know what it can be combined with and what it should not be used with.

The effect of vitamin C on the skin

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a compound with powerful antioxidant properties. It protects the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays, neutralizes free radicals that accelerate the skin aging process, and stimulates the production of collagen. Thanks to this, the skin becomes firmer, elastic and radiant. In addition, vitamin C also has brightening properties, which makes it an excellent ingredient in the fight against discoloration and stains.

What name should you look for on the label for vitamin C in cosmetics?

When you look at cosmetic labels, it’s worth knowing that vitamin C can be labeled with different chemical names. The most common forms of vitamin C in cosmetics are:

• L-ascorbic acid
• Ascorbic acid
• Sodium ascorbate
• Magnesium ascorbate
• Glucoside ascorbate

These ingredients are as effective as vitamin C itself and can provide the skin with its beneficial properties.

Which form to choose?

When choosing a cosmetic with vitamin C, it is worth considering the form that will best suit your needs. The most common form is L-ascorbic acid, which is stable and effective. However, people with sensitive skin may prefer less irritating forms such as magnesium ascorbate or glucoside ascorbate. It is also important to choose products with the appropriate concentration of vitamin C, usually ranging from 5% to 20%.

When and with what should you combine cosmetics with vitamin C, and what should you not use it with?

Vitamin C is a broad-spectrum ingredient, but there are certain rules regarding its use to avoid potential problems. Here are some tips:

Use in the morning: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, so it is best to use it in the morning to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Do not combine with retinoids: The combination of vitamin C and retinoids may irritate the skin, so it is better to use them at different times of the day or alternately.

Avoid products with a low pH: Vitamin C works best in a pH environment close to the skin’s natural pH. Using it together with products with a low pH, e.g. AHA or BHA acids, may reduce its effectiveness.

Be careful with sensitive skin: People with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergies when using high concentrations of vitamin C. It is worth starting with products with a lower concentration and gradually increasing the dosage.

Your suggestions

When using cosmetics with vitamin C, remember to be regular and patient. The effects may only be visible after several weeks or even months. If you are unsure about the right product for your skin type, it is worth consulting a dermatologist.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about skin care and cosmetics with vitamin C, we recommend you read the following articles:

• “How to choose the right skin care depending on your skin type”
• “Effective fight against skin discoloration”
• “Natural vs. conventional cosmetics – what to choose?”

Thanks to proper care and choosing the right cosmetics with vitamin C, you can enjoy healthy and radiant skin for many years.