Vitamin C is one of the most popular skincare ingredients, thanks to its reputation for being an anti-aging and dullness-busting powerhouse. However, there are a lot of misconceptions around how to use it and what it does to your skin. We’re busting the top vitamin C myths so that you can feel confident using this ingredient in your routine. 

Myth #1: Vitamin C Is All the Same

As far as its use in skincare, vitamin C comes in many different forms. Some of the most common types you’ll find in serums and other topical products include ascorbic acid, 3-0-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbic phosphate, sodium ascorbic phosphate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. 

Each of these forms can affect the skin in different ways. Ultimately, this means one vitamin C formula may work for you, while another formulated with a different type of vitamin C may not. 

Beyond the actual form of vitamin C the product features, the effectiveness of the formula can also depend on the other ingredients used. While two formulas may use the same vitamin C, their effects may vary greatly, depending on the supporting ingredients. 

For example, research has shown that vitamin E and ferulic acid improve the efficacy of vitamin C, and also help stabilize the ingredient. A serum made with these ingredients will lead to much better results than one without, even if they are both using similar concentrations of the same form of vitamin C. Our  Vitamin C Boost Serum combines ascorbic acid, 3-0-ethyl ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate (three research-backed forms of vitamin C) with vitamin E and ferulic acid to deliver the best possible results. 

Myth #2: Vitamin C Can Cause Sun Sensitivity

There’s a misconception that vitamin C can cause sensitivity to the sun, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, using vitamin C during the daytime is incredibly beneficial, as the antioxidant is able to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals from UV rays. This means you can safely use it both morning and night if desired to get the maximum benefits from this antioxidant. 

Myth #3: Vitamin C is Only for Certain Skin Types

Looking back at myth #1, we know that not all forms of vitamin C are created equal. With this in mind, everyone can find a vitamin C serum that works for them. In fact, given the multitasking nature of the ingredient, vitamin C is one of the best skincare ingredients for all skin types. 

What’s important to keep in mind when choosing a vitamin C serum is to find a formula that works for your skin type. Someone with sensitive skin, for example, will want to reach for a formula made with soothing ingredients like bisabolol and licorice root extract. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you’ll want to make sure you pick out a lightweight formula, rather than a heavier serum that will feel greasy on your skin. 

Myth #4: The More Vitamin C, the Better

When it comes to vitamin C, there can be too much of a good thing. While a formula with the right concentration of vitamin C has a lot to offer, the ingredient can aggravate the skin when used in excess. In fact, there’s a risk that you’ll experience redness, irritation, or itchiness when you use too much vitamin C on your skin. 

With this in mind, it’s typically best to avoid formulas with more than a 20% concentration of vitamin C. This extra amount won’t offer any additional benefits compared to lower concentration formulas, and there’s a good chance it’ll cause discomfort in your skin. 

Myth #5: Vitamin C Can't Be Combined with Other Acids or Retinol

There’s some nuance to this myth. Vitamin C isn’t going to reduce the efficacy of retinol, AHAs, or BHAs (nor will these ingredients negatively impact the effects of vitamin C). However, these are all strong active ingredients, which means they come with a risk of aggravating the skin. When layered together, that risk becomes even greater – especially if your skin isn’t used to these ingredients. 

You also have to consider the concentration of the formulas you are using. A low concentration vitamin C serum layered with a gentle exfoliant may work for your skin. However, combining a strong exfoliant and potent vitamin C may cause some problems for your complexion. 

Keeping all of this in mind, if you do want to layer your vitamin C with other active ingredients, it’s best to slowly add them to your routine to allow your skin to adjust. Alternatively, just stick with using one active ingredient in the morning, and then the other in the evening. 

Myth #6: You Can Grow Resistant to Vitamin C

Don’t fret – your skin isn’t going to become resistant to your favorite vitamin C serum. You’ll continue to reap the benefits of regular vitamin C use over a long period of time. Keep applying your serum for the ultimate anti-aging and brightening routine!