What Is Vitamin C? Skincare Benefits Explained

Vitamin C is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare — and one of the most misunderstood. Here's what it actually does, and why the form matters.

What Vitamin C Does for Skin

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. That means it helps defend your skin against the daily damage caused by UV exposure, pollution, and general environmental stress — the kind of damage that shows up over time as dullness, uneven tone, and fine lines. It also plays a role in supporting collagen production and improving the appearance of skin tone and brightness.

Why We Use Stable Forms of Vitamin C

Not all Vitamin C is the same. The most common form, L-ascorbic acid, is genuinely effective — but it's also unstable, oxidises quickly, and can be irritating for some skin.

We use stable Vitamin C derivatives, including Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, in selected formulas. These forms provide antioxidant and brightening support while offering a different formulation approach to pure L-ascorbic acid. They can be a useful option when a formula is designed to balance Vitamin C benefits with skin comfort and stability.

Their stability characteristics can make them useful when formulating products where maintaining ingredient performance and skin comfort are both priorities. Vitamin C also pairs well with other antioxidants like Vitamin E and CoQ10, which is why you'll often find them formulated together.

Where You'll Find It

Vitamin C is part of the formula in the Retinol Eye Cream with Vitamin C & Peptides, the Retinol & Peptide Night Repair Cream, and the Vitamin C Antioxidant Elixir with CoQ10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Vitamin C irritate sensitive skin?
Some forms can, particularly high-strength L-ascorbic acid. If your skin is currently reactive, our skin barrier repair guide is a good place to start before introducing Vitamin C.

Can I use Vitamin C with retinol?
Yes — our Retinol Eye Cream combines both. Using gentler, stable forms of each is what makes this combination comfortable rather than irritating.

Does Vitamin C replace SPF?
No. Vitamin C supports skin's defence against environmental stress, but it doesn't replace daily sun protection.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin C supports brighter, more resilient-looking skin — but the form matters as much as the ingredient itself. We favour stable derivatives designed to balance benefit with comfort.