Vitamin C
Radiant, glowing skin starts with our edit of vitamin C serums and moisturisers that help to brighten dullness, even out skin tone, and defend against daily damage from UV rays and pollution. Whether you’re after a high-strength serum from Medik8, a deeply hydrating cream from Sunday Riley, a botanical based complex from Naturium, or an affordable option from The Ordinary, find your perfect brightening formula right here.
Your Questions, Answered
Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that helps brighten dull complexions, even out skin tone, soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, support collagen production, and defend against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
You can add vitamin C to your skincare routine with a dedicated vitamin C serum, which typically delivers a higher concentration and penetrates more effectively. For a gentler option, especially for first-timers or those with sensitive skin, vitamin C-infused moisturisers and creams provide a softer introduction while still offering a brightening, radiant boost.
While you can use vitamin C at night, we recommend it for your morning routine to take full advantage of its antioxidant benefits throughout the day. Additionally, if you use a retinol serum at night, it’s best to apply vitamin C in the morning to avoid irritation from layering the two.
You should avoid using vitamin C in the same routine as acids, such as AHAs and BHAs, to prevent dryness and irritation. Vitamin C should also not be used alongside retinol, so we recommend using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Medik8's vitamin C serum is a favourite among Space NK shoppers, featuring 7% stabilised tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate - a gentle yet effective strength that makes it ideal for beginners or daily use. Naturium’s Vitamin C Complex Serum blends stable L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and a bioactive fruit complex to brighten, firm and protect skin without irritation. For more experienced users, higher-strength options include the ever-popular Sunday Riley CEO vitamin C serum at 15% and Paula’s Choice vitamin C serum at 25%. For a more affordable choice that still packs a punch, we recommend The Ordinary’s Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%.
