Why Your Vitamin C Skincare May Not Be Working (And What to Use Instead)
We get it! Vitamin C is the glow-getting, collagen-boosting ingredient that everyone raves about, right?! But what if you’ve been using it for weeks (or months!) and... nothing? No brightening. No firming. No magic.
Let’s break down the truth: not all Vitamin C skincare is created equal, and there are a few sneaky reasons yours might not be best for your skin... especially if you have sensitive skin or are focused on gentle, anti-aging solutions.
1. Not All Vitamin C Is the Same
The most common form of Vitamin C used in skincare is L-Ascorbic Acid and while it’s one of the most potent, it’s also the most unstable. It doesn’t play well with light, heat, or air. Left unprotected, it can break down quickly and become ineffective (or worse, irritating).
If you’re using a Vitamin C serum that turns yellow or brown over time? That’s a big red flag—it’s oxidized and likely lost its potency.
✅ Pro Tip: Store Vitamin C serums in a cool, dark place (some even pop theirs in the fridge!)
2. It Needs the Right Supporting Cast
Vitamin C doesn’t work well solo. For maximum glow, L-Ascorbic Acid should be paired with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Together, this trio:
• Boosts each other’s antioxidant power
• Helps stabilize Vitamin C
• Enhances absorption into the skin
• Increases shelf life (so your bottle doesn’t go bad as fast)
No Ferulic Acid or Vitamin E in your serum? It might not be giving your skin the love it deserves.
3. Concentration (and pH) Matters
More isn’t always better. While L-Ascorbic Acid is powerful, it can also be too harsh, especially for sensitive skin. Vitamin C in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid likes a low pH, lower than the 4.5-5.5 that our skin prefers, especially sensitive skin.
Unfortunately, many brands don’t list pH levels on the label, making it harder to tell if the product is right for your skin, or right for the stability of L-Ascorbic Acid. (If you often feel a sting or notice redness, your skin might be begging for something gentler.)
4. Your Skin Might Need a Gentler Form
If your skin leans dry, reactive, or just prefers the gentler things in life, it’s time to consider alternative forms of Vitamin C that are more stable and way less irritating than L-Ascorbic Acid.
Let’s meet the gentler (but still glow-boosting) cousins:
🌿 Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Oil-soluble = deep penetration. Super stable. Less irritating. Good for sensitive skin that wants results without redness.
💧 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Water-soluble and known for its hydrating and soothing properties. Still gives you that brightening and collagen-supporting action, minus the harshness.
🍊 Ascorbyl Glucoside
Think: gentle glow. It’s a milder derivative but still effective at brightening and evening skin tone.
So... What Should You Look for in a Vitamin C Serum or Moisturizer?
If you want your skincare to actually work, look for products that check these boxes:
✔ A stable form of Vitamin C (especially if you’re sensitive)
✔ Antioxidant sidekicks like Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid if using L-Ascorbic Acid
✔ A pH that’s gentle on your skin
✔ Air-tight and light-protective packaging (opaque bottles are best!)
✔ Bonus points if it’s stored in the fridge or labeled with a “use by” date!
Final Thoughts: It’s Not You. It’s Your Serum/Moisturizer.
Vitamin C can be an amazing addition to your anti-aging routine: boosting collagen, fading dark spots, and brightening dull skin. But... only if it’s formulated correctly for your skin type.
If you’ve been using a serum or moisturizer religiously and still feel meh about the results, it might be time to upgrade to a formula that works with your skin, not against it.
👉 Sensitive skin? Go for the gentler forms.
👉 Anti-aging focused? Look for stability, antioxidants, and the right concentration.
👉 Want that glow? Make sure your Vitamin C isn’t already past its prime.
You deserve skincare that actually works... without the irritation! 💛 For a moisturizer formulated with Ascorbyl Glucoside for sensitive skin... check out our All Day Moisturizer with peptides.