Everything You Need to Know About the Benefits of Combining Vitamin C and SPF
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient necessary for normal and regular tissue growth, but the body does not produce it. According to board-certified dermatologist Connie Yang, MD, vitamin C also offers antioxidant and protective properties when applied topically to the skin. To obtain the antioxidant, you must consume it through fruits and vegetables or supplements. Synthetic versions of vitamin C are often found in topical skincare products, allowing the skin to reap the vitamin's benefits.
Not all vitamin C-packed products are equal, and the type of vitamin C used, its concentration, and pH levels dictate the results garnered. The purest form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, is always the best, but not every skin type can tolerate it. Other vitamin C derivatives work towards the same goal of healthier skin, less discoloration, improved collagen production, and potent free radical protection.
Benefits of Vitamin C and Sunscreen
Using vitamin C and SPF together is better than using just one or the other (but still better than going totally bare-faced and unprotected). “Vitamin C provides added antioxidant protection, neutralizing free radical damage from environmental stressors, like UV rays, while sunscreen offers protection from UV damage by reflecting and/or absorbing the UV energy,” Dr. Yang says. “Combining the two ingredients provides extra protection against daily exposures that can accelerate skin aging.”
Some of the more notable benefits of this combination approach to skin care include:
Optimized sun protection: To prevent fewer UV rays from penetrating the skin and neutralizing more free radicals. On its own, sunscreen is believed to block only about 55% of free radicals from UV exposure, yet pairing SPF with vitamin C helps increase the sunscreen's effectiveness since it can increase its ability to absorb more UV rays by the sunscreen. Reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation: This dual-prong approach blocks the enzyme that produces excess melanin while safeguarding the skin from the sun, leading to less discoloration and a brighter complexion over time. Neutralizing free radicals: This pairing protects the skin to prevent future sun and free radical damage, but it can also strengthen the skin and improve its overall health.
How to Use Vitamin C and Sunscreen Together
Using vitamin C and sunscreen isn't complicated, nor should it be. While some products are formulated to include both ingredients in a single formula, individually applying each ingredient is also viable. When using vitamin C and SPF together, it's best to apply vitamin C before sunscreen so that the vitamin can effectively penetrate the skin, allowing the sunscreen to act as a protective layer on top. This also helps to neutralize any free radicals produced by the sun while improving the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
What Happens if You Use Vitamin C Without Sunscreen?
Vitamin C is effective for increasing collagen production, strengthening the skin, and brightening the complexion, but the antioxidant-rich ingredient also has the unwanted side effect of increased sun sensitivity. Using vitamin C without applying a layer of sunscreen can leave the skin far more susceptible to sun damage and photoaging. To reduce the risks of sun sensitivity caused by vitamin C, always follow up with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect the skin. Dr. Yang always recommends applying sunscreen on top of vitamin C to ensure you get adequate protection. “While vitamin C does provide antioxidant protection, it is not enough on its own to protect against UV damage. And while sunscreen blocks UV rays, it doesn't neutralize free radicals that still form when UV rays hit your skin like vitamin C does.”
Which Ingredients Do Not Mix Well with Vitamin C Skincare Products?
Vitamin C works well with plenty of skincare ingredients, but there are also a handful of them that you'll want to steer clear of when using the vitamin. Some of the more powerful actives you should not use alongside vitamin C include AHAs and BHAs, which can irritate the skin and leave it red and inflamed with a weakened skin barrier. It's also best not to wear vitamin C under or over benzoyl peroxide since using the two together can cancel out their efficacy.
Shop the Best Vitamin C and Sunscreen
1. First Aid Beauty Hydrating Sunscreen Milk with Colloidal Oatmeal Broad Spectrum 45
$36.00
Not all sunscreens need to feel thick and heavy on the skin, and this lightweight SPF-packed milk proves that point. Perfect for protecting the skin while providing long-lasting hydration, it melts into the skin for a dewy finish that doesn't clog the pores or leave behind a white cast.
Key Ingredients: Organic UV filers, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Skin Type: Dry, combination, normal
Skin Benefit(s): Protects skin from UV rays, provides skin hydration
Beauty Insider Tip: With no artificial fragrance and clean ingredients, this dermatologist-tested sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin types
2. Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
$140.00
More than your average sunscreen, this broad-spectrum, non-nano mineral formula shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays while reducing the signs of aging. Powered by the brand's proprietary TFC8 complex, the ultra-lightweight, reef-safe sunscreen helps reduce the appearance of redness and fine lines, improve skin hydration levels, and leave behind an effortless glow.
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, cotton seed extract, microalgae extract, raspberry seed oil
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Improves uneven skin tone, increases skin hydration levels, reduces redness, improves the appearance of crow's feet and other visible signs of aging, protects against premature aging caused by the sun
Beauty Insider Tip: The sunscreen is housed in a recyclable aluminum bottle and an airless pack with safe and quality-centered smart preservatives
3. Dune Suncare The Mug Guard – Invisible Gel Suncare for Face
$27.95
Clear gel sunscreens like this one are a must when protecting the skin from the sun since they don't leave behind a white cast, making them safe and completely invisible on all skin tones. This weightless vegan SPF feels cooling to the skin on contact, yet it dries quickly and never pills nor clogs pores, making it a win-win.
Key Ingredients: Knotgrass extract, ginger, bisabolol, vitamin E, neem leaf, hibiscus fruit extract
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Hydrates the skin, helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes the appearance of dark spots and redness
Beauty Insider Tip: Thanks to a blend of botanical ingredients, the sunscreen helps hydrate thirsty skin while keeping it well protected during the day
4. Vacation Orange Gelée SPF 30 Spray Oil
$23.00
If ease of use is a prerequisite for sunscreen, then this oil spray-on, which goes on clear, making it compatible with all skin tones, will surely check all the boxes. Thanks to a luxurious, moisturizing feel, the SPF 30 oil features a non-aerosol continuous spray technology that ensures optimal application to fully protect the skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, shea and coconut oil, jojoba, maracuja, saffron, bergamot
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Leaves skin hydrated and feeling moisturized, mess-free application, works for all skin tones and types
Beauty Insider Tip: This sunscreen oil features the same popular scent in Vacation's original Orange Gelée, which features notes of bergamot, clove, saffron, patchouli, and sandalwood
5. Paula's Choice Super C Duo
$58.00
Packing supercharged vitamin C into a luxe formula, this duo consists of a skin booster and a sheer moisturizer with SPF for a healthy glow, added hydration, and a brighter-looking complexion. Use the booster and moisturizer together or individually to defend against sun damage and improve UV protection while enhancing the skin's health.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, ergothioneine, acetyl zingerone, algae-derived amino acids
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Brightens and hydrates the skin, improves the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, gives the skin a natural glow, helps defend against sun damage, supercharges UV protection
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply the Super Booster after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating up to twice daily and the Sheer Moisturizer as the last step in your morning skincare routine
6. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Vitamin C
$65.00
Exfoliation is key to increasing the skin's natural glow, improving its overall tone, and increasing elasticity. While vitamin C isn't an exfoliating agent, when paired with it, its benefits are dramatically boosted. This unique skin treatment features glycolic acid alongside vitamin C to reveal brighter, healthier skin by buffing away dead skin cells and eliminating dullness for smoother, softer, brighter-looking skin in just four weeks.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin C, Australian tazman pepper silk proteins
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, eliminates dullness and pigmentation, creates more evenly toned skin with a softer texture
Beauty Insider Tip: To properly use the treatment, apply it to the skin post-cleansing and use it only three nights per week.
7. Glo Skin Beauty C Shield Anti-Pollution Drops
$100.00
Treat your skin to a daily dose of 15% vitamin C with this skin-shielding booster serum. It offers anti-pollution and blue light protection for increased skin radiance. The supercharged serum improves skin clarity while reducing hyperpigmentation and other types of discoloration for visibly brighter and more nourished-looking skin.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, glutathione, Kakadu plum
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Defends against environmental stressors and pollutants, feeds and fortifies the skin's protective barrier, neutralizes damaging blue light and free radicals, reduces redness, calms irritation, protects against signs of premature aging, supports skin's clarity, giving a brightening boost.
Beauty Insider Tip: To reap the serum's full benefits, apply four to six drops to the skin in the morning or mix two to three drops with your favorite moisturizer for a brightening boost.
8. Medik8 C Tetra Serum
$49.00
This supercharged stabilized vitamin C serum effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots in about one month while also supporting the skin's barrier. The nonirritating, super-soft serum also leaves the skin looking more radiant and with optimal antioxidant protection.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, squalane, maracuja oil, red ginseng, vitamin E
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Brightens the skin for a youthful boost, reduces the appearance of dark spots, deeply moisturizes the skin, helps support the skin barrier
Beauty Insider Tip: The serum is safe to use alongside retinol and retinoids, and pairing the two together leads to more youthful, brighter-looking skin.
9. Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum
$91.00
Offering multiple types of vitamin C for anti-aging benefits, this power-packed serum helps brighten the skin, hydrate it, and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Plus, its natural orange peel scent works with all skin types to give the skin a plump, bouncy, natural look.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, green tea
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Brightens the skin, smooths and firms the skin, locks moisture into the skin for a plumper look, helps defend the skin against environmental damage and pollution
Beauty Insider Tip: To increase hydration in the skin, add a few drops of a hyaluronic acid serum to the skin first
10. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF with Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Serum
$185.00
Perfect as an everyday vitamin C serum, this formula delivers advanced environmental protection to help decrease the visibility of stubborn fine lines and complexion-distracting discoloration. The blend of phloretin, ferulic acid, and vitamin C protects the skin against aging and environmental damage for a healthier-looking complexion with increased brightness and a natural glow.
Key Ingredients: Phloretin, vitamin C, ferulic acid
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Neutralizes free radicals, improves discoloration and overall skin tone
Beauty Insider Tip: After applying the serum to the skin, layer on your favorite sunscreen for optimal protection from the sun
11. Neostrata 15 Vitamin C and PHA Serum
$55.00
We love this more-than-the-standard vitamin C serum which packs 15% of the antioxidant and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to target dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and other symptoms of premature photoaging. The more you use the easy-to-absorb formula, the brighter and more youthful the skin will appear—the first signs of improvement can be seen within the first four weeks.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, polyhydroxy acid, feverfew extract, green tea
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Brightens discoloration for a natural, radiant glow, fades dark spots and dark patches, provides anti-aging benefits, strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, leaving it more resilient, provides antioxidant benefits
Beauty Insider Tip: To retain the serum's efficacy, always store it upright in a cool, dark place
12. Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40
$38.00
Rest assured knowing your skin is well protected with this lightweight facial sunscreen, offering 12 hours of long-lasting hydration. Its non-greasy finish and no white cast make this advanced formula a must-have for defending against UV, blue light, and pollution damage while preventing free radical damage from heat.
Key Ingredients: Mediterranean algae extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Protects against blue light and UV damage, promotes hydration within the skin, defends against free radicals, non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula
Beauty Insider Tip: Use this sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine to keep the skin well-protected from the sun
13. EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
$35.00
Perfect for dry and mature skin types that crave moisture from their sunscreen, this formula is lightweight to wear yet creamy upon application for a hydrating effect. Use the mineral-based SPF daily to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays and layer it under makeup for a non-pilling effect—a major plus when it comes to good sunscreen!
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Skin Type: Dry and mature
Skin Benefit(s): Reflects and scatters UVA and UVB rays, retains moisture and restores suppleness to the skin, reduces dryness and skin flaking, reduces free radical damage to diminish the signs of aging
Beauty Insider Tip: Since the no-drip formula is water and sweat-resistant, it's the perfect sunscreen to wear when partaking in outdoor activities and sports
14. Jan Marinin C Esta Face Serum
$140.00
This powerful vitamin C-rich serum is clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture while protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors. It also features hyaluronic acid and DMAE to improve the skin's health and provide much-needed moisture.
Key Ingredients: Ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), DMAE, vitamin B5 & E, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture, protects skin from free radicals produced by UV rays and environmental stressors, does not irritate the skin, provides a tighter, firmer, more lifted look
Beauty Insider Tip: In a split-face vitamin C study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology comparing C-ESTA to a leading vitamin C, the serum was shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing superior benefits to leading traditional vitamin C serums.
15. Medik-8 Super C Ferulic Serum
$75.00
Send wrinkles, dark spots, and slack skin packing with this potent vitamin C serum, perfect for tackling the signs of sun-related aging. Suitable for all skin tones, the 30% vitamin C-rich formula works fast to brighten and smooth the skin for a younger-looking complexion and improved skin health.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, turmeric root extract
Skin Type: Mature
Skin Benefit(s): Improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, enhances skin firmness and elasticity
Beauty Insider Tip: Always patch test the serum on your inner elbow first, as the high concentration of vitamin C can cause tingling during the initial use.
16. Whitney Bowe Beauty Asta C Vitamin C Age Defense Serum
$88.00
Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe formulated this award-winning daily-use vitamin C serum, which features two newer forms of vitamin C at 15% strength for efficacy, stability, and visible results. The impressive formula improves the skin's firmness and appearance and fades discoloration, all in a vegan, cruelty-free formulation.
Key Ingredients: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ethyl ascorbic acid, astaxanthin, turmeric
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the look of wrinkles, firms skin's appearance, fades dark spots and discoloration, brightens the overall appearance of skin to restore youthful radiance, helps defend against free radicals that accelerate skin aging
Beauty Insider Tip: If you're new to vitamin C or sensitive to it, use the serum once a day in the morning before working your way up to twice a day and layering with other skincare actives.
17. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
$52.00
Replace your everyday foundation with this lightweight tinted mineral version, which offers color coverage and sun protection for flawless-looking skin. The hydrating formula, which is packed with antioxidant-rich minerals, starts off white and adjusts to the skin's tone for buildable coverage and a demi-matte finish.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide
Skin Type: All
Skin Benefit(s): Encapsulated pigments adjust to skin's natural tone, the formula hydrates the skin while providing antioxidant benefits, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Beauty Insider Tip: If you are between two shades, go with the lighter shade
18. Supergoop SPF 30 Antioxidant Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C
$21.00
For a light-as-air sunscreen that feels good on the skin, reach for this non-aerosol spray that is resistant to water and sweat. Immediately upon application, the vitamin C-rich formula gives the skin a beautiful, healthy glow. At the same time, the nozzle works at every angle so you can protect even those hard-to-reach areas.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, vitamin C, acai extract, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, oily
Skin Benefit(s): Reduces the visible effects of free radical damage, protects the skin from sun damage
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply the sunscreen to wet or dry skin and let it work its magic to protect the skin
FAQs
Is Sunscreen the Last Step of a Skincare Routine?
No matter which ingredients and products your skincare routine consists of, sunscreen should always be the last step—even after applying heavy creams and moisturizers. “Apply vitamin C after cleansing the skin to make maximal contact with the skin,” Dr. Yang shares. “Then, layer moisturizer and sunscreen on top. Sunscreen should be the last step of your skincare routine.” Even if you wear makeup during the day, SPF should always be the final skincare product you apply before adding any type of face makeup. Since some sunscreens can pill or roll under makeup, it's best to let it fully absorb into the skin first.
How Long Should You Wait to Apply Sunscreen After Vitamin C?
It is always a good idea to let your vitamin C serums absorb into the skin before applying sunscreen. Dr. Yang says to let your vitamin C serum fully absorb into the skin before applying sunscreen. “This doesn't take long; about one to two minutes. This way, the vitamin C will penetrate the skin and be most effective.
Is it Better to Use Vitamin C Serum at Night or Morning?
Since vitamin C works well with sunscreen, it's recommended to always use it during the day, but it works equally as well—especially to repair the skin—at night. Working vitamin C into your morning skincare routine allows your skin to reap the benefits of preventing free radical damage while enhancing the sun-protective effects of sunscreen.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen and vitamin C are the cornerstones of any well-devised skincare routine; using them together is better than using them alone. While vitamin C can up the ante of your sunscreen, if applying each product adds another step to your skincare routine, look for sunscreens formulated with vitamin C to make life a little easier. No matter how you slice it, adding vitamin C and sunscreen to your morning routine is a surefire way to keep your skin protected and healthy from every angle possible.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
