The Basics On Vitamin C
What is Vitamin C?
Also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, Vitamin C is naturally found in various foods and is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters.
What are other names for Vitamin C?
L-ASCORBIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), and VITAMIN C
What is Vitamin C used for?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble, unstable vitamin that is the main antioxidant compound for our skin. It is a vital component of our skin structure and function. Topical vitamin C has a wide range of clinical applications, from antiaging and anti-pigmentation to skin photoprotection1 as well as being a known enhancer of skin collagen and elastin production2. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. It can be successfully applied topically to our skin to deliver significant benefits3.
How Vitamin C is classified
Antioxidants, Vitamins
Recommendations for using Vitamin C during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Can you take Vitamin C while pregnant? Limited data on taking Vitamin C during pregnancy suggests no known risk
Vitamin C During Pregnancy
What we know about using Vitamin C while pregnant or breastfeeding
Can pregnant women take Vitamin C? Taking Vitamin C while pregnant is generally considered safe.
General safety info about Vitamin C from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Vitamin C
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% (1 fl. oz.); Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% (1 fl. oz.); Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum (1 fl. oz.); SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex (1 oz.); La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum with Salicylic Acid (1.01 fl. oz.); Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum; Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA; Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask with Vitamin C; OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum; Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Al-Niaimi F, Chiang N. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17. [PubMed] 2. Hinek A, Kim H, Wang Y, Wang A, Mitts T. Sodium L-ascorbate enhances elastic fibers deposition by fibroblasts from normal and pathologic human skin. J Dermatol Sci. 2014;75(3):173-182. [PubMed] 3. Traikovich S. Use of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on photodamaged skin topography. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999;125(10):1091-1098. [PubMed] 4. Pinnell S, Yang H, Omar M, et al. Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(2):137-142. [PubMed] 5. Chen L, Hu J, Wang S. The role of antioxidants in photoprotection: a critical review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;67(5):1013-1024. [PubMed] 6. Moores J. Vitamin C: a wound healing perspective. Br J Community Nurs. 2013;Suppl:S6, S8-11. [PubMed] 7. Lin J, Selim M, Shea C, et al. UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;48(6):866-874. [PubMed] 8. Lin F, Lin J, Gupta R, et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):826-832. [PubMed] 9. Gönüllü U, Yener G, Uner M, Incegül T. Moisturizing potentials of ascorbyl palmitate and calcium ascorbate in various topical formulations. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2004;26(1):31-36. [PubMed] 10. Uchida Y, Behne M, Quiec D, Elias P, Holleran W. Vitamin C stimulates sphingolipid production and markers of barrier formation in submerged human keratinocyte cultures. J Invest Dermatol. 2001;117(5):1307-1313. [PubMed] 11. Kim K, Shin K, Park K, et al. Vitamin C Stimulates Epidermal Ceramide Production by Regulating Its Metabolic Enzymes. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2015;23(6):525-530. [PubMed] 12. Shimada Y, Tai H, Tanaka A, et al. Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo. J Periodontol. 2009;80(2):317-323. [PubMed] 13. Panich U, Tangsupa-a-nan V, Onkoksoong T, et al. Inhibition of UVA-mediated melanogenesis by ascorbic acid through modulation of antioxidant defense and nitric oxide system. Arch Pharm Res. 2011;34(5):811-820. [PubMed] 14. Kishimoto Y, Saito N, Kurita K, Shimokado K, Maruyama N, Ishigami A. Ascorbic acid enhances the expression of type 1 and type 4 collagen and SVCT2 in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2013;430(2):579-584. [PubMed] 15. Humbert P, Haftek M, Creidi P, et al. Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Exp Dermatol. 2003;12(3):237-244. [PubMed] 16. Herndon J, Jiang L, Kononov T, Fox T. An Open Label Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerance of a Retinol and Vitamin C Facial Regimen in Women With Mild-to-Moderate Hyperpigmentation and Photodamaged Facial Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(4):476-482. [PubMed] 17. Burgess C. Topical vitamins. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008;7(7 Suppl):s2-6. [PubMed] 18. Elmore A. Final report of the safety assessment of L-Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2005;24 Suppl 2:51-111. [PubMed] 19. Wang K, Jiang H, Li W, Qiang M, Dong T, Li H. Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases. Front Physiol. 2018;9:819. [PubMed] 20. Gallarate M, Carlotti M, Trotta M, Bovo S. On the stability of ascorbic acid in emulsified systems for topical and cosmetic use. Int J Pharm. 1999;188(2):233-241. [PubMed]
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
