Find your vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant serum for the morning. It helps skin look fresher and more even, and it works well under sunscreen. This guide helps you pick the right form and strength, and shows how to fit it into your routine.
How to choose: form and strength
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L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C): This is the classic form. It is strong and well studied, but it is also more sensitive to air and light. It usually comes in 10% to 23% strengths, for example COSRX The Vitamin C 13 Serum. Start at 10% to 15% if you are new to it.
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Derivatives (such as ascorbyl glucoside or sodium ascorbyl phosphate): These are gentler, more stable forms that skin converts slowly. They suit beginners and sensitive skin, for example The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%.
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Booster shots and ampoules: These have lighter, watery textures that layer easily. Arencia Vitamin C Booster Shot and Dr.Althea Vit-C Boosting Serum are popular picks.
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Higher is not always better. Above 20%, a serum can sting without giving more benefit. Pick a strength your skin is comfortable with every day.
Vitamin C serums by skin concern
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Dull, tired-looking skin: a daily 10% to 15% serum or a booster shot.
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Uneven-looking tone: use vitamin C consistently in the morning, with sunscreen every day.
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Oily skin: try watery serums and ampoules that absorb fast.
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Dry skin: follow with a moisturiser. Formulas with added vitamin E or ferulic acid feel more cushioning.
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Sensitive skin: start with a derivative and use it every other day for the first two weeks.
How to use it in the morning
- Cleanse and pat your skin dry.
- Apply 3 to 4 drops to your face and neck.
- Wait a minute, then apply your moisturiser.
- Finish with sunscreen every morning. Browse our sunscreens.
You can use vitamin C at night too, but the morning makes the most of it as an antioxidant under SPF.
Pairing with other ingredients
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Niacinamide: fine to use together. If your skin tingles, use vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide serums at night.
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Hyaluronic acid and moisturisers: easy partners for every skin type.
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Retinol, AHA and BHA exfoliants: use them at night and keep vitamin C for the morning, so your skin does not get irritated.
- Explore more face serums to build your routine.
Patch test first
Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your inner arm once a day for 2 to 3 days. If you see redness or itching, stop using it. A light tingle with pure vitamin C can be normal in the first few uses.
Storage and oxidation
Vitamin C reacts with air, light and heat. Close the cap tightly, keep the bottle in a cool, dark place out of sunlight, and use it within the period printed on the pack. If a clear or pale serum turns dark orange or brown, it has oxidised and should be replaced. Some formulas are naturally yellow, so judge by a change from the colour it had when you opened it.
FAQ
Are your vitamin C serums original?
Yes. Every product at Nokkhotro is sourced from authorised distributors and importers in Bangladesh, so you always get genuine products.
What does vitamin C serum do for skin?
It is an antioxidant that helps skin look fresher, smoother and more even over time, especially when you pair it with daily sunscreen.
Which strength should I start with?
Start with 10% to 15% pure vitamin C, or with a derivative if your skin is sensitive. Move up only if your skin is comfortable.
Can I use vitamin C with niacinamide?
Yes, most people can. If you feel tingling, use them at different times of day.
Why did my serum change colour?
Exposure to air, light or heat makes vitamin C oxidise. A serum that has turned dark orange or brown should be replaced.
Morning or night?
Morning is ideal, followed by sunscreen. Night use is fine if your skin prefers it, but keep retinol and acids on other nights.
