Vitamins in skincare do more than supplement — they actively change skin behaviour. Vitamin C brightens and protects, Vitamin E repairs and seals, Vitamin B3 regulates and calms. Understanding which vitamins do what helps you build a routine that works morning and evening without conflict.
The gold standard brightening ingredient. Antioxidant protection against UV damage, inhibits melanin production to fade dark spots, and stimulates collagen. Most effective at 10–20%. Unstable — store away from light and heat.
Ascorbyl glucoside, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, THD Ascorbate — more stable, less irritating than L-ascorbic acid. Require conversion to active Vitamin C in skin. Gentler option for reactive skin or first-time Vitamin C users.
The ultimate multi-tasker. Regulates sebum, fades post-acne marks, minimises pore appearance, strengthens barrier and reduces redness. Works at all percentages — 2% for sensitive skin, 10% for oil control.
Antioxidant, barrier-repair and moisture-sealing ingredient. Rarely used alone — works synergistically with Vitamin C to significantly boost antioxidant efficacy and stability. Healing, reparative and occlusive.
See the Retinols guide for a full breakdown. Vitamin A is the category — retinol, retinal and bakuchiol are the forms. The most proven family of anti-aging ingredients in skincare.
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