Vitamin C
Vitamin C is skincare's best-known antioxidant — a brightening, protective ingredient that works beautifully alongside your sunscreen. Here's the honest picture.
What it is
Vitamin C (often as L-ascorbic acid, or gentler derivatives) is a potent antioxidant. In skincare its role is twofold: it helps neutralise the free radicals generated by sun and pollution, and it plays a part in the skin's natural collagen and brightening pathways.
It can be a temperamental ingredient — light and air degrade it — so packaging and formulation genuinely matter.
What it's designed to do
Used in the morning, vitamin C is designed to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion and to add a layer of antioxidant defence under your sunscreen — which is why the two are such a classic pairing.
It supports tone and radiance rather than resurfacing; think daily protection and glow.
How to use it
Apply it in the morning, after cleansing and before moisturiser and SPF. Start with a lower concentration if your skin is sensitive, and store it somewhere cool and dark. If it turns deep orange or brown, it has oxidised and lost potency.
The best strength and form for your skin is worth choosing with guidance.
This page is general skincare education, not medical advice. What's right for your skin is assessed individually — patch-test new products and seek professional guidance.
Common questions
What does vitamin C do for your skin?
It's an antioxidant that helps defend against sun and pollution and supports a brighter, more even-looking complexion. It's most effective used in the morning under sunscreen.
Can I use vitamin C with sunscreen?
Yes — they're a classic pairing. Vitamin C adds antioxidant defence beneath your SPF; it doesn't replace sun protection.
Why has my vitamin C serum changed colour?
Vitamin C oxidises with light and air. If it's turned deep orange or brown it has lost potency — store it cool and dark, and replace it.
The right formula for your skin
We stock Dr Spiller skincare and choose formulations — by name — to suit your skin and extend your results at home.
More ingredients
Skincare chosen for your skin.
In a complimentary consultation and skin analysis we'll map a simple, effective routine — and what, if anything, is worth doing in clinic.