Vitamin C for Skin: Benefits, Best Types, Hero Products & How to Use It Daily

Vitamin C for Skin: Benefits, Best Products & How to Use It Daily

April 4 marks Vitamin C Day, and if you ask us, it's the skincare holiday we didn't know we needed. Sure, we all know Vitamin C as the thing in our morning OJ or the supplement our moms nagged us to take during flu season. But in the beauty world, it's become the go-to ingredient in skincare.

That’s because it brightens, enhances, and helps your complexion look its absolute best. When formulated just right, it delivers the kind of results that make people ask, “What have you been doing differently?”

The beauty of Vitamin C isn't just in what it does but in how it complements other ingredients. Paired with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it creates a powerful duo that helps your skin look refreshed, vibrant, and glowing, as seen in our T-Zone Balance Hydrating Serum with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C. Whether your skincare routine fits on a sticky note or has a 12-step routine, there's a place for this superstar ingredient in everyone's regimen.

Let's dive into everything you need to know about Vitamin C in skincare and why it deserves a permanent spot on your bathroom shelf.

The Vitamin C Lowdown

Decades of research back Vitamin C as an ingredient that visibly brightens your skin's overall appearance. Unlike some ingredients that work best for specific skin types, Vitamin C is a universal ingredient, no matter if your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between.

“At Repêchage, we are using one of the more stable, gentle, advanced, and effective forms of Vitamin C that works gradually and effectively without irritation,” says Anna Kuc, who works behind the scenes at Repêchage as a Senior Chemist.

However, not all skincare brands formulate Vitamin C products the same way, which is extremely important when shopping for products. Vitamin C can come in multiple forms, each offering distinct benefits depending on your skin’s needs.

Two key forms found in Repêchage products are:

Ascorbic Phosphate (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) – A water-soluble form that transforms into active Vitamin C once applied to skin. According to Kuc, it’s gentle and stable, making it especially well-suited for sensitive or combination skin types. It’s used to visibly brighten and refine the look of skin texture, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their complexion.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate – An oil-soluble form that absorbs deeply into skin, making it ideal for drier or sensitive skin types. It’s known for promoting a more even-looking tone and helping skin feel firmer over time.

These forms of Vitamin C are known for their stability and effectiveness, helping your skincare routine deliver visible benefits that last.

So how do you make the most of it? Pairing it with the right ingredients can take your glow to the next level.

Glow-Boosting T-Zone Balance Hydrating Serum 

If you’re looking for an easy way to bring Vitamin C into your routine, our T-Zone Balance Hydrating Serum is a great place to start. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula combines stabilized Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid for an instant refresh.

Kuc says pairing Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid supports hydration while enhancing the appearance of brightness and smoothness. When used together in skincare, they can help promote a refreshed, healthy-looking glow.

Because it’s lightweight and non-greasy, the serum is perfect for combination and oily skin types. It’s also versatile enough to work in most routines. For best results, apply it in the morning after cleansing and before wearing a mineral face shield—Vitamin C’s ultimate sidekick. When used together, they help skin maintain a fresh, healthy-looking glow all day long.

Vitamin C Stars in the Repêchage Lineup

Aside from the T-Zone Balance Hydrating Serum, Vitamin C is readily found in many of Repêchage’s beloved products, each formulated to improve the skin’s appearance in different ways.

• Rapidex® Marine Exfoliator With Phyto-Marine Actives – A safe and effective 14-day uni–dose at-home peel designed to reveal smoother, more even-looking skin.

• Biolight® Brightening Sheet Mask – A glow-boosting sheet mask that helps skin feel smoother, with a more refined texture.

• Opti-Firm® Eye Contour Cream - Our lightweight eye cream has ingredients that restore the delicate skin around the eyes, helping them look refreshed and youthful.

• Mineral Face Shield® - A mineral-based formula perfect for everyday protection from the sun. It’s non-greasy with a matte finish, ideal for use under makeup. 

Vitamin C is even more effective when combined with ingredients like Laminaria Digitata Extract,” notes Kuc. It’s rich in polyphenols, fucoidan, minerals, polysaccharides, and fucoxanthin—creates a powerful antioxidant duo that supports hydration and helps enhance the skin’s visible brightness.”

Your Vitamin C Cheat Sheet:

Since Vitamin C is an active ingredient, a few pro tips can help you make the most of it.

How should I store my Vitamin C products?

Keep them in a dark, airtight container and store away from direct light and heat. Vitamin C is sensitive to oxidation, and proper storage helps maintain its stability and effectiveness.

What’s the best way to start using Vitamin C?

For someone new to Vitamin C skincare, introducing it correctly is key to getting glowing skin without irritation. Kuc recommends starting with a low concentration, applying it in the morning before your moisturizer and mineral face shield, and avoiding direct combinations with ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide (an ingredient that is on our no no list!) or strong AHAs/BHAs.

Can I use Vitamin C with retinol?

Yes, but alternate days if you have sensitive skin. These two ingredients can complement each other when used correctly.

How long before I see results?

Consistency is key! With daily use, you’ll start noticing a more even, refreshed appearance in just a few weeks.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about Vitamin C?

Vitamin C doesn’t work alone—its effectiveness increases when combined with the right supporting ingredients, says Kuc. When applied under sunscreen, it can help enhance the skin’s overall look throughout the day.

As we celebrate Vitamin C Day this April 4, why not give your skin the glow-up it deserves? Start with our T-Zone Balance Hydrating Serum to experience that perfect balance of brightness and hydration, then explore our other Vitamin C superstars to customize your routine.