Is Vitamin C In Skincare Vegan? What Is Vitamin C Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Vitamin C is a popular skincare ingredient. It contributes to healthy and beautiful skin in various ways. In skincare, vitamin C is always vegan as it is produced from plants or made synthetically.

Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties. Foods with vitamin C are considered to be particularly healthy. But how does it help in skincare? Let’s find out now.

See the best vegan vitamin C skincare here.

What Is Vitamin C In Skincare Made Of?

In chemistry, vitamin C is also referred to as ascorbic acid. It occurs in four different forms. The most well-known is L-ascorbic acid. It is the only form that has an effect on the human body and other living organisms.

Vitamin C regulates blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease, helps us absorb iron better, and takes care of the immune system. 

Although vitamin C is extremely important, the body doesn’t produce it itself. So, all the required amount of vitamin C must come from food, specifically from fruit and vegetable. Citrus fruits, berries, cabbage, peppers, and potatoes, for example, are rich in vitamin C.

However, in skincare vitamin C is mostly synthetic or made from plants. There are different forms aka derivatives of vitamin C used in skincare:

  • Ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C)
  • Ascorbyl Glucoside
  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
  • Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
  • Ascorbyl Palmitate

Why Is Vitamin C Used In Skincare?

Vitamin C is used in skincare because it is an antioxidant and it protects the cells from environmental damage. It also reduces hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen synthesis, and fights fine lines and wrinkles.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C keeps free radicals from damaging the skin. It protects the skin from irritation, inflammation, and environmental factors such as sun exposure or air pollution.

Vitamin C is also used against wrinkles. The secret to firm skin lies in collagen production. Vitamin C helps the body produce new collagen. So it ensures a healthy and stable collagen structure, fine lines disappear and the skin remains wrinkle-free for longer.

Moreover, Vitamin C fights acne and pimples. It reduces inflammation and calms the complexion. Vitamin C reduces red spots caused by blemishes and improves the skin’s natural healing process. Therefore, the skin condition can be visibly improved.

In addition, vitamin C is also good for dark areas and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C inhibits excessive melanin formation and counteracts the formation of dark spots. Plus, as vitamin C stimulates collagen production, it also helps with scars. Vitamin C serums are a popular choice to apply vitamin C.

FAQ About Vitamin C In Skincare

What is vitamin C in skincare?

The derivatives of vitamin C used in skincare are ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and others.

Why is vitamin C used in skincare?

Vitamin C is used in skincare because it is an antioxidant and it protects the cells from environmental damage. It also reduces hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen synthesis, and fights fine lines and wrinkles.

Is vitamin C in skincare vegan?

Yes. Vitamin C in skincare is vegan.

Summary

Vitamin C supports the skin in essential functions and contributes to healthy-looking skin. It helps with acne and pigment spots. Moreover, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.

The active ingredient also plays a key role in building collagen. That is why vitamin C is often used in anti-aging skincare. The active ingredient is safe to use on almost every type of skin. However, people with very sensitive skin should be careful as it might irritate the skin.

Check out also our selection of vegan skincare with vitamin C and our guide for the best vegan vitamin C serums.

See also: Best Vegan Skincare Products

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.