Vitamin C has moved well beyond the serum bottle. It now appears in cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens, making it possible to build an entire routine around one ingredient. But seeing the same active across several labels does not tell you whether those products offer comparable benefits or whether you need them all. Malini Adapureddy, founder and CEO of Deconstruct, shares how to assess vitamin C by its place in the routine, helping consumers distinguish everyday cleansing, targeted care and sun protection.
A gentle yet effective formulation used consistently is easier to assess than several new vitamin C products introduced together. Choose a vitamin C face wash primarily for how well it cleanses and how comfortable your skin feels afterwards. Stabilised Vitamin C and niacinamide can feature alongside moisture-supporting ingredients such as Aquaxyl in a gentle, cream-based formulation. These attributes make hydration and comfort part of the cleansing experience. However, a product that is rinsed away has a different role from one left on the skin. Leaving a cleanser on longer than directed shouldn’t be used as a shortcut to greater brightening benefits. If your main concern is lingering marks or uneven tone, a leave-on Vitamin C formulation offers a more targeted treatment step. Its suitability should be assessed as a complete product, including the form of vitamin C and supporting ingredients. Centella Asiatica and panthenol, for instance, bring soothing care and hydration into the formula. Judge progress against the concern you started with, rather than expecting every aspect of your skin to change. Vitamin C in sunscreen offers antioxidant support alongside the product’s sun protection. Similarly, a Vitamin C lip balm can provide antioxidant benefits while helping keep the lips moisturised and nourished. However, neither product is interchangeable with a dedicated serum, nor does the presence of Vitamin C guarantee the same brightening results. When choosing a sunscreen, prioritise broad-spectrum protection and substantiated testing, followed by a texture that suits your skin. A lightweight gel that settles without stickiness or a white cast may be easier to wear in humid conditions. For lip care, look for a comfortable, hydrating formulation, preferably with SPF for daytime protection. Follow the recommended application directions and reapply sun protection regularly, regardless of the additional skincare ingredients.
Before adding another vitamin C product, identify the job it would perform. The useful addition is one that addresses a need in your routine, with expectations suited to its format.