Vitamin C is mostly safe to use, but in rare instances, side effects may occur, like stinging, redness, dryness, or a yellowish discoloration. As with any new product, try a patch test first before a full application.

Why does my vitamin C serum sting?

While this often occurs in old formulas within a bottle, vitamin C can also oxidize on your skin when it comes into contact with oxygen. This creates hydronium ions, according to Veronique, which can lead to skin sensitivity. "It's tricky when you really mess with your skin's pH levels repeatedly," says Veronique.

Should I stop using vitamin C serum if it stings?

For those with sensitive, reactive skin, certain forms of vitamin C can be shockingly irritating, leading to dryness, peeling, and redness. But you shouldn't bin your vitamin C serums or moisturizers right after reading that.

Is vitamin C serum supposed to burn?

While some people might experience a slight burning or tingling sensation when using the serum, it should not last long. If a person experiences continued burning or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or hives, they should immediately wash their skin to remove the serum.

Is it normal for the ordinary vitamin C to burn?

This Vitamin C suspension tingles and may even burn on application. The Ordinary advises that this is normal and this product is supposed to tingle for 10-20 seconds after applying it. A product burning is not an indication that it's working and more so an indication that it's irritating your skin.

Why does this skin care product sting? burn? Q&A with dermatologist Dr Dray

19 related questions found

Why does vitamin C make my skin tingle?

If you feel a slight tingling sensation upon application, it's completely normal. “Vitamin C can be used on all skin types but because the PH of the product is low, sometimes it can have a slight stinging sensation,” says Humphrey.

Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?

Combining the two makes for a great all-in-one skin care step. “Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are commonly used together because they complement each other to hydrate, protect, and repair aging skin,” says Zeichner. ... “Hyaluronic acid is a great addition to vitamin C because it does not overwork the skin.

Should you use vitamin C serum everyday?

For optimal results, you should use Vitamin C serum every single day. It's worth noting that Vitamin C serum (and all serums in general!) are most effective when your skin is properly exfoliated. The build-up of dead skin cells due to lack of exfoliation can make it difficult for products to penetrate.

Does vitamin C break you out?

No, vitamin C serums cannot cause acne. One of the main arguments leveled against vitamin C is that it acts as a pro-oxidant. This means that instead of neutralizing free radicals, it will act as a free radical itself and begin to damage skin cells. This kind of free radical is called a reactive oxygen species (ROS).

What can you not mix with vitamin C serum?

AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.

How often should you apply Vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. It can be safely used in conjunction with other active ingredients, although use alongside niacinamide may render vitamin C less effective.

Is vitamin C serum drying?

L-ascorbic acid: As the active form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid works best at a low (acidic) pH that some may find drying and irritating, especially at higher concentrations.

How do you apply vitamin C serum at night?

A Vitamin C serum should be used in your bedtime routine and a couple of drops of it should suffice. Tap it on your skin using your fingertips and leave it on overnight. Wash your face in the morning and apply SPF to avoid any skin irritation.

Does vitamin C lighten skin?

On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.

Does vitamin C serum darken skin?

After contact with light, heat and air, vitamin C eventually oxidizes and loses its potency. You'll know it when your serum changes colour, turning brown. ... The reason it can stain your skin is because vitamin C degrades into erythrulose—the EXACT ingredient you'll find in many self-tanners!

How long does your skin purge?

Generally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist. It could be that you need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of application.

Can vitamin C serum be used at night?

It'll also absorb into your skin most effectively after you've cleansed and exfoliated, so it makes sense to apply it during your nighttime routine. When you use your vitamin C serum during the night, you'll also avoid the risk of photosensitivity, which can occur in some cases with daytime use.

Can I use face serum under eyes?

If you already use a gentle, effective day or night cream or a serum, this product is also perfect for the skin around your eyes, as long as the skin type there is the same as the rest of your face.

Can I skip moisturizer after vitamin C serum?

If your skin's happy with serum alone, you can skip moisturizer. ... So, don't be too disappointed if your skin needs both.

Do you apply vitamin C before hyaluronic acid?

A thick moisturizer with hyaluronic acid would be applied after a vitamin C serum, but a hyaluronic acid serum will come before a face cream with vitamin C in its formula. In the case that you have two separate serums, it still comes down to thickness. Apply whichever is thinner first.

Should I apply Vitamin C serum in the morning or night?

Use vitamin C serums in the morning.

There's certainly no law against using vitamin C products in the evening, but you may get the most benefit from using them in the morning. “In general vitamin C products should be applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its highest,” Dr.

What comes first vitamin C or hyaluronic acid?

If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid (HA) separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the HA afterward in order to help fortify the skin's barrier and lock in the moisture.

How long does it take for vitamin C serum to work?

How Long Does Vitamin C Serum Take to Work? You will likely notice skin improvement 4-12 weeks after starting routine use of vitamin C serum.

Why do serums sting?

When you use any acid-based exfoliating product in the form of liquids, gels, and creams. Acids such as glycolic, lactic, malic and salicylic will lower the pH of the skin putting it in an acidic state which creates a tingle, stingle or a sting.

Should Face products Sting?

No, Your Skin Care Shouldn't Hurt

Plenty of people have a tendency to think that if a skin-care product makes your face feel like it's on fire, then it's working. ... Skin care should not sting, tingle, or burn on a daily basis. If it does, you'll get redness, peeling, and flaking.