From the Guidelines
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums can be effective for skin care, but the most effective type of vitamin C serum is L-ascorbic acid at 10-20% concentration with a pH below 3.5, while for hyaluronic acid, products containing multiple molecular weights, especially low-molecular-weight HA, penetrate better. The effectiveness of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums depends on various factors, including concentration, pH, and molecular weight. For vitamin C, a concentration of 10-20% with a pH below 3.5 is considered optimal for skin penetration and effectiveness 1. Some reliable options for vitamin C serums include SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum. For hyaluronic acid, products containing multiple molecular weights, especially low-molecular-weight HA, penetrate better and provide more effective hydration 1. Examples of effective hyaluronic acid products include The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum. It's essential to note that the effectiveness of these products may vary depending on individual skin types and concerns. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to brighten skin and boost collagen production, while hyaluronic acid hydrates by holding up to 1000 times its weight in water. For best results, apply vitamin C in the morning under sunscreen and hyaluronic acid on damp skin, followed by a moisturizer to seal in hydration. Many people benefit from using both in their routine—vitamin C for antioxidant protection and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Key considerations when selecting a vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum include:
- Concentration: Look for products with a concentration of 10-20% for vitamin C and multiple molecular weights for hyaluronic acid.
- pH: A pH below 3.5 is considered optimal for vitamin C serums.
- Molecular weight: Low-molecular-weight HA penetrates better and provides more effective hydration.
- Skin type: Consider individual skin types and concerns when selecting a product. In terms of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, various authorities around the world have different recommendations, ranging from 40 to 220 mg per day, depending on the health perspective and organization 1. However, for skin care, the concentration and pH of the product are more important than the daily intake of vitamin C. Similarly, for hyaluronic acid, the molecular weight and concentration of the product are more important than the daily intake. Overall, when choosing a vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum, consider the concentration, pH, and molecular weight, as well as individual skin types and concerns, to achieve the best results.
From the Research
Effective Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Serums
- The effectiveness of vitamin C serums can be attributed to their antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals 2, 3.
- Vitamin C serums have been shown to improve skin elasticity, radiance, and moisture, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 4, 5.
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is a derivative of vitamin C that has been shown to be effective in improving skin hydration and reducing the appearance of melasma 5, 6.
- Topical formulations containing vitamin C and its derivatives, such as MAP, have been shown to have anti-aging and brightening effects on the skin 4, 3, 5, 6.
- The stability and permeability of vitamin C serums can be improved through the use of vesicular carriers, such as ethosomes and niosomes 6.
Key Ingredients
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals 2, 3.
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is a derivative of vitamin C that has been shown to be effective in improving skin hydration and reducing the appearance of melasma 5, 6.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural humectant that can help retain moisture in the skin, but its effectiveness in combination with vitamin C serums is not well studied in the provided evidence.