Ingredient glossary
Vitamin C (LAA)
On your shelf ✓What Vitamin C (LAA) does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Ascorbic Acid · Also: Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid
In short: Vitamin C (LAA) delivers brightening and anti-aging support, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Brightening, anti aging
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is fading dark spots and evening out tone, Vitamin C (LAA) delivers, and the research properly backs it up. Introduce it gently, and pair it with something soothing if your skin runs sensitive.
— Maya
What it does
- brightening
- anti aging
- antioxidant
strong evidenceStrong evidence at appropriate pH and concentration for photoprotection, collagen support and reduction of hyperpigmentation.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- oily
- combo
Approach with care
- very sensitive
- rosacea
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveTake care
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: rosacea.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
Vitamin C (LAA), answered
Is Vitamin C (LAA) safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. Vitamin C (LAA) is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid Vitamin C (LAA)?
Approach Vitamin C (LAA) with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive and rosacea. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Vitamin C (LAA) actually works?
Its concentration is rarely printed on the label, so use the ingredient list as your clue: near the top third it is likely doing real work, near the bottom it is more of a sprinkle.
During pregnancy
Treat Vitamin C (LAA) as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
Commonly confused with
- THD AscorbatePure vitamin C is the strongest but least stable. THD ascorbate is an oil-loving derivative that trades some punch for a gentler, steadier feel.
- Ferulic AcidFerulic acid is not a vitamin C. It is an antioxidant added to steady a vitamin C formula and make it work harder.
Compare Vitamin C (LAA) with
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