Vitamin C: Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Form

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the most researched brightening ingredient in skincare. But it's also notoriously unstable — it oxidises when exposed to light, air, and heat, turning your serum orange and rendering it ineffective.

L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA)

The purest, most potent form. Works at concentrations of 10–20%. Requires a low pH (below 3.5) to penetrate skin effectively. Most prone to oxidation.

Best for: Experienced skin, oily/normal skin, those after maximum results

Ascorbyl Glucoside

A gentler, more stable derivative. Converts to ascorbic acid on the skin. Works at higher pH so better tolerated.

Best for: Sensitive skin, beginners, reactive skin types

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Very stable, gentle, effective at lower concentrations. Also has antibacterial properties.

Best for: Acne-prone skin, sensitive skin

• Keep your vitamin C in a cool, dark place • Always close the cap immediately after use • If your serum turns orange or brown, replace it — it's oxidised • Opaque and airless packaging keeps vitamin C stable much longer