Strong evidence

Vitamin C for Melasma

Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.

Why it works for Melasma

Fades patches by slowing pigment production, and as an antioxidant it mops up the sun-driven damage that switches pigment cells on. Clinics often pair it with a mild electric-current treatment (iontophoresis), and it is a standard morning antioxidant to wear under tinted sunscreen.

How Vitamin C works

Donates electrons to neutralize free radicals and cofactors collagen-synthesis enzymes.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Vitamin C ingredient page.

review2017

Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866 — concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C

journal2017

Lee JH et al., Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation, Annals of Dermatology 2017

regulatory safety2016

MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Ascorbic Acid and derivatives (whitening). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — L-ascorbic acid and stabilized derivatives (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) are approved whitening actives in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex; authorized concentrations documented in Jeon JS et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2016;38(3):286-93 (PMID:26564311)

journal2015

Lee WJ et al., Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Regulates the Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Cultured Sebocytes, Annals of Dermatology 2015;27(4):376-82 — stable vitamin C derivative MAP suppresses inflammatory biomarkers in sebocytes, supporting anti-acne use

Products with Vitamin C in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Vitamin C as a tracked ingredient.

Versed

Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution

$20 · Toner

Paula's Choice

C15 Super Booster

$52 · Serum

Drunk Elephant

C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

$80 · Serum

Sunday Riley

C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

$80 · Serum

SkinCeuticals

C E Ferulic

$182 · Serum

SkinCeuticals

Phloretin CF

$182 · Serum

Full Vitamin C guide →Melasma overview →