Vitamin C and Retinol: Benefits, Usage, and Tips

Vitamin C and retinol (a form of vitamin A) are two of the most common ingredients found in modern skincare products, largely due to their anti-aging effects. When applied to the face, either vitamin can reduce wrinkles, correct dark spots, and increase collagen production, helping skin look plumper and healthier.

You may choose to purchase a skincare product containing both vitamin C and retinol, or layer individual products together. It’s important to know how the ingredients interact, how their benefits and side effects may increase when used together, and how to incorporate them into your routine.

Dietary and supplemental vitamin C don’t seem to offer noticeable skin benefits. However, using vitamin C topically, such as in skincare products, has been shown to have a significant effect.

Studies have shown that topical vitamin C has several benefits for the skin, including increasing collagen (a protein that supports skin, hair, nails, and more), reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and preventing photodamage (UV damage caused by the sun). 

For example, topical vitamin C might effectively improve symptoms of melasma (dark spots) and photoaging, including rough skin texture and discoloration.

Retinol is part of the retinoid family, a broad category of skincare treatments containing vitamin A. Many retinoids are strong, and formulations are only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider. However, retinol is a gentler formulation usually found in over-the-counter (OTC) products. 

Vitamin A is a strong and effective anti-aging skin treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved retinoids for anti-aging use, and many studies support their ability to prevent and reduce signs of aging.

Specifically, topical retinol in skincare products can:

• Improve skin texture
• Correct hyperpigmentation and dark spots 
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Some skincare ingredients work well when combined in the same formulation or applied one right after the other. However, many active ingredients (ingredients designed to target a specific concern) can cause excessive irritation when used simultaneously.

Vitamin C and retinol are both active ingredients, and results regarding their combined effects are mixed. Studies show that skincare routines that include vitamin C and retinol often have positive effects, but the two ingredients can irritate the skin when used together.

In one study, researchers looked at the effects of a skincare routine involving a treatment with 0.5% retinol and a moisturizer with 30% vitamin C on people with hyperpigmentation and photodamage. The participants saw improvements to tone and texture at the 4-, 8-, and 12-week marks of the study, with only some initial dryness as a side effect.

Another study found that a combination retinol-vitamin C skin peel increased the amount of skin lipids (fats) in menopausal women. Menopause often causes dry skin, and increasing skin lipids can improve the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated and healthy.  

Both studies mentioned above examined the effects of a combined retinol-vitamin C treatment after 12 weeks, and both found improvements in skin tone and texture. 

In the study using 0.5% retinol and a moisturizer with 30% vitamin C, participants had fewer signs of photoaging, which typically includes dark spots, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and uneven tone.

In the study using a retinol-vitamin C skin peel, participants had an increase in skin lipids in the areas of their forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck. This likely means they experienced overall skin strengthening in those areas. The lipid layer is responsible for providing a barrier to damage and infection and preventing moisture loss.    

Some people can use retinol and vitamin C at the same time, either by layering one right after the other or using a product that contains both ingredients. However, skincare experts usually do not recommend this as it may cause irritation. Instead, consider using vitamin C as part of your morning skincare routine and retinol at night.

Vitamin C has protective effects against photodamage, so applying it in the morning is particularly beneficial, especially if you also use a daily sunscreen.

Topical vitamin C is often available as serum. You can apply serums after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. Some toners and moisturizers also include vitamin C in their formulation, so you won’t need to use a serum.

Retinol is usually recommended as part of a nightly skincare routine because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Applying retinol at night protects your skin from UV exposure while it’s being absorbed. However, it’s still important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (or limit sun exposure) the following day.

Vitamin C is generally safe for most skin types, but it can irritate. Some people may experience mild stinging, redness or rash, or dry skin after using vitamin C. Applying a moisturizer after the vitamin C product can reduce some of this irritation. 

Retinol is considered safe for most people but more commonly causes mild side effects, especially with higher doses and longer use. Typical side effects include excessive dryness, redness, itching, and scaling or flaking.

People with sensitive skin, conditions that make them prone to redness or inflammation, or untreated acne might need to choose a gentler product. No retinoid products are currently considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Anyone with sensitive skin who plans to try a new skincare product, especially one with an active ingredient like vitamin C or retinol, should introduce the product slowly. Perform a patch test on a small skin area, applying the product twice daily for 7-10 days.

Once you begin incorporating the product into your routine, consider using it every other day or 2-3 times per week and gradually increase your frequency of use to prevent excessive irritation.

Separately, topical retinol and vitamin C products have been shown to improve signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity. It’s generally safe to incorporate both of these ingredients into your skincare routine, which could increase their anti-aging effects.

However, using these active ingredients together may cause skin irritation. To reduce side effects, consider applying vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.