Does Vitamin C Make Your Skin Sensitive To The Sun?: Explained

Vitamin C actually has the opposite effect of making you more sun sensitive. Vitamin C protects the skin from free radical damage brought on by environmental aggressors (pollution, UV light, cigarette smoke, etc.) because it is an antioxidant. Given that vitamin C is such a strong antioxidant, it is frequently recommended for use during the day in addition to your SPF. This doesn't stop you from using vitamin C at night.

It's usually best to avoid layering these at the same time and slot ingredients known to cause sun sensitivity into your PM routine because vitamin C is acidic and doesn't always play well with other strong active(retinoids,peptides,AHAs, etc.) we recommend to use them separate times of the day to avoid any skin concerns.

Read More: What Does Vitamin C Do For Your Face?

What is Sun Sensitivity in Skincare?

Sun sensitivity, also known as photosensitivity, refers to the skin's heightened vulnerability to the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun. Some individuals may experience an increased likelihood of sunburn, skin damage, or other sun-related issues when exposed to sunlight. However, Vitamin C is not a major contributor to sun sensitivity when used appropriately with sun protection.

Can Vitamin C Cause Sun Sensitivity to my skin?

Yes it is susceptible to sun sensitivity, but it only depends on the concentration of Vitamin C in the serum and the condition of your skin. High concentrations of Vitamin C can make your skin photosensitive. This means that your skin becomes more susceptible to damage from the sun. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause redness, inflammation, and even sunburn when exposed to photosensitive skin.

What Percentage of Vitamin C is Better for Your Skin?

The effectiveness of Vitamin C largely depends on its concentration within the serum. Lower concentrations, typically ranging from 5% to 10%, are suitable for sensitive skin types or individuals new to Vitamin C. For those with more resilient skin and experienced users, concentrations between 15% and 20% may deliver more noticeable results.

What Order is Vitamin C in your skincare routine?

The recommended order of using your skincare products is washing your face, using toner if desired, applying Vitamin C Serum, then your moisturizer. Vitamin C is best used in the morning before your sun protection. In addition it can also be used in your night time routine to help brighten dark spots and pigmentation but we prefer our N.A.T Serum for night time routine.

More Information On: How To Use Vitamin C Serum in a Skincare Routine

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summary: can vitamin c make you sun sensitive?


Vitamin C serum is a great way to improve the appearance of your skin. However, it is important to use it correctly to avoid sun sensitivity. If you are concerned about sun sensitivity, it is best to talk to your doctor or a dermatologist before using vitamin C serum.

Here are some additional tips for using vitamin C serum:

  • Start with a low percentage of vitamin C and gradually increase the percentage as your skin gets used to it.
  • Apply vitamin C serum in the morning, before sunscreen.
  • Store vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place.
  • Avoid using vitamin C serum if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you have any concerns about using vitamin C serum, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.

We are committed to providing our customers with the most innovative, ambitious, science-backed, and rooted in the Korean beauty philosophy skincare products possible. Our Power C Antioxidant Radiance Boosting Serum is a perfect example of this commitment.