How to Use Vitamin C Serum: A Simple Morning Routine

How to use vitamin C serum: apply a small amount to clean, dry skin after cleansing and toning, let it absorb fully, then follow with moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen. That is the whole routine. Thin, water-based serums go on before heavier creams so they reach the skin first, and a few drops cover the face, neck and chest. Below is a step-by-step morning routine built around Vitamin C Serum+, plus tips on how much to use, what to expect and how to store it.

How to use vitamin C serum, step by step

The directions on the Vitamin C Serum+ label are short: "Wash and pat skin dry. Apply small amount with fingertips to freshly cleansed and toned face, neck and decollete areas (avoid direct contact with eyes). Allow time to absorb prior to moisturizer application." Here is how that fits into a full morning routine:

1. Cleanse. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to remove overnight oil.
2. Pat dry. Blot with a clean towel rather than rubbing.
3. Tone. Apply your toner and let it dry. The label directions call for freshly cleansed and toned skin.
4. Apply the serum. Dispense a few drops into your fingertips and press them gently over the face, then the neck and upper chest. Keep away from the eye area.
5. Let it absorb. Give the serum time to sink in so the next layer does not dilute it or pill.
6. Moisturize. A lightweight lotion or cream locks the layers in.
7. Finish with sunscreen. In the daytime, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is the last step of any skincare routine.

Should you use vitamin C serum in the morning or at night?

Either works, and the Vitamin C Serum+ label does not set a time of day. Many people prefer the morning because vitamin C is an antioxidant and fits naturally under moisturizer and sunscreen before the day starts. If your evening routine is simpler, using it at night is fine too. Either way, use it consistently on clean skin.

If you also use a retinol or an exfoliating acid, a common approach is to keep the vitamin C serum in the morning and the other active at night, so the layers do not compete. Our guide to topical vs oral vitamin C for skin explains how the serum differs from vitamin C you eat.

What is in Vitamin C Serum+?

The serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula in a base of deionized water and aloe. Its key ingredients include:

• 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a stable form of vitamin C that is compatible with both oil and water.
• Botanical hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate, which draw moisture into the skin's surface.
• MSM and vitamin E for a smooth, conditioned feel.
• Jojoba oil and vegetable glycerin for softness.
• Witch hazel, gotu kola, horsetail, geranium and dandelion extracts.

Used as directed, the serum helps skin look radiant, supports improved skin elasticity and skin health, and has anti-wrinkle properties.* The full ingredient list is printed on the product page exactly as it appears on the label.

How much vitamin C serum should you use?

Less than you might think. The label calls for a small amount, and a few drops are enough for the face, neck and chest. Using more does not add benefit; it just takes longer to absorb and can leave skin feeling tacky under moisturizer. A 2 fl oz (59 ml) bottle lasts a long time at that rate.

• Face: a small amount, pressed in rather than rubbed.
• Neck and chest: spread what is left on your fingertips, adding a little more if needed.
• Dry patches: layer moisturizer on top rather than adding more serum.

Tips for first-time vitamin C serum users

• Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm or along the jaw for a few days before using it all over.
• Start slowly if your skin is reactive. Use it every other morning for the first week, then daily.
• Stop if irritation appears. The label caution is clear: discontinue use if redness or irritation occurs.
• Keep it out of the eyes. If the serum gets into your eyes, rinse with water.
• Store it well. Keep the cap tight and the bottle in a cool, dry place, out of direct sun. The amber bottle helps protect the formula from light.

Vitamin C Serum+ is for external use only. Keep it out of reach of children, and do not use it if the safety seal is damaged or missing.

Frequently asked questions about how to use vitamin C serum

Do you put vitamin C serum on before or after moisturizer?

Before. Serums are thinner than moisturizers, so they go on first, right after cleansing and toning. Let the serum absorb, then apply moisturizer on top.

Can I use vitamin C serum every day?

Yes. The label does not set how often to use it; once a day fits a simple routine. If your skin is sensitive, start every other day and build up, and stop if you notice redness or irritation.

Can I use vitamin C serum around my eyes?

The label says to avoid direct contact with the eyes. Apply it to the face, neck and décolleté and keep it away from the eye area itself.

Should I wear sunscreen with vitamin C serum?

Daytime sunscreen is a good habit with any skincare routine. Apply it as the final step in the morning, after your serum and moisturizer.

How long until I see a difference?

There is no set timeline, and results vary. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that the studies showing less wrinkling with topical vitamin C (3-10%) lasted at least 12 weeks, and that the effects are not apparent in all individuals. Those studies did not test Vitamin C Serum+, and its label does not list a vitamin C percentage.

Related reading from our Wellness Hub

• Vitamin C Serum: Meet Vitamin C Serum+
• Vitamin C for Skin: Topical Serum vs. Oral — How They Differ

Sources

• Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2017.
• American Academy of Dermatology: Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?
• Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C and skin health

Individual results vary.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.