Can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together?

Aging is unavoidable. Luckily, various skincare products are designed to nourish skin to minimize signs of aging.  

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are two beneficial anti-aging ingredients naturally tailored to reduce the appearance of fine lines and hydrate dry skin. On their own, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are highly effective skin protectants. When used together, they are a powerhouse against combating signs of aging. 

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As we age, our collagen production and skin elasticity weaken, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin. Age also brings on visible skin changes that impact our appearance including (Shanbhag, 2019):

• Thinning of the epidermis (top layer of skin) 

• Hyperpigmentation (patches of darker skin)

• Dry, itchy skin

• Bruising 

Both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid have anti-aging properties that help combat skin damage, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. Hyaluronic acid hydrates skin to prevent dryness and vitamin C improves tone and protects against sun damage (Ahmed, 2020). 

Let’s take a look at each product more closely.

Vitamin C

Also known as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant found in nature and consumed through diet. Examples of foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruit, cruciferous vegetables, bell peppers, strawberries, and many more. 

Vitamin C is vital to tissue growth, development, and healing and is a favorite among dermatologists to treat skin afflictions including (Abdullah, 2022):

• Sun damage

• Premature skin aging

• Skin pigmentation or discoloration

• Burns and wounds

• Acne and rosacea

• Dark spots

Environmental toxins including pollution, cigarette smoke, ultraviolet rays, and radiation damage skin by creating free radicals and oxidative stress. This results in wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin. A critical function of vitamin C as a vital skin protector is neutralizing and destroying harmful free radicals (Baek, 2016). 

Data suggests that topical vitamin C may improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin changes due to sun damage (Pullar, 2017).

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body and used in skin products. Dermatologists commonly use hyaluronic acid for:

• Wound healing

• Tissue regeneration

• Facial fillers

• Skin hydration 

• Better skin elasticity 

Because it is a humectant (meaning it keeps in moisture), hyaluronic acid is a popular cosmetic ingredient in skin moisturizers. It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin’s appearance. One small study suggests that applying hyaluronic acid serum to the neck for 60 days improves skin wrinkles, elasticity, texture, and dryness (Boen, 2020). 

Hyaluronic acid is also frequently used in dermal fillers to provide volume. Products come as topical creams, serums, and lotions, which create a protective skin barrier to keep moisture in. 

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are a great combination to help reverse signs of aging and promote skin health. Many cosmetics and skincare products already include this combo to enhance the appearance of youthful skin. 

The anti-aging properties of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid complement each other and help keep skin smooth and healthy. Adding in a retinol serum (vitamin A) or a vitamin E product may boost the effects of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

Both these ingredients also strengthen collagen and enhance skin elasticity, resulting in fewer wrinkles and fine lines, and making skin look brighter. One study found that using a topical vitamin C serum containing hyaluronic acid reduced wrinkles by almost 12% after 29 days (Escobar, 2020).

Incorporating both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid into your skincare regimen is a great way to keep your skin healthy and looking radiant. In order to get the most out of these two ingredients, it’s important to apply them in the correct order. 

Vitamin C is sensitive to air, water, and light, so you want to apply it to clean, dry skin before using hyaluronic acid. Let it completely dry before moving on to the next product. 

After vitamin C, hyaluronic acid is applied to create a skin barrier that locks in moisture. Since hyaluronic acid brings in water from the environment, it can be used on damp or dry skin. To enhance hydration, try a facial toner or spritz to dampen skin beforehand.

To complete the regimen, layer on facial moisturizer and sunscreen to seal in all those anti-aging properties and protect skin from sun damage.

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are natural elements vital to skin health and are generally safe for all skin types. They are not associated with adverse side effects nor pose any health risks when used as directed.

However, if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to any skin care ingredients, check with a dermatologist or apply a tiny amount to your wrist to test for a reaction before using. 

Protecting our skin from sun damage and the effects of aging is a critical part of our health. Luckily, there are plenty of quality products available to ensure our skin looks as youthful as we feel on the inside.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Current version

May 24, 2022

Written by

Amy Isler

Fact checked by

Chimene Richa, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Chimene Richa, MD

Dr. Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and medical writer for Ro.