Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid: benefits and order of application

The combined use of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in an external skincare routine, through creams or serums, is now one of the most popular beauty practices, especially among those seeking anti-aging benefits, improved facial hydration, and a truly radiant complexion. Many wonder about the effects of these two active ingredients, their compatibility, and, above all, the ideal order of application to maximize their benefits.

Yes, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are perfectly compatible. Even better, their combination forms a powerful duo to hydrate, smooth, plump, and protect the skin against the visible signs of aging. Used together, they help the skin achieve greater radiance, softness, and suppleness.

For those wishing to act from within as well, dietary supplements with vitamin C can complement a comprehensive beauty routine.

The combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C is now a cornerstone of many skincare routines, as it addresses several concerns: loss of radiance, dehydration, signs of fatigue, wrinkles, and fine lines. These two naturally complementary active ingredients work synergistically to provide a comprehensive solution to the skin's needs.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin. It plays an essential role in:

• maintain hydration thanks to its ability to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water
• preserve skin volume
• improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

The benefits of hyaluronic acid for the skin are widely documented in scientific literature, particularly for reducing dehydration and improving skin elasticity. Used in serums, creams, or dietary supplements, this polysaccharide (carbohydrate) contributes to visibly softer, smoother, and plumper skin.

Vitamin C is one of the most documented active ingredients in cosmetics. It is distinguished by its antioxidant properties, its ability to improve skin tone evenness, its support for collagen production, and its help in limiting the effects of oxidative stress.

Vitamin C offers numerous benefits for the face : a radiant complexion, skin more resistant to daily aggressors, and support for firmness thanks to its role in collagen synthesis. This action makes it an essential ingredient in anti-aging routines.

The combination of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid allows for simultaneous action on several parameters of skin beauty:

Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration and vitamin C gives radiance and evens out the complexion.

Vitamin C protects the skin against free radicals and hyaluronic acid contributes to a plump and comfortable appearance.

This duo supports elasticity and hydration, two essential dimensions when it comes to preserving the skin's appearance over time. This combination therefore provides an ideal foundation for those seeking both skin and facial hydration , comfort, radiance, and prevention of skin aging.

Another duo that may also be interesting, with distinct but complementary functions, is collagen and hyaluronic acid .

Yes, combining vitamin C and hyaluronic acid is not only possible but also highly recommended for a daily routine. Their compatibility is based on several scientific and cosmetic arguments.

These two active ingredients are known for their skin tolerance. Hyaluronic acid is suitable even for sensitive skin. Vitamin C, properly formulated and stabilized, is easily incorporated into daily use.

Their combination can therefore be adopted by most users without causing irritation, including as part of an ongoing course of vitamin C.

It is particularly suitable for people facing:

• emotional stress, which can dull the skin
• a lack of radiance linked to daily stress
• dehydrated skin
• signs of fatigue or sluggishness

The OUT facial routine combining vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be implemented in two ways:

• layering (the application of multiple skincare products)
• use of a treatment combining the two active ingredients

The order of application is crucial when it comes to optimizing the effects of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Experts agree on the following principles.

A vitamin C-enriched serum, often more water-based, should be applied first. It penetrates quickly and delivers its antioxidant action deep into the skin.

As a hydration booster, hyaluronic acid helps to seal in moisture and optimize skin comfort, depending on the chosen texture: serum, moisturizing cream, emulsion.

If two serums are used (one with vitamin C, one with hyaluronic acid), it is recommended to apply the more aqueous one first , which is usually vitamin C.

Hyaluronic acid is versatile and combines with niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, exfoliating acids, and retinol.

It can be integrated into all routines, morning and evening.

The benefits of vitamin C work very well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and sunscreens.

To minimize the risk of discomfort:

• retinol
• AHA/BHA exfoliating acids
• benzoyl peroxide

Alternating morning and evening use is preferable with these active ingredients.

• Pinnell SR. “Cutaneous photodamage, oxidative stress, and topical antioxidant protection.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
• Papakonstantinou E., Roth M., Karakiulakis G. “Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skincare.” Dermato-Endocrinology
• Nusgens BV. “Topically applied vitamin C enhances the mRNA level of collagen type I and III.” Experimental Dermatology
• Sauermann K. et al. “Effects of aging and moisturization on skin surface topography.” Skin Research and Technology
• Burke KE. "Mechanisms of aging and development - A new understanding of environmental damage to the skin." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery