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Vitamin C Serum Causing Breakouts? The Truth You Need to Know
If you excitedly add Vitamin C to your skincare routine, only to be greeted by unexpected breakouts, you’re not alone. Breakouts from Vitamin C brightening serums can often be traced to the type, formulation and how you use them.Â
So, let’s not lose hope but explore the possible reasons your Vitamin C serum might be causing pimples and what you can do about this.
You're Using the Wrong Type of Vitamin C
Not all Vitamin C brightening serums are the same. Some are more stable and gentler than others. The most potent (and purest) form is L-ascorbic acid, but it can also be irritating, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Others, like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tend to be gentler and less likely to cause breakouts.Â
If your skin is reacting to your serum, it might be worth switching to a different form of Vitamin C to see if your skin tolerates it better.
The Concentration is Too High for Your Skin
Sometimes, more isn’t better, especially with active ingredients like Vitamin C. Brightening serums usually range from 5% to 20% concentration. At the same time, 15-20% L-ascorbic acid is often recommended for visible results; that concentration can be too intense for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
If you’re new to Vitamin C, starting with a lower concentration (around 10%) and building up gradually can give your skin time to adjust. Think of it like going to the gym: you don’t start lifting the heaviest weights on day one.
It's Not Formulated Well for Your Skin Type
Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. A brightening serum that works wonders for someone with dry skin might wreak havoc on oily or combination skin. Some Vitamin C serums are formulated with additional oils or emollients, which can clog pores if your skin is oily or acne-prone.
Others might be water-based but contain alcohol or fragrance, which can irritate dry or sensitive skin. Always check the ingredient list, not just for the form of Vitamin C used, but for the entire formula.
You're Experiencing Purging, Not Breakouts
There’s a difference between purging and breaking out. Purging happens when an active ingredient speeds up cell turnover, bringing underlying blockages to the surface faster than usual. If you start breaking out in areas where you usually get pimples, especially within the first few weeks of using a new active ingredient, this might be what’s happening.
Purging is temporary and should clear up within four to six weeks. If your skin continues to react beyond that, or you’re breaking out in new areas, it’s probably not purging but irritation.
You're Mixing It with the Wrong Ingredients
Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, but mixing it with certain ingredients, like retinol, benzoyl peroxide and AHAs/BHAs, can increase skin irritation, disrupt your skin’s pH and reduce its effectiveness.
This doesn’t mean you can’t use these ingredients in your routine, but it does mean you should use them at different times of day. Try applying Vitamin C brightening serum in the day and saving more potent exfoliants or retinol for the night.
Your Skin Barrier is Compromised
If your skin barrier is already damaged due to over-exfoliating, harsh cleansers, or excessive use of active ingredients, adding a potent Vitamin C serum might be too much for your skin to handle.
Instead, you should simplify your routine, using hydrating and soothing products like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Once your skin is calm and balanced, reintroduce Vitamin C brightening serum gradually.
It's Oxidised or Expired
Vitamin C is notoriously unstable. Once exposed to air or light, it can oxidise, turning yellow, orange, or even brown. Oxidised Vitamin C loses effectiveness and can irritate your skin and contribute to breakouts.
If your brightening serum has changed colour, smells off, or has passed its expiry date, stop using it. Always store Vitamin C in a cool, dark place, and tightly close the bottle after each use.
How to Use Vitamin C Without Breaking Out
The goal, in evaluating your use of Viitamin C, is not necessarily to give up on it but to find a way to make it work for your skin. Here’s what you can do:
- Start slow. Use it every other day or a few times a week before working up to daily use.
- Patch test first. Always test a new product on a small area of skin before applying it all over your face.
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser. Don’t overload your skin with too many active ingredients at once.
- Stick with it (if it’s purging). If it’s just purging, give it a few weeks to settle before deciding to stop.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Well-moisturised skin is less reactive and more resilient.
SkinLab's Brightening Serum with Pure Vitamin C
If you’re looking for a Vitamin C serum in Singapore that’s formulated with care, SkinLab’s Brightening Serum With Pure Vitamin C might be what you need.
It contains pure L-ascorbic acid, delivered through an Intradermal System. This system enhances penetration so the active ingredient gets absorbed into your skin effectively, without sitting on the surface and causing irritation.
What does that mean for you? Fewer chances of breakouts, and more of the glow you’re after.
Get The Right Brightening Serum in Singapore
Breakouts from Vitamin C don’t mean it’s a bad ingredient; it just means your skin needs a bit of help adjusting and the right product.
Get the Brightening Serum with Pure Vitamin C, or try SkinLab’s other brightening alternatives, like the Luminance Max Serum with tranexamic acid.Â
The path to clear, glowing skin can be simple. The key? Listen to your skin, and treat it with care.