Is it better to use vitamin C or hyaluronic acid in the morning?

Author: Christina Grimes  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

If you're dabbling in both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid in separate products, remember vitamin C is best deployed in your AM skincare routine, while hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night.

Should I use hyaluronic acid or vitamin C first?

The best way to apply them is just to go by the standard rule of applying products from thinnest to thickest texture; in other words, if your hyaluronic acid is a cream and your vitamin C is a liquid or serum, you would apply the vitamin C product first and vice versa.

Can I use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together in the morning?

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C: morning or night? Both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used in both an AM and PM routine, but the benefits of vitamin C typically serve your skin better when applied in the morning.

Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

The most common adverse effects associated with hyaluronic acid filler are pain, bruising, redness, itching, and swelling. These side effects are self-limited and typically last no more than seven days.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid morning or night?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

How to use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid And Vitamin C - Proper Application Without Flaking!

Should I use vitamin C in the morning or night?

While you can work your vitamin C serum into either your morning or evening skincare routine, most dermatologists recommend the morning [2]. This keeps your skin protected from free radicals as you go about your day, and can work especially well with your sunscreen to keep you safe from UV radiation.

What should you not mix with hyaluronic acid?

For instance, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid, and Synthetic Retinol are a pair that can easily cause irritation.

What happens if you use hyaluronic acid everyday?

What does hyaluronic acid do for skin? Long-term use of hyaluronic acid serum on your skin or in a supplement taken by mouth can improve overall skin health. It's also great for helping improve overall skin flexibility and elasticity (meaning it makes your skin more stretchy and soft).

What are the side effects of vitamin C serum?

Generally, using Vitamin C serum doesn't result in adverse effects. But in some cases, you might experience dryness, redness, and irritation. You are likely to face these symptoms if you have sensitive skin. To lessen the risk of these side effects, start with a low concentration of this ingredient.

Is hyaluronic acid hard on the liver?

10. Is Hyaluronic Acid Bad For Your Liver? In the case of patients with liver diseases, it is advised to avoid using HA as the increased levels of HA in the bloodstream can cause thrombosis. Hence, user discretion and medical supervision are advised.

Why can't you mix hyaluronic acid and vitamin C?

Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C together! Incorporating both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C into your skincare routine can provide exceptional benefits. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, while vitamin C brightens, protects against free radicals, and promotes collagen synthesis.

Is it better to put vitamin C on wet or dry skin?

You'll want to apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin. “As far as active ingredients go, vitamin C is quite unstable, and it's easily affected by outside elements such as air, light and moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

How long to wait between hyaluronic acid and moisturizer?

Wait for the serum to absorb: Give the serum some time to absorb into your skin. This usually takes a few minutes. You'll know the serum has been absorbed when your skin feels soft and smooth. Apply moisturizer: Once the serum has been absorbed, apply your moisturizer on top of it.

How long to wait between vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?

Wait a Few Minutes: Allow the vitamin C serum to fully absorb into your skin. Apply Hyaluronic Acid: Once the vitamin C has been absorbed, apply HA intensifier hyaluronic acid serum, a corrective hyaluronic acid serum for the face.

In what order do you put serums on your face?

For optimal results, we recommend incorporating serums into your skincare routine in the following order:
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Pre-Serum or Essence.
  4. Step 4: Active Serum.
  5. Step 5: Moisturiser.
  6. Step 6: Sun Protection.

Can I use retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid together at night?

In the morning, after applying your vitamin C serum, follow it with a layer of hydrating hyaluronic acid. In your nightly routine, apply hyaluronic acid serum before retinol, as it can increase its effectiveness while also helping to lock moisture in for maximum hydration.

Is it OK to use vitamin C serum everyday?

“It can accumulate for up to three or four days, so its daily use would not be necessary, as long as the Vitamin C has certain characteristics.” As Santamarina notes, this cannot be done with all formulations: it has to be a product with 10 to 15% ascorbic acid at a pH of 3.5 or lower.

What is the best face serum?

The top-rated face serums of 2025:
  • Best Face Serum for Breakouts. Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum. Read more.
  • Best Retinol Face Serum. La Roche Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3. Read more.
  • Best Firming Face Serum. Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum. Read more.

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.

When should you not use hyaluronic acid?

Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma): Applying hyaluronic acid to the skin might make skin ulcers worse in people who have a condition called scleroderma. If you have scleroderma, don't use hyaluronic acid on your skin.

What order should I do my skincare?

The right morning routine will help your skin feel calm and hydrated all day long.
  1. Step 1: Cleanser. A clean face is your starting point for a healthy, glowing complexion. ...
  2. Step 2: Toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Serum. ...
  4. Step 4: Moisturizer. ...
  5. Step 5: Eye Cream. ...
  6. Step 6: Sunscreen.

Is 10% hyaluronic acid too much?

Too much Hyaluronic Acid can dry your skin by drawing moisture from wherever it can, including the deeper layers of your skin. Yikes! You'll want to avoid products with more than 2 percent HA to avoid irritation or dryness. The sweet spot is actually 0.75 – 1.5 percent.

What is the best pair for hyaluronic acid?

As a pair, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid benefit the skin in numerous ways, though the duo is most often used to help combat the visible signs of aging.

What should you not use with vitamin C serum?

Beta Hydroxy Acids

So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.

What is better for your face, retinol or hyaluronic acid?

Indeed, retinol is excellent for treating acne and imperfections, while hyaluronic acid is ideal for dehydrated skin. And it is also possible to combine them in your beauty routine to benefit from their full effectiveness. This moisturizing cream, to be used daily, has many advantages!

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