It's the secret skin-boosting ingredient you need to know about

Vitamin C is a hero ingredient – and it’s not for just warding off a cold - it also works wonders on your skin. In terms of anti-ageing it’s right up there with some of the most potent players and if you’re looking a little tired or lacklustre, Vitamin C acts as a burst of energy for your skin and pumps back in the radiance. Perhaps pigmentation and inflammation are some of your biggest worries? Well good news, it helps prevent and repair signs of sun damage and combats redness. Think of it as a superfood for the skin, it’s one of the few skincare ingredients that really does work for all skin types and tones. Dr Anjali Mahto, Dermatologist from the Cadogan Clinic explains: “Vitamin C is an excellent multi-purpose skincare ingredient with three main skin benefits. Firstly, it acts as an anti-oxidant neutralising harmful molecules known as free radicals generated by sunlight and pollution. Secondly, it is an effective skin brightening agent which can reduce pigmentation and smooth out skin tone. Lastly, vitamin C is a vital co-factor in the synthesis of collagen, the main protein which gives out skin strength and support.”

There’s a whole host of benefits your skin is missing out on if you don’t have this brilliant ingredient in your regime. From masks, serums, cleansers and moisturisers there’s an array of brilliant new products on the market to suit all skin types and preferences. Here’s our guide of the very best…

Oskia, Super-C Beauty Capsules, £62 A supercharged blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Jojoba Seed & Sweet Almond Oils make up these handy capsules. Simply twist the neck to release the super-c serum oil and apply to clean skin. We know oils aren’t always for everyone, but this sinks into skin quickly leaving behind no residue or stickiness. Use for a week and tell us your skin doesn’t have that ‘I just got a facial’ glow.

Rodial, Vit C Brightening Cleanser, £39
A brilliant brightening, intensive, non-abrasive gel cleanser. It gets to work by deeply cleansing, purifying and tightening pores thanks to the mix of Vitamin C and exfoliating fruit AHA’s - if there ever was a perfect wake up call, this would be it.

Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Line from £53 Natura Bisse have not just created one Vitamin C product but rather a whole line featuring 12 hero products. Keep skin supple, fight dark spots and increase elasticity choose from masks, scrubs, eye creams, SPFs and moisturisers to help embrace your new glowing complexions. Oh and the smell? A delicate blend of Mediterranean scents.

Skinceuticals Vitamin CE Ferulic Serum, £140 Only 12-ingredients make up this cult-fave formula including Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid and of course, Vitamin C. Whilst we know the packaging isn’t exactly shelfie goals, the results are amazing, you only need to look at Skinceuticals C E Ferulic reviews on any given website and five-star ratings abound. So why’s it so amazing? The highly-effective serum delivers bright, glowing, luminous skin with visible results- what’s not to love?

Sunday Riley, C.E.O Vitamin C rich hydration cream, £60 If you love a rich, nourishing moisturiser this one’s for you. It gives skin a burst of hydration, whilst evening out skin tone. Our top tip? Warm the product up between your fingertips before applying, it glides on easier and is quickly absorbed into skin. Oh, and don’t even get us started on the gorgeous scent, think a fresh burst of citrus!

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, £54 Found! An eye that actually works, thanks to the brightening combination of eight peptides, five forms of Vitamin C and cucumber for firmer, stronger-looking skin. So, if fine lines and dark circles are some of your big under-eye worries, rest assured you’re in safe hands with this.

Dr Sebagh, Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream Did you know that Vitamin C can lose 85% of its potency within one hour of opening the jar? No, nor us but good news this powder cream created by Dr Sebagh has the answer to the problem. When the fine powder comes into contact with the skin— it’s only then that the Vitamin C is realised and transforms into a lightweight, versatile cream which can either be used on it’s own or mixed with your chosen serum or moisturiser. “Use this skin care must have to create the perfect brightening, protecting and repairing skin booster,” says Dr Sebagh.

Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Perfect Skin Set & Refresh Mist, £33 Mists are your secret weapon to great skin - whether you’re looking to refresh or set your make-up or simply provide a shot of hydration to parched skin, they’re a brilliant all-rounder product. This one is rich in anti-oxidants; the non-greasy formula treats skin to a nourishing moisture boost whilst protecting the skin from environmental pollutants.

LixirSkin Vitamin C Paste, £33 Wake skin up first thing with this mask, cleanser hybrid. Simply use a pea-sized amount and massage into your face, lips, neck and décolleté, then dampen your fingers and re-massage the product, this activates the Vitamin C. So, if your skin is looking a little meh and dull this will help to kick start it by neutralising sebum and help collagen production. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse off and hello glowing gorgeous skin.