Vitamin C and retinol are two of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare, and it is easy to feel unsure which one belongs in your routine. The short answer: they do different jobs, and many people end up using both, just at different times of day.
What vitamin C does
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant. In a daytime routine it helps brighten the look of dull skin, soften the look of uneven tone and dark spots, and give skin a fresher, more radiant appearance. It pairs well with sunscreen in the morning.
Our Solar Remains Vitamin C Facial Serum is made for this morning step.
What retinol does
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that supports smoother-looking skin and the appearance of fine lines with consistent use. Because it can leave skin feeling sensitive at first, it is best used at night and introduced slowly, a couple of evenings a week to start.
You can find it in our Shadow Renewal Retinol Facial Serum.
Vitamin C vs retinol: the quick comparison
- Best time to use: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night.
- Main focus: vitamin C for radiance and an even-looking tone, retinol for smoother texture and the look of fine lines.
- Starting out: vitamin C is usually easy to begin daily; retinol is best introduced gradually.
- Sunscreen: use it every morning with either, and especially if you use retinol at night.
Can you use both?
Yes. A simple approach is vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening, so each ingredient gets its own time to work. If your skin feels dry or tight, add a nourishing moisturizer such as our Beef Tallow and Wild Honey Cream as the last step.
New to layering? Read our guide on how to layer face serums in the right order, and see how niacinamide and vitamin C work together.
Which should you start with?
If your main goal is a brighter, more even-looking complexion, start with vitamin C. If you want to focus on smoother-looking texture and fine lines, start with retinol. Introduce one new product at a time so you can see how your skin responds, and patch test first.
Browse the full range in our serums.
