| Origin | Animal sources, synthetic formulations. |
| Uses | Anti-aging, acne treatment. |
| Frequency | Start 2-3 times a week, at night. |
| Starting | 0.025% for retinol; prescription varies. |
| Veganess | Synthetic versions are vegan. |
| Anti-aging | Rank : 5 |
| Sun Sensitivity | Requires Sunscreen** |
| Origin | Found in foods like meat, fish, and wheat. Can be synthetic. |
| Uses | Reduces inflammation, oil regulation, barrier repair. |
| Frequency | Daily, morning or night. |
| Starting | 2-5%. |
| Veganess | Synthetic versions are vegan. |
| Property | Suitable for all skin types |
| Hydrating | Rank : 5 |
| Origin | Citrus fruits, synthetic formulations. |
| Uses | Brightening, collagen production, antioxidant. |
| Frequency | Daily, morning. |
| Starting | 10-20% |
| Veganess | Plant-based and synthetic versions available. |
| Property | Can be unstable |
| Antioxidant | Rank : 5 |
| Origin | Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, synthetic formulations. |
| Uses | Antioxidant, moisturizing, wound healing. |
| Frequency | Daily, morning or night. |
| Starting | 0.5-5%. |
| Vegan | Plant-based and synthetic versions available. |
| Property | Enhances vitamin C effectiveness. |
| Moisturizing | Rank : 5 |
| Origin | Found in both plant foods like avocados and whole grains, and poultry or beef. Widely synthesized for skincare. |
| Uses | Moisturizing, healing, strengthening the skin barrier. |
| Frequency | Daily, morning or night. |
| Starting | 1-5% |
| Veganess | Synthetic versions are vegan. |
| Property | Good for healing |
| Deeply hydrating | Rank : 5 |
| Origin | Leafy greens like spinach and fermented foods. Synthetically produced for topical use. |
| Uses | Reduces dark circles under the eyes, helps with skin healing and bruising. |
| Frequency | Daily, usually at night. |
| Starting | Concentration in skincare products can vary; typically not specified but used in low amounts. |
| Vegan | Synthetic versions are vegan. |
| Property | Limited research, but generally safe. |
| Good for Bruises and dark circles. | Rank : 5 |
Vitamins For Skin
Some vitamins such as Vitamin A (Retinoids), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin C(Ascorbic acid), Vitamin E(Tocopherol), and Vitamin K are available in the topical skincare products for different uses.
Vitamin A (Retinoids)
Vitamin A is known to promote cell turnover, reduces signs of aging, and clears acne. Also known as retinol, however, it can cause irritation, dryness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. It's recommended to start with lower concentrations and use as directed, often in the evening.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) reduces inflammation, evens skin tone, and improves skin barrier function. Generally sold as the name, Niacinamide, it is well-tolerated, but high concentrations might cause irritation or redness in sensitive individuals.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
There's also one ingredient in the Vitamin B family: Vitamin B5. It moisturizes, soothes, and heals the skin, promoting a healthy skin barrier, and is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, reduces pigmentation, and stimulates collagen production. However, it can be unstable and degrade when exposed to light or air. It may also cause irritation in high concentrations or in sensitive skin.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E is good for moisturizing and acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals, and it is generally safe, but can cause comedogenicity (pore-clogging) in oily or acne-prone skin types when used in heavy formulations.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is known for reducing dark circles under the eyes and helping with skin healing. However, it has limited research on its effectiveness, but it's considered safe for topical use.
Can You Use Supplement Vitamins on Skin?
Vitamins formulated for oral intake are designed to be digested and metabolized by the body, not for direct skin absorption. The molecular structure and concentration levels in supplements may not be suitable or effective for topical use.
Another Issue for Supplement Vitamins: Stability
Many vitamins, such as Vitamin C, are highly sensitive to light, air, and pH levels. Topical formulations are specially designed to stabilize these compounds, ensuring they remain effective on the skin. Crushing a vitamin tablet or opening a capsule could expose the active ingredients to elements that degrade them before they can benefit your skin.
Irritation May Be Prevalent
Applying undiluted vitamins or supplements meant for ingestion can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects. Topical products typically contain carriers and other skin-friendly ingredients to mitigate these risks.
Optimal pH Levels for Each Vitamin
- Vitamin A (Retinoids) 5.5-6.0; retinoids are less pH-dependent but perform well in a slightly acidic to neutral environment.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) 5.0-7.0; Niacinamide is effective within a wide pH range and is quite stable.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 3.0-3.5; ascorbic acid requires a low pH to maintain stability and enhance skin penetration.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Not significantly pH-dependent; works well in a range of formulations.
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) 4.0-7.0; Panthenol is effective and stable across a wide pH range.
Synergy With Other Ingredients
- Vitamin A (Retinoids) Works well with niacinamide for anti-aging and acne treatment. Avoid using with Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs at the same time to prevent irritation.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) Combines well with retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and Vitamin C (despite common myths, modern formulations allow niacinamide and vitamin C to be used together effectively).
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Works best with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, which stabilize it and boost antioxidant effects. Can be used with Hyaluronic acid for hydration but use separately from retinoids to avoid irritation.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C and is also effective with vitamin A for repairing and protecting the skin barrier.
- Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) Enhances skin barrier repair and hydration when used with Hyaluronic acid and Ceramides.
Finishing Up
While it's tempting to use oral supplement vitamins directly on the skin in hopes of harnessing their benefits, it's important to recognize the distinctions between topical and ingestible formulations. For skincare, it's best to use products specifically designed for topical application to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Note About Vitamins For Skin
Some ingredients such as Vitamin D is still under a research phase, and there's no reason to use vitamin supplements directly on your skin. A common mistake includes using vitamin c powder directly on your skin. This is a direct call to irritation.
People Also Ask About Vitamins For Skin
A: While using multiple products with the same vitamin doesn't lead to an "overdose" in the traditional sense, it can cause irritation or sensitivity. It's important to balance your skincare routine and not overload the skin with high concentrations of active ingredients.
A: Yes, the order can significantly impact their effectiveness. Generally, water-based products should be applied before oil-based ones, and products should be applied from thinnest to thickest consistency. This ensures optimal absorption of each vitamin's benefits.
A: No, topical vitamins target the skin's surface and underlying structures for cosmetic and health benefits, while dietary vitamins are essential for overall bodily functions. Both are important for holistic health and cannot replace each other.
A: Yes, topical Vitamin A (retinoids) can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, making it more susceptible to sunburn and damage. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is crucial when incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine.
A: Topical vitamin C is formulated at an acidic pH to ensure its stability and penetration into the skin. While it can lower the skin's pH temporarily, formulations are designed to be safe and beneficial, boosting collagen production and antioxidant protection. It's important to follow product instructions and monitor your skin's reaction.
A: Refrigerating certain topical vitamins, like vitamin C, can prolong their shelf life by slowing down the rate of oxidation and degradation. However, not all products need to be refrigerated, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
A: Some topical vitamins can interact with each other. For example, vitamin C can destabilize in the presence of retinoids if applied simultaneously, reducing its effectiveness. It's recommended to use them at different times of the day or to wait several minutes between applications.
A: While rare, allergic reactions to topical vitamins can occur, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. Performing a patch test before using a new product can help identify any potential reactions.
A: Yes, the pH of the water you use to wash your face can influence your skin's pH balance, potentially affecting how well topical vitamins are absorbed and how effective they are. Hard water, with a high mineral content, can leave your skin more alkaline, which might reduce the efficacy of acidic vitamins like vitamin C. Using a toner can help restore the skin's optimal pH level post-cleansing.
A: Combining certain vitamins without proper spacing or formulation can reduce their effectiveness or even cause irritation. For instance, using vitamin C (an acid) and niacinamide (a base) together without waiting can lead to flushing and reduce their effectiveness due to the pH interaction. However, modern formulations and layering techniques have minimized these issues, making it safer to use them in the same routine with caution.
A: Absolutely. For example, oily skin might benefit more from lightweight, oil-free formulations of vitamin C, while dry skin might prefer vitamin C in a hydrating serum or cream base that also contains moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid. The form of the vitamin, not just the type, plays a crucial role in how well it's tolerated and how effective it can be for different skin types.
