How to use vitamin C serum correctly: Morning or evening?

You've read everywhere that vitamin C is an absolute must-have in skincare? Then you're probably wondering: When should I use my vitamin C serum – morning or evening? The good news: We'll answer all your questions about the optimal use of this skincare hero.

The most important information at a glance

In the morning : Protection against environmental influences, immediate glow effect
Evening : Intensive regeneration, repair of daytime damage
Pro tip : For optimal results, use morning AND evening.
Beginners : Start with a 5-10% concentration; choose derivatives for sensitive skin.
Mandatory : Always combine with sunscreen SPF 30+

What makes vitamin C a skincare superhero?

Vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – is the superhero among antioxidants. It protects your skin from the daily attacks of free radicals caused by UV radiation and air pollution. But that's not all!

The powerful effects of vitamin C:

Antioxidant protection : Neutralizes harmful free radicals
Collagen boost : Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the formation of collagen.
Brightening effect : Reduces age spots and acne scars
Strengthening the skin barrier : For more resilient, healthier skin

Understanding Vitamin C Forms: L-Ascorbic Acid vs. Derivatives

Not all vitamin C is the same. There are different vitamin C compounds that have different effects:

L-ascorbic acid (pure form):

Maximum effectiveness
May irritate sensitive skin.
Requires an acidic pH value of 3.0-3.5

Vitamin C derivatives (e.g. ascorbyl glucoside):

Significantly more stable than pure vitamin C
Effective in the pH-skin-neutral range
Can be used safely on sensitive skin.

Morning or evening? The big question answered.

Vitamin C in the morning: Your protective shield for the day

Morning is the perfect time of day to boost your skin with vitamin C. It forms a barrier that protects it from harmful free radicals.

Why morning is optimal:

Environmental protection : Vitamin C enhances the effect of sunscreen
Instant glow : Fresh radiance all day long
Light texture : Serums absorb faster than creams and are ideal under makeup.

Vitamin C in the evening: Regeneration at full speed

While we sleep, our body undergoes its natural repair process, and antioxidants such as vitamin C have their strongest effect during this time.

Why it makes sense to be in the evening:

Intensive repair : Damage that occurs during the day is repaired by nighttime application.
Collagen boost : Collagen-activating properties unfold optimally at night.
No UV stress : No worries about light sensitivity

The experts' verdict: Why not both?

For those who want to get the most out of their serum: Why not simply apply it morning and evening? This way you benefit from the advantages of the vitamin C serum around the clock.

Optimal for maximum results:

Morning: Protection + Glow
Evening: Regeneration + Repair
The effects of both application times complement each other perfectly.

Step-by-step: How to apply Vitamin C Serum correctly

Morning routine: A powerful start to the day

Step 1: Cleansing. Start with gentle cleansing. A mild cleansing product perfectly prepares your skin for the following skincare steps.

Step 2: Toner (optional) Prepares the skin optimally for the serum

Step 3: Vitamin C Serum

4-5 drops for face, neck and décolleté
Gently massage in using circular motions.
Apply to slightly damp skin for better absorption.

Step 4: Leave to work. Wait a few minutes until it is completely absorbed.

Step 5: Moisturizing cream For optimal care and protection

Step 6: Sunscreen (MUST!) At least SPF 30 - essential when using Vitamin C

Evening routine: Overnight regeneration

Double cleansing (makeup remover + facial cleanser)
Vitamin C Serum (same application as in the morning)
Night cream for intensive care

Pro tip for dosage: 1-2 drops are enough for the whole face. More product does not mean more effect!

Beginner's Guide: Finding the Right Concentration

Sensitive skin & beginners

Start gently:

5-10% for beginners and sensitive skin
Start by applying it every other day
Choose vitamin C derivatives for better tolerability

Compatibility test:

24-hour patch test on the arm
Combine with soothing skincare products

Normal to experienced skin

For more power:

15-20% for experienced users
A percentage above 20% offers no additional benefit and can be confusing.

Concentration Guide:

5-10% : Perfect for beginners
10-15% : For visible results on normal skin
15-20% : Maximum effect for experienced users
Over 20% : Unnecessary and potentially irritating

Combinations: What goes well with vitamin C?

The perfect partners

Hyaluronic acid + Vitamin C This combination enhances the hydration and antioxidant effects of both ingredients.

Niacinamide + Vitamin C: Vitamin C and niacinamide are two active ingredients that combine well. Both strengthen the skin barrier and have a brightening effect.

Ceramides + Vitamin C: Ceramides help the skin maintain its natural barrier and can be combined with vitamin C.

Be careful with these combinations

Retinol and vitamin C are both powerful antioxidants, but their direct combination can irritate sensitive skin. A better approach: vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening.

AHA/BHA + Vitamin C: The combined acidity can dry out and irritate the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide + Vitamin C: Benzoyl peroxide renders vitamin C ineffective.

Layering rules for optimal results

The correct order: from thinnest to thickest consistency.

cleaning
toner
Vitamin C Serum
Other serums (if used)
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (in the morning)

Avoid the most common Vitamin C mistakes

Top 5 user errors

1. Incorrect storage: Vitamin C is very sensitive to light and air. Solution: Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container.

2. Use an oxidized product. If the vitamin C product turns brown or dark, this indicates oxidation. Replace immediately!

3. A concentration of L-ascorbic acid that is too high, at 25%, can be too strong for sensitive skin. Recommendation: Below 10% for sensitive skin types.

4. Irregular use: For optimal results, vitamin C should be used regularly.

5. Forgetting sunscreen: Vitamin C can increase photosensitivity – use SPF 30+ daily!

When you should replace the product

Identifying features:

Brown/orange discoloration
Metallic smell
Open for over 6 months
Store at room temperature

Storage tips:

Refrigerator (ideal)
Dark cabinets
Prefer airless dispensers
Original packaging

Timeline: When will you see the first results?

Setting realistic expectations

Period	What happens	What you see
Weeks 1-2	Follicles are activated	No visible changes yet.
Weeks 3-4	Initial improvements such as a more radiant complexion after 1-2 weeks	Slight improvement in radiance
Weeks 6-8	Collagen production increases	A finer skin structure is noticeable
Weeks 10-12	For noticeable results such as the reduction of pigment spots, use consistently for several weeks.	Visible improvements in pigment spots

Patience is key: Skin reacts individually to skincare products containing vitamin C, and it can take several weeks before a change is noticed.

TruCosmetics GLOW SERUM: Vitamin C rethought

Why our GLOW SERUM is different

Our skin-refining GLOW SERUM combines the best of both worlds: 10% Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside), 5% Niacinamide and 2% Acetylglucosamine for maximum effectiveness with optimal tolerability.

This is what makes it special:

Gentle formulation : Vitamin C derivative instead of harsh L-ascorbic acid
Perfect combination : With proven partners like niacinamide
Certified organic : Aloe Vera base, vegan and cruelty-free
Made in Germany : Highest quality standards
Sustainable : Green PE packaging

Ideal for all skin types

Especially suitable for:

Impurities and acne scars
Pigment spots
first wrinkles
Pale, tired complexion
Sensitive skin (thanks to derivative formulation)

Professional tips for maximum results

Expert application hacks

The moisture trick: Apply the serum to slightly damp skin so that it is absorbed better and can penetrate deeper.

The 20-minute rule: When combining with retinol: Apply vitamin C serum, wait 20 minutes, then apply retinol.

Consistency is key: It's better to use a low dose daily than a highly concentrated dose sporadically.

For contact lens wearers

Hormone-free, gentle formulations are often better tolerated. The TruCosmetics GLOW SERUM with vitamin C derivative is ideal for sensitive eyes.

FAQ: Your most important questions answered

Can I use vitamin C daily?

Vitamin C is best used in serum form, morning and evening. For sensitive skin: introduce it gradually!

What to do about skin irritations?

reduce concentration
Switching to derivatives
Combine with soothing products
If problems arise, pause and consult a dermatologist.

Vitamin C during pregnancy?

Vitamin C is generally safe. If you are unsure, consult your gynecologist.

What is the difference between a serum and a cream?

A serum is highly concentrated and penetrates deeper into the skin layers, while creams provide more moisture.

Can I use Vitamin C if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, vitamin C is also suitable for sensitive skin, provided it is used in a lower concentration (5-10%). Vitamin C derivatives are particularly gentle.

Did you scroll too far? Here's the most important information again:

The essentials in 30 seconds:

Timing : In the morning for protection, in the evening for regeneration – or both!
Concentration : Beginners 5-10%, Experienced users up to 20%
Partners : Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are perfect companions
Caution : Do not mix with retinol or strong acids.
Mandatory : Always use sunscreen SPF 30+
Patience : First results after 4-6 weeks

Conclusion: Your path to radiant skin

Vitamin C is the rock star of skincare for good reason. In the morning it protects against harmful environmental influences, and in the evening it supports natural regeneration processes.

The key to success:

Consistency : Daily use yields the best results.
Patience : Apply consistently for several weeks for noticeable improvements.
Quality : Invest in stable, well-formulated products.
Sun protection : Never leave the house without SPF 30+

Our TruCosmetics GLOW SERUM is the perfect way to start your Vitamin C journey – gentle on the skin, yet powerful in its effect.

Ready for radiant skin? Discover our GLOW SERUM with 10% Vitamin C now and start your skincare transformation!

Do you have questions about the application or would you like a personal consultation? Our TruCosmetics team will be happy to help you find the perfect routine for your skin type.