Skip to content

Vitamin C Oil vs Vitamin C Serum: What’s the Difference?

by Ella Goodman 01 May 2024

All right, amigos! 

Let's dive straight into the juicy, de-mystifying world of vitamin C essentials.

We all know how perplexing it can be to choose between vitamin C oil and vitamin C serum, right? 

I mean, hello, modern skincare problems! 

But believe me, once we scale this mountain of information together, you'll conquer your skincare routine with ease.

Vitamin C oil vs vitamin C serum: the key differences

Alright, let's cut to the chase.

First off, consistency. This is as literal as it sounds. Vitamin C serum is more on the watery, lightweight side, while the oil version is - you guessed it - oilier. This is often where personal preference comes into play. 

Are you the kind who likes your skincare products light and fast-absorbing? The serum would be your go-to. Do you find solace in the rich, indulgent feel of an oil, melting into your skin? Then the vitamin C oil will likely be your new best friend.

Now, let's talk about concentration. 

Yes, both are vitamin C powerhouses but bear different intensities. vitamin C serums tend to have a higher concentration of vitamin C. They're often more potent, which is why they're lauded as the heavy lifters in the fight against aging and skin damage.

Vitamin C oils, on the other hand, have a relatively lower concentration but they're no pushovers. They carry a double advantage by combining the benefits of vitamin C with the moisturizing prowess of the oil, like grapeseed or jojoba, to name a few. They're the gentle giants of vitamin C skincare, if you will. 

On that note, if your skin tends to be sensitive, you might be better off with a vitamin C oil. The lower concentration of vitamin C combined with nourishing oil can make it a gentler, less irritating option.

Moving onto the targeted benefits, they share some common ground but also have their unique strengths. 

Vitamin C serums are renowned for their prowess in fighting off free radicals, reducing hyperpigmentation, and boosting collagen production.

Vitamin C oils, while also tackling these issues, shine in their capacity to seal in moisture, owing to their oil base. They help in maintaining the skin's hydration barrier, keeping it healthy and glowing.

Lastly, let's talk about when to use them. This is where the water versus oil rule comes into play. As a rule of thumb, any water-based product, like a serum, is meant to go onto your skin first, right after cleansing. 

Why? Because they absorb quickly and penetrate deeper into the skin.

Vitamin C oils, conversely, are best applied after water-based products. They're like the topcoat to your skincare routine, sealing in everything you've applied before.

So, in the end, it boils down to your specific needs. Whether you're Team Serum or Team Oil isn't due to one being conclusively superior to the other. It's about what suits you best. 

That's the magic of skincare - finding the right solution for YOU.

Which is better for your face, vit C oil or vit C serum?

So we know a bit about the science, but we’re sure you’re wondering: which one should be the standout hero in your skin saga?

Grab a cup of green tea and let’s unravel the facts. 

Short answer: It all comes down to skin type and individual needs.

Vitamin C oil, green-mustached scientists would tell you, is rich in antioxidants and absorbs deeply into the skin. It hydrates intensely, making it a choice pick for anyone with dry or mature skin. It gives a glow and leaves you feeling dewy and fresh. 

Experienced a Sahara-desert kind of day? Vit C oil to the rescue!

However, as the weather heats up you might feel a tad too glisten-y. This is when vitamin C oil can turn from hero to heavy. It's also worth emphasizing that if you have naturally oily or acne-prone skin, vitamin C oil might be the melodramatic one in your skin regimen.

Now, let’s head over to the lighter, swifter counterpart, shall we? 

Cue the drumroll for vitamin C serum.

Vitamin C serum is the Usain Bolt of skincare, a fast-absorbing wonder. It rides the wave of water-based hydration, making it perfect for people with oily or combination skin. 

Since serum isn't as rich as oil, it can provide a smooth layer of vitamins before you apply a moisturizer. 

And, for those battling the curse of acne, the fast-absorbing nature of serums won’t clog pores, lessening the chance of breakouts.

When it comes to potency, both options can pack a punch and deliver the vitamin C kick your skin needs.

 However, serums typically have a higher concentration of vitamin C. They’re like a well-timed, focused tweet instead of a lengthy email – quick, efficient, and oh so smooth.

That said, neither is strictly superior. If your skin is begging for an ultra-hydrating mash-up, then go for the vitamin C oil. If you prefer things fast and fuss-free and your face tends to be oilier than an Italian antipasto platter, stick with the vitamin C serum.

And always remember, whether you opt for oil or serum, you're still dosing your skin with fantastic antioxidants, fighting off free radicals like a superhero. 

Plus, you're boosting collagen production, meaning reduced fine lines and wrinkles. 

So, regardless of the choice, your face will say a bright and emphatic thank you in the mirror each day.

Can I use vitamin C oil AND vitamin C serum?

You're perched with your vitamin C oil glimmering in one hand and vitamin C serum chilling in the other. 

The eternal conundrum: can you have your cake and eat it too? 

Or is it a skincare equivalent of mixing stripes with polka dots—a fashion faux pas?

The answer is: yes, you absolutely can use both vitamin C oil and vitamin C serum!

When used together, vitamin C oil and serum can work in synergy for higher antioxidant protection, greater hydration, and a stronger potent shield against environmental assault. 

Remember, not all vitamin C products are created equally. The concentration of vitamin C, the quality of other ingredients, and even the pH level can affect the efficacy of the product. So ensure to opt for reputed brands.

One concern you might have with layering vitamin C products involves the risk of getting too much of a good thing. 

But don't worry, layering these products won't lead to an overdosage of vitamin C. Instead, any surplus will simply not get absorbed by the skin, leaving no harm done.

Still, as with all things skincare, run a patch test first. While vitamin C is largely safe for all skin types, a sudden pacific ocean-sized wave of it could potentially lead to irritation for those with sensitive skin.

So, there you have it, mystery solved! You can indeed use vitamin C oil and vitamin C serum together in your skincare regime. 

So feel free to mix and match these superhero products to give your skin that fearless radiance it deserves!

Should I put oil or serum on my face first?

Start as you mean to go on, right? 

You've gathered—cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and oil. 

Where does one start? 

With the lightest touch, reach for that vitamin C serum first. 

Why? 

Skincare 101 asserts that we go from thinnest to the richest, ensuring each product seeps seamlessly into your skin. Think of applying your skincare as painting a masterpiece—the oil, in this case, acts as the protective sealing layer on top of your moisturizer.

Oil vs serum: lifting the veil

Sure, you might think that a serum seems somewhat more liquid than an oil, but let's remind ourselves of what we're dealing with. 

Serum—lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed to deliver high-concentration ingredients deep into the skin. 

Oil—rich, luxuriant, and nurtures the skin's protective barrier while locking in the benefits of all the previous layers.

By applying your vitamin C oil after your serum, you're making sure the powerhouse ingredients in your serum can perform to their best, while the oil provides a layer of security and a vitamin C boost. 

But let's make one thing clear—it's not about picking sides; it's about letting the oil and the serum hold hands and do what they do best.

Vitamin C cocktail: the road less traveled

Brace yourself. 

Let's break boundaries and let your skincare routine own the spotlight. 

Enter vitamin C mixology—yes, you read that correctly. Mixing a few drops of your favorite vitamin C oil with your serum or moisturizer might just become your little beauty secret (incidentally, it can play very well with other powerhouse ingredients too).

Why can this do so much good? 

Well, not all vitamin C oil products are created the same, so this cocktail can add that extra spark to your everyday product.

Remember, though—take it slow and steady. Haste makes waste, especially in skincare. Always patch test first; know it's not about rushing, it's about enjoying the sacred ritual that is your skincare routine.

From whoa-oh to oh-wow!

So, in the match of vitamin C serum versus oil, it was never about picking a winner. It's about realizing they're a duet, not a duel. 

They work best by harmonizing their strengths, ensuring your skin gives out the best performance, singing your skincare story to the world.

So, what’s the game plan?

The ending note is simple: Grab that serum first, follow up with your oil, and take a moment to experiment and personalize here and there. 

Most importantly, let your skincare routine sing to your tune—tweak, revisit, and perfect it until it's a chart-topping number. 

After all, your skin's story should sync perfectly with your rhythm—make it resonate, make it a hit!



Prev Post
Next Post
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items