Is Vitamin C Actually Good to Use in Skincare During the Day?

This story is brought to you by Hello Glow | Product photography by Perkin Gotohio

Vitamin C is one of those skincare ingredients that enjoys celebrity status. You’ll see it everywhere, from serums to moisturizers, all promising a brighter, healthier complexion. But the question comes up often: is it actually a good idea to use it during the day, when our skin is most exposed to stressors like UV rays and pollution?

Apparent, yes it is, especially when used in combination with a sunscreen! Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it helps neutralize free radicals before they can damage your skin cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules that come from UV rays, pollution, and even stress. They speed up aging, dullness, and pigmentation. When you pair vitamin C with your sunscreen, they work in tandem: the sunscreen blocks most UV rays, while vitamin C mops up any free radical damage that slips through. The result? Better photoprotection than sunscreen alone.

Plus, vitamin C plays a role in brightening skin and evening out tone over time. It helps fade existing dark spots and slows the production of new ones by interfering with melanin formation. That’s why it’s especially beloved by those dealing with post-acne marks or sun spots.

Of course, the key is in the formulation. L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form, but it can be unstable when exposed to light and air, hence, the opaque, airtight packaging you often see. Concentrations between 10–20% tend to be effective without being overly irritating for most people. If you have sensitive skin, vitamin C derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate are gentler options.

Enter: Hello Glow’s Vitamin C Sun Care Cream

If you’re intrigued by the idea of combining sun protection and vitamin C in one step, Hello Glow’s new Vitamin C Sun Care Cream (P395 / 50g) might just be worth a look. This SPF 55 + PA+++ sunscreen not only shields skin with four sunscreen filters but also boasts the brand’s Triple VitaBright Complex, which has three types of vitamin C designed to brighten, even out skin tone, and boost overall radiance.

I’ve been trying it, and here’s what stands out: it has a lovely, light orangey scent (think fresh citrus without being too sharp), and despite being a cream, it feels surprisingly lightweight. There’s zero white cast so no need to blend like a madwoman just to avoid ghostly streaks, and it leaves a glowy matte finish that sits beautifully under makeup.

Because it’s a cream, it’s more moisturizing than gel formulas, which makes it a great pick for dry to normal skin. If you have oily skin, I’d still say stick to a gel sunscreen to avoid feeling like it’s sitting on top of your skin as the day goes on.

The formula is also packed with niacinamide for smoother, more even-toned skin, yuja fruit extract for antioxidant and anti-aging benefits, and sorbitol plus hyaluronic acid for an extra dose of plump hydration. For something this affordable, it’s impressive to see such a thoughtful ingredient list.

If you’ve been meaning to add vitamin C to your morning routine but don’t want the hassle of multiple layers, this sunscreen might just be your shortcut: sun protection and brightening in one.