Vitamin C for Men: Benefits, How to Use And 8 Best Products

A staple in skincare routines for decades, Vitamin C continues to stand out as a powerful ingredient for boosting radiance and improving the appearance of skin quality. With its ability to brighten dull complexions, help reduce the appearance of dark spots and defend against environmental stressors, this multi-tasking ingredient remains a must-have addition to any skincare routine.

You may think of oranges when it comes to Vitamin C but the ingredient is in fact also a skincare superhero that can do wonders for your complexion. Traditionally more popular with women, it can work just as well on men’s skin. And, because it is a very low-faff extra skincare product to add to your face, it doesn’t require much effort and the benefits are vast. It is found in all skincare products including serums, moisturisers, eye creams and SPF. 

To begin with, it’s important to understand the science behind Vitamin C in skincare and why it is so beneficial.

The Science Behind Vitamin C in Skincare

To put it simply, Vitamin C works as a bodyguard for your skin, protecting it from everyday damage. It is a supercharged antioxidant that works by eradicating damage caused by things such as sunlight and other environmental factors that can damage skin cells. 

Although Vitamin C has become a beauty buzzword in the last couple of years, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Munir Somji, founder of the London-based Dr MediSpa points out it has in fact been used in skincare for decades.

“It became particularly popular in the 2000s and 2010s as people became more aware of the role antioxidants can play in protecting the skin and preventing signs of ageing.

“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, so it helps protect the skin from free radicals caused by things like UV exposure and pollution. It also supports collagen production, which can help the skin look brighter, more even and healthier over time.”

In agreement is Dr. Maryam Zamani, oculoplastic surgeon, facial aesthetics doctor and founder of MZ Skin.

“Vitamin C is one of my favourite skincare products because it is not only incredibly versatile but because it is such a powerful antioxidant, it helps neutralise free radicals generated by UV and environmental exposure. It also supports collagen synthesis and helps improve uneven pigmentation and the visible signs of photoageing” (the ageing of your skin caused by the sun, rather than just getting older).

Benefits of Vitamin C for Men

Vitamin C can work equally as well on men’s skin as it does on women’s. Historically men have been less targeted by skincare marketing, which is why they mightn’t be as familiar with its benefits.

“There is absolutely no reason Vitamin C should be thought of as a female skincare ingredient. Men’s skin benefits from exactly the same biology,” explained Dr Zamani.

“In fact, for anyone who spends time outdoors, travels frequently or is concerned with dullness, pigmentation or early signs of ageing, I think it is an excellent addition to an almost all daily routines.”

According to Dr Somji, Vitamin C works particularly well in a simple men’s skincare routine. 

“Men’s skin can produce more oil, while regular shaving can also cause irritation and leave the skin looking or feeling a little uneven. Vitamin C can help support the skin while also giving it a fresher, brighter appearance.”

For men who want skincare to be straightforward and results-driven, celebrity facialist Joanne Evans, founder of Skin Matters, points to Vitamin C as a good example of an ingredient that can do several jobs at once.

“As a multi-tasking product, Vitamin C works as an antioxidant protection, whilst helping with brightening and supporting collagen – all without needing a complicated routine.

“I personally always tell my male clients to think of Vitamin C as part of their daily defence rather than a quick fix. Used consistently alongside a good moisturiser and, importantly, SPF, it can help protect the skin from the environmental stresses that contribute to premature ageing. For men in particular, after shaving, the priority should always be keeping the skin comfortable and balanced. A well-formulated Vitamin C product can then be introduced as a targeted step to support brightness and overall skin health.”

How and When to Use Vitamin C

“The good thing is that you don’t need a complicated routine,” explained Dr Somji.

“I’d recommend keeping things simple with a cleanser, moisturiser, Vitamin C in the morning and a broad spectrum SPF every day. Vitamin C and SPF work well together, but Vitamin C shouldn’t be used as a substitute for sunscreen.

“The key with Vitamin C, as with most skincare, is consistency. Using it regularly will give you much more benefit than buying lots of different products and rarely using them.”

Echoing his words, Dr Riaz Agha, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Harley Clinic says:

“Apply Vitamin C to clean, dry skin before moisturiser, if needed, and a broad spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen. Morning use fits conveniently into that routine. Vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen or make it safe to spend longer in the sun. Try a small area first, then introduce it every other morning. Stop if it causes persistent irritation and avoid applying it to skin that’s sore from shaving.”

What to Look For in Vitamin C Products

Dr Agha suggests you look for a product that states which form of vitamin C it contains and the concentration. 

“L-ascorbic acid is the form used in many clinical studies. Around 10% can be a reasonable starting option, although sensitive skin may need a lower strength or a different formulation,” he explains.

“The percentage alone doesn’t tell you how good a product is. Vitamin C can also break down in light and air, so choose protective packaging and keep it closed and away from sunlight.

“The most important thing with skincare is not using more products, but using the correct products for your skin. Vitamin C can be an excellent addition, but the formulation and how it fits into the rest of your routine really matter.”

8 Best Vitamin C Products for Men

1. The Organic Pharmacy 15% Stabilised Vitamin C Serum

As the name suggests, this is an organic product that boosts firmness and collagen, and improves texture to brighten and even skin tone.

2. HydroPeptide SYNER-C+Multi-Action Brightening Serum

I’m a huge fan of this brand and it works wonders for men’s skin as I’ve seen my husband and three adult sons use it. It helps fade hyperpigmentation patches and improves the overall radiance of the skin.

3. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum

When dermatologists recommend products, you know they tick the right boxes for excellent skincare. And this dermatology-approved serum is worth buying as it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration, whilst brightening the skin.

4. La Roche Posay Vitamin C 

This product comes as a set (sun cream included) and is perfect if you are a man with sensitive skin. It not only goes to work in brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, but is instantly soothing and hydrating.

5. Medik8 C-Tetra® Advanced

If you are worried about your face feeling sticky (I hate that feeling), let me reassure you that this glides onto the skin and you don’t feel a thing. It’s a fast-absorbing gel serum that is clinically proven to enhance dull skin and leaves it super smooth and soft.

6. Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturiser SPF 30

I swear by Perricone MD for my skin needs and this doesn’t disappoint. Targeting unwanted pigmentation and dark spots, the cream helps to reveal a more even tone with a natural glow. Free from oil, it absorbs readily into skin, delivering hydration without the greasy residues. Bonus points that it has an in-built SPF!

7. MZ Skin Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum

With Dr Zamani, the founder of this brand, being the only person I trust my face with when it comes to Botox, I cannot recommend this product highly enough. It combines stabilised Vitamin C with tranexamic acid and peptides to target pigmentation, uneven tone and dullness while supporting firmness. In fact, in an independent clinical trial, it reduced dark spots by 39.7% and improved skin brightness by 29.4 per cent after one month. Go for it!

8. Vita Vitae Day Serum Anti-Aging and Anti-Photoaging

This is an oil-free day face serum which contains a high percentage of active substances. A powerful concentrate that protects the skin from external environmental aggressions and helps visibly reduce the signs of aging, it works a treat.