Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (Ascorbate) is sometimes used as a supportive treatment for acne, with a moderate but not robust scientific rationale. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress in the skin and is involved in collagen synthesis and wound healing. Acne pathogenesis involves inflammation and sometimes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, processes in which Vitamin C could theoretically play a beneficial role. Some in vitro and small clinical studies have shown that topical Vitamin C can reduce inflammation, support skin repair, and help fade post-acne hyperpigmentation. There is limited evidence that it can directly reduce acne lesions themselves.

There are few well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of oral or topical Vitamin C alone for acne. Most available studies examine Vitamin C in combination with other ingredients or as part of broader skincare regimens. Topical Vitamin C is more commonly investigated, with some evidence suggesting it can aid in reducing redness and promoting healing after acne lesions resolve, rather than treating active breakouts. Oral Vitamin C supplementation does not have strong evidence for direct acne improvement in otherwise healthy individuals.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for the supportive use of Vitamin C in acne management—primarily for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repair properties—the direct evidence for significant improvement in acne lesions is limited. Thus, the scientific evidence supporting Vitamin C as a primary treatment for acne is weak to moderate (rated 2/5).

More about Vitamin C (Ascorbate)
More about Acne

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alpha-pinene
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bisabolol
black cumin
burdock
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
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cucumber
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curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
garlic bulb
green tea
hemp oil
honeysuckle
L-cystine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
monolaurin
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic compounds
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
tomato
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
shen-chu
neem tree
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
chrysanthemum
morinda
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trace minerals
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fulvic acid
herbal blend (proprietary)
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indigo leaves
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Ash
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
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Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
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Banyan
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Caryophyllene
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Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Centipeda
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Copaiba Oil
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Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Dianthus
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Essential Oil Blend
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
Eugenol
Estrogen
Fatty acids
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Glabridin
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Hemp
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Jojoba Oil
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Lactobacillus
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Monoterpenes
Mangostin
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Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Nigella Seed
Propolis
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Products containing Vitamin C (Ascorbate)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.