Can Vitamin C before sunscreen boost your protection? image
  • Skin care
  • Sun & travel

Can Vitamin C before sunscreen boost your protection?

Could a Vitamin C serum make your sunscreen more effective? Wondering how to apply Vitamin C and sunscreen together? Find more answers in our guide to using Vitamin C and SPF.

By Hannah Mepham

4 Minute read

Is it true? Can Vitamin C boost your sun protection? We asked our experts what makes Vitamin C and sunscreen the perfect summer skin care pairing. Read on to find out how to use Vitamin C serum and sunscreen together!

Can Vitamin C and sunscreen be used together?

Vitamin C is a brilliant product to apply before your daily SPF. Although it doesn’t directly provide UV defence like a sun filter, it has properties that can protect skin from sun damage. It is also non-sensitising, meaning it won’t cause your skin to feel sensitive in the sun.

 

 Here are a few reasons why you should apply Vitamin C serum before sunscreen:

  • Age spot prevention: Vitamin C helps to inhibit pigmentation problems caused by sun exposure. Better yet, it also boosts collagen production to increase the suppleness of the skin.
  • SPF optimisation: Applying an antioxidant Vitamin C serum before sunscreen has been shown to amplify your SPF. 
  • Free radical defence: Vitamin C serum is an antioxidant powerhouse that can also help neutralise free radical activity that may be triggered by sun exposure.

Other ways to boost your sun defence

And Vitamin C is not the only way to boost your sun defence! We also love the UV booster, Edelweiss.

Used in some of our natural and organic sunscreens, this alpine flower grows at high altitudes, where UV light levels are particularly high.

Over time these flowers evolved to produce a vegetable fibre shield. This unique defence mechanism protects the Edelweiss from environmental and UV harm and makes it the perfect plant-based addition to our UV-protective organic sun creams.

Shop sunscreen & Vitamin C: perfect sun protection partners

Protect and glow this summer with our perfect sun protection pairing, Age Defy+ Collagen Boost Vitamin C Serum & Age Defy+ Daily SPF30 Moisturiser.

 

Also available in try-me size minis:

How to apply Vitamin C and sunscreen together

Now that you know the benefits of applying Vitamin C serum and sunscreen, learn how to layer this perfect pairing. 

 

STEP 1: SERUM

Serum should be applied before sunscreen, not mixed with it. Apply your serum to the face, neck, and décolletage using light tapping motions.

STEP 2: WAIT

SPF is sensitive stuff, and its power can be depleted if mixed with serum or other skin care products. Wait 7-10 minutes for your Vitamin C serum to be absorbed fully before applying your sunscreen.

STEP 3: PROTECT

Apply your SPF moisturiser or sunscreen to your face and neck. If you are using a 100% mineral sunscreen, you are good to go, but if not, wait 30 minutes before going outside for the UV defence actives to take effect.

Discover more from Age Defy+

Look and feel your best with this organic skin care collection designed for vibrant skin.

Each Age Defy+ product is packed with natural plant extracts and nourishing ingredients to help reduce fine lines and signs of ageing, leaving you with radiant, firmer-looking skin.

View the complete Age Defy+ collection now.

We hope you have found this guide to Vitamin C and sunscreen helpful. For more help finding the perfect SPF for you, why not take our quick and easy SPF quiz?

Alternatively, our UK customer care team is happy to help and can be contacted on 01403 740350 

If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to "Can Vitamin C before sunscreen boost your protection?" Please do not use an affiliate link.

Read next...

Green People scent free shower gel
Sensitive skin

Shower gel vs soap - what's best for your skin?

Unsure whether a traditional soap bar or a modern shower gel is best for your skin? We explore how each works and reveal the most skin-friendly way to refresh your body from top to toe.

By Lucy Thorpe

11/11/2025

8 Minute read

READ NOW
woman wearing winter hat and scarf

Rosacea in winter: cold weather skin care tips

During the winter months, many people with rosacea find their skin becomes more sensitive, red and easily irritated. Learn how to protect and soothe your complexion naturally during cold weather with simple skin care tips and rosacea-friendly winter skin care products from Green People.

By Lucy Thorpe

11/11/2025

13 Minute read

READ NOW
eczema on womans hands

Are stress and eczema connected?

The mind–skin connection is real. Explore how stress can trigger eczema and ways to soothe stressed, sensitive skin naturally.

By Lucy Thorpe

11/11/2025

12 Minute read

READ NOW
Read more articles

1,500+ Five star reviews

Read all Reviews
"One of the best companies I have ever dealt with in my 63 years on this planet!"

Jan B.

Verified Buyer

"Have fallen in love with this product range. They are lovely to use and they work!"

Carole G.

Verified Buyer

"You guys are amazing, continue to love the brand, excited to order from you again!"

Maitreya L.

Verified Buyer

"Super quick delivery, ethical packaging and beautiful products."

Nat J.

Verified Buyer

"I love every product I have tried from Green People, and the customer service has always been excellent."

Maria H.

Verified Buyer

"So glad I have found an ethical supplier with great products!"

Susan B.

Verified Buyer