Can You Apply Vitamin C Serum on Your Eyes?

You know vitamin C is good for your health and you might already be using this powerful antioxidant in a serum on your face. Topical vitamin C is a potent anti-aging tool that gives your face a healthful glow but you might wonder if it's also safe and effective to use around your sensitive eye area.

Vitamin C serum (Image: kerdkanno/iStock/Getty Images)

About Vitamin C Serums

Vitamin C serums contain different forms of vitamin C in different strengths. Products may contain between 3 and 15 percent of vitamin C. The active ingredients may include ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid. Serums may contain other anti-aging or moisturizing ingredients, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. Antioxidants such as vitamin C are susceptible to oxidization, becoming less effective if exposed to light and air, so ensure that the product is packaged in an airtight and opaque container. If a serum is discolored, it's a sign it has oxidized and will no longer be effective.

Benefits of Vitamin C Serums

Aging and sun damage cause skin to lose elasticity. Topical vitamin C helps increase collagen production in aging skin, preventing wrinkle formation and restoring skin's elasticity. With its heavy-duty antioxidant properties, topical vitamin C has been shown to actually reduce the number of sunburned skin cells, protect against ultraviolet sun damage, and may repair existing sun damage such as discoloration.

Serum Use

Apply the vitamin C serum once daily after exfoliating. Although it won't replace your daily sunscreen, using your serum in the morning helps take advantage of vitamin C's sun-protection aspects. You can safely use a vitamin C serum with any other skin care products, even with other antioxidants such as vitamin E. You may see results from topical vitamin C products in as little as 2 to 4 weeks or as much as 6 to 8 weeks.

Eye Safety and Benefits

Vitamin C serums formulated for the face are safe to use around the eye area. Lines around thin skin of the eyes can benefit from the collagen-building aspects of vitamin C. These serums may help brighten the dark circles, improve hydration and firm skin in this area. In addition to serums created for the face and neck, vitamin C serums specifically formulated for the eyes are also available.