Vitamin C vs Niacinamide: Which Brightening Serum Ingredients Should You Look For?

Vitamin C and niacinamide for brightening skincare

Vitamin C and niacinamide are two widely used skincare ingredients for routines focused on brightness, tone and overall skin appearance. They work differently, so the right choice depends on your routine, skin concerns and product formulation.

What does Vitamin C do in skincare?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant commonly used in skincare to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. It is particularly popular in morning routines, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen.

What does niacinamide do?

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 used in skincare for multiple concerns, including the appearance of uneven tone and dullness. It can be a versatile ingredient in daily routines.

Can you use them together?

Modern formulations can combine complementary ingredients. Élan Vivre Radiance Booster is formulated with Vitamin C, Glutathione and Niacinamide and is designed for dull-looking, uneven-looking and pigmented-looking skin.

Shop Radiance Booster brightening serum.

Don't forget sunscreen

A brightening routine should include broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day. Consistent sun protection is an important part of maintaining an even-looking complexion.

Not sure what your skin needs?

Use the Élan Vivre AI Skin Analyzer to explore visible skin concerns and discover a routine built around your needs.