Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is a skin lightening powerhouse and one of the most researched and science-backed ingredients in skincare. As well as whitening the skin, it is a powerful antioxidant. Your skin needs to produce collagen, a structural protein that supports the skin, keeping it smooth and firm. Vitamin C increases the production of skin lipids which are so essential for maintaining moisture levels, flexibility and for strengthening the barrier.

Ascorbic acid is the most biologically active form of vitamin C, while some of its derivatives include ascorbyl glycoside and ascorbyl palmitate.