Vitamin C, The Microbiome Ally

Within the skincare sector, Vitamin C has been hailed as an all-round skincare essential product with capabilities of for brightening, antioxidant protection, and collagen support however, its specific effects on the skin microbiome are only beginning to be understood. 

What we know:

Emerging research suggests that Vitamin C, whether taken as a supplement or applied topically, can support microbial diversity, modulate immune responses, and aid in wound healing.

• Topical Vitamin C, especially in low-pH formulations, increases microbial diversity without disrupting key bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes (Janssens-Böcker et al, 2024).

• Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping manage acne by inhibiting pathogens such as C. acnes, with effects enhanced when combined with zinc or clarithromycin (Sun et al, 2024).

• Vitamin C also supports the skin barrier and immune function, benefiting skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. While mechanisms in disease contexts are still being studied, evidence highlights its microbiome-friendly potential (Joshi et al, 2023).

Industry Impact and Potential

As microbiome-conscious skincare grows, Vitamin C offers brands opportunities to innovate responsibly. Its dual role as a skin health booster and microbiome-friendly ingredient enables effective, gentle formulations that meet demand for science-backed, sustainable products.

Emerging research points to key innovation areas:

• Combination therapies: Pairing Vitamin C with actives like zinc or light treatments targets pathogens, reduces inflammation, and supports repair.

• Personalized skincare: Understanding Vitamin C’s interaction with individual microbiomes enables tailored products that enhance efficacy while preserving balance.

• Barrier and wound support: Vitamin C-based dressings and delivery systems promote healing and antimicrobial protection without cytotoxicity.

Our Solution:

At Sequential, we specialise in supporting business to innovate confidently by providing comprehensive microbiome product testing. With a database of 50,000+ microbiome samples, 4,000 ingredients, and 10,000+ testing participants, we deliver science-driven, actionable insights that can help guide product formulation.

With our expertise and customisable services, we can support the creation of products that not only deliver visible results but also support a healthy and balanced microbiome for long term skin viability.

References:

Janssens-Böcker, C., Doberenz, C., Monteiro, M., & De Oliveira Ferreira, M., 2024. Influence of Cosmetic Skincare Products with pH < 5 on the Skin Microbiome: A Randomized Clinical Evaluation. Dermatology and Therapy, 15, pp. 141 - 159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-024-01321-x.

Joshi, M., Hiremath, P., John, J., Ranadive, N., Nandakumar, K., & Mudgal, J., 2023. Modulatory role of vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E on skin health, immunity, microbiome, and diseases. Pharmacological Reports, 75, pp. 1096 - 1114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43440-023-00520-1.

Sun, C., Na, Y., Wang, Z., Zhu, T., & Liu, X., 2024. Phytochemicals, promising strategies combating Cutibacterium acnes. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1476670.