PoreWise One finding · Review article · 2023
Study title
Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review
- Kind of evidence
- Review article 2023 · PMID 37128827
- Measured outcome
- Skin effect
- Year
- 2023
- Who was studied
- Sample size
- Measured outcome
- A 2023 systematic review of 7 randomized controlled trials (139 volunteers) found that topically applied vitamin C made uneven, wrinkled skin appear smoother and lightened pigmentation on objective assessments, though noticeable change may need long-term use.
- Certainty
- Low
- Who was measured
- Topical vitamin C formulations studied for melasma or photodamage.
- Study limits
- The included trials were small; the review notes more studies are needed on the ideal concentration and long-term effect.
Where it comes from
- Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review
Published by Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Correia G, Magina S) · Last checked 2026-10-29
Ingredients it was measured on
Skin concerns studied
Other findings on the same ingredient or concern
- Skin effectClassification by causes of dark circles and appropriate evaluation method of dark circles
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-face trial, 24 people with mixed-type dark circles used a test product containing 3% vitamin C, 0.1% vitamin A and 0.5% vitamin E for eight weeks. Brightness (L*), melanin index and image-analysis lightness improved significantly on the treated side compared with the placebo side.
Human trial · 2016 · 24 people · adults with mixed-type dark circles · Instrument-measured brightness, melanin index and skin thickness in mixed-type (pigment plus vascular) dark circles over eight weeks. · Three actives were used together. 24 people took part, all with the mixed type of dark circles; a separate 100-person study was used first to choose which measurements to trust. The abstract reports instrument readings.
- Skin effectA randomized controlled study to evaluate the depigmenting activity of L-ascorbic acid plus phytic acid-serum vs. placebo on solar lentigines
In a double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial of 30 people with two or more solar lentigines, a serum with 10% L-ascorbic acid and 2% phytic acid lowered the pigmentation index of the treated lesions over three months while the vehicle-treated lesions stayed stable (P <= 0.003 from month 1 to month 4). Six adverse events, mostly halo depigmentation, were judged possibly related to the product.
Human trial · 2011 · 30 people · healthy subjects with two or more solar lentigines · Pigmentation index, dermoscopic pigmentation and brightness (L*) of solar lentigines over three months, with two months of follow-up. · The serum combines two actives. Each person applied the product to one side of the body and the vehicle to the other. 30 people, and six halo-depigmentation events were possibly related to the product. The authors call for larger studies.
- Skin effectNovel Vitamin C and E and Green Tea Polyphenols Combination Serum Improves Photoaged Facial Skin
In 31 women aged 43-65, a serum combining vitamins C and E with green tea polyphenols produced statistically significant improvements in all clinically graded parameters over 12 weeks, including enhanced skin smoothness and radiance, plus an ultrasound-measured increase in skin density.
Human trial · 2021 · 31 people · healthy women aged 43-65 (mean 57.9) · Women aged 43-65 with photoaged facial skin, applying the serum twice daily for 12 weeks. · Radiance was a clinical grading parameter.
- Skin effectAnti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial
In a split-face randomized controlled trial of 50 women, a serum with 20% vitamin C, vitamin E and raspberry leaf cell culture extract significantly improved skin radiance measured by Glossymeter GL200, along with skin colour and elasticity, over 2 months.
Human trial · 2020 · 50 people · women aged 30-65 · Women aged 30-65 applying the serum to one side of the face for 2 months, with the untreated side as control. · Split-face with an untreated.
- Skin effectUse of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on photodamaged skin topography
In a 3-month randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial of 19 volunteers with photodamaged skin, topical ascorbic acid produced a 73.7% greater improvement in optical profilometry Ra and shadows values than the vehicle, with significant clinical improvement in tactile roughness.
Human trial · 1999 · 19 people · evaluable volunteers aged 36-72 with photodamaged skin · Adults aged 36-72 with mild-to-moderate facial photodamage, applying the serum daily for 3 months. · Small sample (19) in photodamaged.