If you’re using vitamin C in your skincare routine, chances are you’veprobably wondered whether to use a vitamin C cleanser or a vitamin C serum or both? And more importantly, which one should come first? While the two products share a key ingredient, they serve very different purposes. Understanding how a vitamin C cleanser and a vitamin C serum work differently can help you build a smarter, more effective routine for brighter, healthier-looking skin. Let’s break it down.
What Does A Vitamin C Cleanser Actually Do?
A vitamin C cleanser is the first step in your routine. Its primary job is to:
- Remove dirt, oil, sweat, and impurities
- Wash away pollution and buildup
- Prep your skin for active ingredients
While it contains vitamin C, it is still a wash-off product. That means it stays on your skin for a short period before being rinsed away.
Key Role:
It cleanses and refreshes while offering a mild brightening boost. A vitamin C cleanser helps:
- Reduce surface dullness
- Refresh tired-looking skin
- Prepare pores for better absorption
Think of it as the foundation. It clears the canvas so your treatment products can perform better.
What Does A Vitamin C Serum Do?
A vitamin C serum is a leave-on treatment. Unlike a cleanser, it stays on your skin and works deeper over time. Serums are formulated with:
- Higher concentrations of vitamin C
- Lightweight textures
- Ingredients designed for deeper penetration
Key Role:
It targets specific concerns like:
- Dark spots
- Uneven skin tone
- Dullness
- Early signs of ageing
Because it remains on your skin for hours, a serum delivers more noticeable brightening and antioxidant benefits.
Cleanse Or Treat First?
Always cleanse first.
Here’s the correct order:
- Cleanser
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (morning)
Why?
Applying serum on unclean skin can block absorption. Dirt, oil, and residue create a barrier that prevents active ingredients from working effectively. Cleansing ensures you achieve umpteen vitamin C serum benefits by allowing it to penetrate properly and perform at its best.
How They Work Together?
Here’s how the combination boosts results:
- Step 1: Cleanse
The cleanser removes impurities and reduces dull buildup.
- Step 2: Treat
The serum delivers concentrated vitamin C to visibly brighten and even out skin tone.
- Step 3: Protect
Always follow with sunscreen during the day. Vitamin C works beautifully under SPF because it enhances protection against environmental stressors.
Morning vs Night Use
- Morning: Cleanser + Vitamin C serum + Sunscreen
- Night: Cleanser + Serum + Moisturizer
Vitamin C works especially well in the morning due to its antioxidant properties, helping defend skin against environmental damage.
The Garnier vitamin C cleanser and serum share the same hero ingredient, but they serve very different purposes. The cleanser refreshes and prepares while the serum treats and transforms.
If you’ve been choosing between the two, the real answer is simple: they work best together. Cleanse first, treat second, and protect always, and your skin will thank you.