Vitamin C, retinol and peptides: what each one actually does

Three ingredients come up again and again in skincare. Here is what they are generally used for, in plain terms.

Vitamin C (often as an antioxidant serum)

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. In skincare it is commonly used in the morning to help protect the look of skin against daily environmental stress and to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion over time. It pairs well with sunscreen. Our Ferulic CE Elixir combines vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid, a well-known antioxidant trio.

Retinol ⚠ REVIEW — confirm this section with the owner / a medical reviewer before publishing; usage instructions for retinoids are gated per P2-03.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A widely used to support skin texture and the appearance of fine lines. It can be irritating when introduced too quickly. General good practice:

• Use it at night only, on dry skin, starting 2 nights a week and increasing slowly.
• Follow with moisturiser; a "moisturiser sandwich" (moisturiser, retinol, moisturiser) can help sensitive skin adjust.
• Always wear SPF the next morning.
• Avoid layering retinol in the same routine as strong exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide.
• Speak to a healthcare professional first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using prescription retinoids.

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids used in skincare to support the feel of firmer, smoother skin. They are generally gentle and layer well with most other ingredients, which makes them an easy addition to both morning and evening routines.

Can you use them together?

Yes — a common pattern is vitamin C in the morning, retinol or peptides in the evening. Keep strong actives on separate parts of the day, and if your skin feels tight or looks flushed, scale back frequency rather than pushing through.

Explore targeted formulas in our wrinkles & fine lines collection.