Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together?
Written by: Radhika Sen
Updated on: 28th July 2025
One hydrates, one brightens - and together, they’re a skincare power duo. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are cult favourites for a reason. But can you actually use them at the same time? In this guide, we’ll show you how to layer the two like a pro for glow-boosting results.
How vitamin C and hyaluronic acid work on the skin
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are skincare staples for good reason. Each ingredient brings unique benefits that complement one another perfectly. While Vitamin C helps defend against environmental stress and boosts radiance, hyaluronic acid delivers deep hydration for a smooth, plump complexion.
Vitamin C
A glow-boosting antioxidant, vitamin C visibly brightens the skin, evens tone, shields against free radical damage and supports collagen production for firmer-looking skin.
Not all vitamin C is created equal. That’s why our bestselling C-Tetra range is powered by Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate - a stabilised, lipid-soluble form of vitamin C. It’s exceptionally gentle yet highly effective, delivering visible results deep within the skin without the irritation often associated with other forms.
All About Vitamin C
| What it is: | Targets: | Who it's for: | How to use: |
|---|---|---|---|
| A powerful antioxidant that brightens, protects, and supports collagen production. | Hyperpigmentation, Signs Of Ageing, Pollution, Sun Damage | Anyone looking to target dullness, fine lines, or uneven skin tone. | Apply in the morning after cleansing and before moisturiser and SPF. |
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture within the skin. It helps to visibly plump, smooth and hydrate, while also supporting a healthy skin barrier. A daily essential for maintaining a fresh, dewy look, no matter your skin type.
All about Hyaluronic Acid
| What it is: | Targets: | Who it's for: | How to use: |
|---|---|---|---|
| A moisture-binding molecule that deeply hydrates and plumps the skin. | Dryness, Dehydration, Loss Of Firmness, Wrinkles | All skin types, especially those experiencing dryness, dehydration, or sensitivity. | Apply to damp skin after cleansing, before moisturiser or oil-based serums. |
Together, they form a high-performance duo to tackle dullness, dryness and early signs of ageing, making them essential for a dewy, youthful complexion.
Can you use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?
Yes - they’re a dream team for your skin. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are safe, effective and highly compatible when used together. Vitamin C brightens and defends, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and preps the skin for better absorption. They work across different layers to tackle dryness, dullness and fine lines in one go.
Hyaluronic acid with vitamin C benefits
When combined, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C create a powerhouse pairing - hydrating the skin while delivering potent antioxidant protection, with each ingredient enhancing the efficacy of the other.
Who can use this powerful duo
This brightening and hydrating combo is ideal for anyone with dull, dehydrated or textured skin, fine lines or early signs of ageing. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.
Medik8’s C-Tetra range is especially loved by those new to vitamin C as it’s tailored to every skin need. Now joined by NEW C-Tetra Advanced, the range features three expertly formulated serums with escalating strengths of stabilised tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA), which is our chosen vitamin C for these formulas: C-Tetra (7% vitamin C), C-Tetra Luxe (14% vitamin C), and C-Tetra Advanced (20% vitamin C).
Skincare routine with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid
Layering as Separate Serums
When using vitamin C and hyaluronic acid as separate serums, you can apply both in the morning to maximise the benefits. Start with hyaluronic acid, such as Hydr8 B5, to deeply hydrate and prep the skin. Follow with vitamin C to deliver antioxidant protection and boost radiance throughout the day. Always finish with SPF.
At Medik8, we recommend applying water-based formulas before oil-like serums to prevent pilling and ensure optimal absorption. That’s why our C-Tetra serums (oil-based) are ideal for morning use, either layered after a water-based hyaluronic acid serum like Hydr8 B5 Intense, or used alone depending on your routine.
Use vitamin C once daily in the morning, and hyaluronic acid twice daily - morning and evening - for lasting hydration and skin support.
Using a Combined Serum
Prefer a one-step solution? Opt for a dual-action serum like C-Tetra Luxe, which blends both actives seamlessly.
Lightweight textures suit oily skin, while richer formulas benefit drier types. If you’re new to vitamin C, start every other day and gradually build up usage.
C-Tetra Advanced: The power of combining hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Simplify your morning skincare with NEW C-Tetra Advanced, our high-performance 20% vitamin C serum combined with hyaluronic acid. This intelligent, next-gen formula pairs powerful yet stabilised vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant protection with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and instantly plump — all in one step. No need to layer multiple serums; C-Tetra Advanced removes the guesswork, delivering powerful, clinically proven results as part of your daytime CSA routine.
SHOP NOW
Final takeaway
Combining vitamin C and hyaluronic acid is a proven, dermatologist-loved pairing - and C-Tetra Advanced brings them together in one powerful, streamlined formula. Backed by Medik8’s expert formulation and our CSA Philosophy, it’s the smart choice for visibly brighter, deeply hydrated skin. Ready to experience the difference? Explore C-Tetra Advanced or find your ideal morning routine with our CSA Routine Finder.
FAQ's
We recommend applying your oil-like serum (such as the C-Tetra range of vitamin C serums) in the morning and your water-based serum (like Hydr8 B5) in the evening. Layering oil-like formulas over water-based ones can sometimes cause product roll-off, so using them at different times of day helps maximise results.
Both play essential but different roles. Vitamin C helps protect against environmental damage and visibly brightens, while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps. Used together, they complement each other for optimal skin health.
Both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid offer powerful benefits for ageing skin. Vitamin C is key for targeting visible signs of ageing like dullness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Hyaluronic acid supports by improving hydration and skin suppleness. Rather than choosing one over the other, layering both in a routine creates a powerful age-defying duo.
Yes, you can. Apply vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection and a brighter complexion, then use hyaluronic acid and retinol in the evening to hydrate and support overnight renewal. Always follow with daily SPF to protect and maintain your results.
Both are generally well-tolerated and safe for daily use. Vitamin C may cause mild tingling initially, especially at higher strengths, but hyaluronic acid can help offset any dryness or irritation.
Yes, as long as the formulas are suitable for the delicate eye area. Both ingredients can help brighten, hydrate and plump, but choose eye-safe formulations like C-Tetra Eye for targeted, gentle results.
Radhika Sen
Radhika Sen is a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer. She's always on the lookout for a stellar serum and moisturiser combination, topped by a sunscreen that protects and primes. Her idea of self care is to pop on a face mask, light a scented candle and call it an early night.