Can I use Ascorbic Acid with Phloretin?
Works well together
Ascorbic Acid and Phloretin are generally compatible and can be layered in the same routine. As always, introduce one new active at a time and watch how your skin responds.
Ascorbic AcidActive
- ✓Brightens
- ✓Boosts collagen
- ✓Antioxidant protection
- ⚠Unstable formula
- ⚠Can sting
- ⚠Sun sensitivity if unprotected
PhloretinAntioxidant
- ✓Neutralizes free radicals via HAT and SET mechanisms — potent antioxidant protection
- ✓Inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin precursors for brighter, more even skin tone
- ✓Clinically shown to reduce UV-induced damage markers in combination with vitamin C and ferulic acid
- ⚠Rare allergic contact sensitization reported (positive patch test at 2% in an atopic dermatitis patient, Contact Dermatitis 2024)
- ⚠Formulation-sensitive: requires pH 4–6.5 and a glycol/alcohol vehicle for stability; degrades rapidly outside this window
