Vitamin C, Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid: A Simple Ingredient Guide

Vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid often appear together in skincare conversations, but they are different ingredients. Understanding the names can help you read a serum label and compare formulas more thoughtfully.

Vitamin C and its derivatives

Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C used in skincare. Formulas can also contain vitamin C derivatives with different ingredient names. Our Vitamin C Radiance Serum uses 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a vitamin C derivative. It should not be described as a serum containing the same percentage of pure ascorbic acid.

What is 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid?

It is a chemically modified form of ascorbic acid used in topical skincare. Researchers have investigated how different solvents affect its delivery to skin, which is one reason the finished formula matters alongside the ingredient name.

Skinergy’s serum contains 1% 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid. That percentage refers to the derivative itself; it is not a claim that the serum contains 1% pure ascorbic acid, or that it is equivalent to a different-strength vitamin C product. Read the exact ingredient names before comparing percentages.

For the research background, see this laboratory study of 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and skin delivery.

What is niacinamide?

Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 used in cosmetic products. On an ingredient list, look for the name Niacinamide. Its presence tells you one part of the formula; it does not tell you everything about how the finished product will feel or perform.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is used as a humectant—an ingredient that attracts and holds water. Related names, including sodium hyaluronate, can appear on skincare labels. Our serum’s formula includes forms of sodium hyaluronate. Check the product’s full ingredient list for the exact names.

How to compare two serum labels

• Look at the exact ingredient names, not just the words on the front of the bottle.
• Read the full ingredient list and directions alongside any highlighted percentages.
• Check whether a percentage refers to one ingredient or a blend.
• Avoid assuming a higher number automatically means a better fit for your routine.

Where does serum go in the routine?

In the Skinergy routine, serum follows cleansing and comes before moisturizer. Our simple skincare routine guide explains the order. Browse the full routine to see how the products fit together.

Understanding moisturizing ingredients

To learn how humectants fit alongside other moisturizing ingredients, explore our guide to humectants, emollients and occlusives.

More about this serum

Explore what ectoin is in skincare and using vitamin C and niacinamide together.

Sources

General ingredient background: DermNet’s guides to topical vitamin C, nicotinamide and moisturizing ingredient types. These resources discuss ingredients generally and do not evaluate Skinergy products.