Vitamin C is one of the most recommended ingredients in skincare — but it comes in more than one format, and the right one depends on your skin, not just the ingredient itself. Here's how La Lei's two Vitamin C products differ, and how to choose between them.
Two Different Ways to Bring Vitamin C Into Your Routine
Vitamin C serums and Vitamin C oils both deliver the same active ingredient, but in different bases, with different textures and slightly different roles in a routine. Neither is inherently "better" — they're formulated for different skin needs and preferences.
Day Bright — Brightening AHA & Vitamin C Serum
Day Bright is a water-based, active-forward serum. Alongside a stable form of Vitamin C, it includes Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid and Mandelic Acid — meaning it combines brightening with gentle AHA exfoliation in one step. It's formulated to target the appearance of pigmentation and uneven tone, and suits those who want a more active, exfoliating approach to brightening.
Royal Oil C — Vitamin C & Kojic Acid Treatment Oil
Royal Oil C uses an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, alongside Kojic Acid, CoQ10 and Vitamin E, with no exfoliation. It's a richer, more nourishing format — suited to those who want the benefits of Vitamin C without added exfoliation, or who prefer an oil texture as a finishing step.
How to Choose
A few questions worth asking yourself:
- Do you want exfoliation as part of the same step? Day Bright combines Vitamin C with AHA exfoliation. Royal Oil C does not exfoliate.
- Is your skin on the drier side, or do you prefer richer textures? Royal Oil C's oil format is generally the more nourishing, finishing-step option.
- Are you newer to actives, or already using exfoliating acids elsewhere in your routine? If you're already using an exfoliating acid or retinoid, Royal Oil C avoids layering additional exfoliation on top.
- Do you want one step, or are you happy to layer two? Many customers use both — Day Bright as an active step, Royal Oil C as a nourishing finish over the top.
Where Vitamin C Fits in a Routine
Morning: Cleanse, Day Bright or Royal Oil C, moisturiser, SPF.
Vitamin C is broadly considered compatible with niacinamide, and can also sit alongside a retinol routine when introduced gradually. For a full layering guide, see How to Layer Niacinamide, Vitamin C and Retinol in One Routine.
Where La Lei Fits
- Day Bright — Brightening AHA & Vitamin C Serum — Shop Day Bright
- Royal Oil C — Vitamin C & Kojic Acid Treatment Oil — Shop Royal Oil C
Explore the full Vitamin C range, or browse Skincare to build your complete routine.
FAQs
Is Vitamin C serum or Vitamin C oil better?
Neither is universally better — they suit different needs. Day Bright combines Vitamin C with AHA exfoliation for a more active approach; Royal Oil C offers Vitamin C in a richer, non-exfoliating oil format. Your skin type and the rest of your routine should guide the choice.
Can I use a Vitamin C serum and a Vitamin C oil together?
Yes — many customers use Day Bright as an active step and Royal Oil C as a nourishing finish over the top, particularly in drier months or on drier skin.
Can I use Vitamin C with niacinamide?
Yes. Modern, stable formulations of Vitamin C and niacinamide are broadly considered compatible, and many routines use both together.
Should Vitamin C be used in the morning or evening?
Vitamin C is commonly used in the morning as part of an antioxidant-and-SPF routine, though it can also be used in the evening. Consistency matters more than the exact time of day.