Centella or Vitamin C First? Order Explained

The short answer: In most morning routines, you apply vitamin C before Centella if your vitamin C is an acidic L-ascorbic acid serum. If you use stable derivatives like 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, follow the simple rule of texture before richness. Centella soothes, vitamin C protects against oxidative stress and boosts glow. Here you’ll find the safe order for every product type and skin type.

The clear order in 30 seconds

• Water-based L-ascorbic acid serum: vitamin C first, then Centella, then moisturizer and SPF.
• Vitamin C derivative, neutral pH: layer by texture. Thin before thick, watery before creamy.
• Centella toner or ampoule usually goes before a serum. Centella cream comes after serums.
• Sensitive skin: start with a light Centella toner as a buffer, then vitamin C, then a Centella cream.
• Vitamin C is ideal in the morning. SPF is mandatory, regardless of order.

You’ll find a detailed overview of the correct layering order in Skincare routine order (K-beauty).

Why order matters

Three factors determine the order: pH, texture, and formulation. Pure L-ascorbic acid works in an acidic range. On clean, dry skin a low pH can act more effectively and stay stable. Calming watery layers on top, such as Centella toners, usually don’t interfere as long as you apply vitamin C first and let it absorb briefly. For in-depth info on pH, application, and combination rules, see Vitamin C: benefits, stability, and layering.

With neutral vitamin C derivatives like 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or ascorbyl glucoside, pH matters less. Here texture leads: watery products first, denser emulsions and creams after. Centella comes in many formats—toner, ampoule, serum, cream—so it can sit before or after vitamin C depending on texture. A basic overview: What is Madagascar Centella (Cica)?

Formulation matters too: A combo serum with Centella plus vitamin C is already optimized for compatibility and order. Just apply it where it belongs in your routine, usually after toner and before cream.

How to layer Centella and vitamin C correctly

If your vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid

After cleansing, apply an L-ascorbic acid serum directly on dry skin. One to three drops are enough for face and neck. Wait a short moment until the serum sets. Then use Centella to soothe and support the barrier—either as a watery ampoule or as a cream. Follow with a moisturizer if needed and always finish with high UV protection in the morning.

Why this order? L-ascorbic acid is most reliable at low pH. If you first layer a rich Centella film, it can reduce uptake. Conversely, vitamin C benefits from Centella’s calming effect afterward, which can mitigate potential irritation. If you use SKIN1004 products, Use SKIN1004 in the right order shows you how to layer them optimally.

If your vitamin C is a derivative

With stable derivatives like 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or ascorbyl glucoside, follow the texture rule. If you use a Centella toner plus a derivative serum, apply the toner first, then the serum. If your Centella is a light ampoule and your vitamin C derivative is an emulsion, the ampoule goes first. You can finish with a Centella cream or a neutral moisturizer, then SPF. Unsure about ampoule order? Read: Ampoule vs. serum—what comes first?

The advantage: Derivatives are often gentler and more versatile. You can use them morning and evening and layer flexibly with Centella without compromising results.

Protecting sensitive skin

If you’re very sensitive or reactive, use the sandwich method: light Centella toner – vitamin C – Centella cream. This buffers potential irritation. Alternatively, use vitamin C and strong actives like AHA/BHA on different days. A fixed wait time isn’t strictly necessary; what matters is that each layer absorbs briefly and doesn’t pill. Also look for fragrance-free, low-alcohol formulas. Learn more about effects and use here: Madagascar Centella: benefits for skin.

Everyday routine examples

• Morning, normal to oily: cleanse – toner – vitamin C serum – light Centella emulsion – SPF 50.
• Morning, sensitive: cleanse – Centella toner – vitamin C derivative – Centella cream – SPF 50.
• Evening, minimalist: cleanse – Centella ampoule – moisturizer. If you use retinoids, apply Centella afterward to soothe.

Do's and Don'ts

• Do: Use vitamin C in the morning and always finish with adequate SPF.
• Do: Layer by texture—thin before thick.
• Do: Reduce dosage or alternate days if irritation occurs.
• Don't: Pair L-ascorbic acid directly with strong peels if your skin is reactive.
• Don't: Layer too many actives at once when you’re starting out.

Order by product format

Place Centella correctly depending on format and vitamin C type:

Product tip with both actives

Practical and compatible: a combo serum with soothing Centella and stable vitamin C. Beauty of Joseon - Light On Serum Centella + Vita C combines 68 percent Centella extract with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid. Apply after toner and before cream. At NoticeMe you get fast dispatch on orders placed before 16:00, free samples with every order, and free shipping from €40 to Germany.

FAQ

What to use first, Centella or vitamin C?

This is about topical use, not supplements. For skincare: with L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C goes first, then Centella products. With vitamin C derivatives, follow texture. Centella as a toner or ampoule goes before creams; Centella cream goes after. Most importantly, SPF should finish your morning routine.

In which order should I use vitamin C?

Standard morning: cleanse – toner – vitamin C – moisturizer – SPF. With L-ascorbic acid, apply vitamin C best on dry skin right after toner. With derivatives the order is more flexible—follow texture. Avoid stacking too many strong actives in one go if your skin is sensitive.

Can you use Centella ampoules together with vitamin C?

Yes, Centella pairs very well with vitamin C. With L-ascorbic acid, apply vitamin C first, then the Centella ampoule. With derivatives you can use the ampoule before a denser serum or after a very watery derivative. Centella helps reduce redness and support the barrier, improving vitamin C tolerance.

How do you use Centella?

Centella is versatile: as a toner right after cleansing, as an ampoule or serum after toner, and as a cream to finish. For quick calming, use a light Centella layer morning and evening. With vitamin C, place it in the routine depending on format. Always finish with sunscreen in the morning for optimal protection.