Skincare marketers love big numbers, particularly when it comes to active ingredients. Brands flaunt high-percentage Vitamin C serums, promising faster, stronger, more dramatic results. But is too much Vitamin C bad for you? The truth is, your skin can only absorb so much Vitamin C before it may lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even increased pigmentation.
Instead of chasing the highest percentage, the real secret to glowing, healthy skin lies in absorption, stability and using the right formulation. Let’s break down why more isn’t always better—and what actually works.
Why is Vitamin C so important for skin?
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that plays a major role in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. It can help:
-
Support collagen production: keeping skin firm and elastic.
-
Protect against UV damage: reducing oxidative stress from the sun.
-
Brighten and even skin tone: fading dark spots and pigmentation.
Eating a diet rich in Vitamin C-packed fruits and vegetables—like oranges, berries, kiwis and leafy greens—may help keep your skin’s natural Vitamin C levels topped up naturally. But as we age, spend time in the sun, or face environmental stressors, our skin’s ability to deliver these nutrients to the outermost layers declines. 
Factors like pollution, poor diet, and UV exposure may deplete our Vitamin C reserves, making topical solution a great way to replenish what’s lost. The key, however, isn’t about using the highest percentage—it’s about choosing a Vitamin C serum that your skin can easily absorb.
The truth about high percentage Vitamin C serums
It’s easy to think that if 10% Vitamin C is good, 20% must be better—but science tells a different story. Here are some fun facts about Vitamin C serums:
-
Your skin can only absorb as much Vitamin C as it needs. Excess amounts won’t force your cells to take in more; instead, they may sit on the surface and cause irritation, redness or even damage to the skin barrier.
-
There is no universal ‘ideal percentage’ of Vitamin C. The amount your skin needs depends on its natural Vitamin C levels—which means older or sun-damaged skin may benefit more than younger, healthier skin.
-
Higher concentrations may lead to sensitivity. As an acid, Vitamin C in high doses can cause micro-inflammation, increasing the risk of pigmentation issues. Ironically, the very thing you’re trying to fix—uneven skin tone—could worsen with excessive use.
Dr. Annie Holden, anthropologist and founder of Founder’s Formula, explains: “Many people assume that more Vitamin C equals better results, but the skin simply doesn’t work that way. Overloading the skin with high doses can lead to irritation rather than benefits. Instead, the key is to use a well-formulated, bioavailable form of Vitamin C consistently.”
What really impacts Vitamin C absorption?
Rather than chasing high percentages, these factors determine how well your skin absorbs Vitamin C:
1. Your skin’s natural Vitamin C levels
Skin that is aged, stressed, or sun-damaged is more likely to absorb more Vitamin C than healthy, youthful skin. This means your skin only absorbs what it can use—no serum can force it to absorb more than required.
2. Frequency of application
A high-percentage Vitamin C serum applied once a day is less effective than a gentler serum used consistently. One study found that Vitamin C levels in skin cells have a half-life of about four days, meaning regular application is more important than a single high dose.
3. Stabilisation and bioavailability (absorption)
Not all Vitamin C is created equal. Synthetic Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is notoriously unstable, breaking down quickly when exposed to light and oxygen. However, Vitamin C derived from natural sources like Kakadu Plum is buffered by the plant’s natural compounds, making it:
-
more stable
-
easily absorbed
-
less irritating for sensitive skin
Dr. Annie Holden highlights this: “Kakadu Plum isn’t just a source of Vitamin C—it’s a full spectrum of absorbable nutrients that work together for maximum skin benefit. The natural antioxidants, bioflavonoids and gallic acid in Kakadu Plum help stabilise Vitamin C, reducing irritation while enhancing absorption.”
The smarter way to boost your skin’s Vitamin C
Following these tips will help you get the most from your Vitamin C serum:
-
Choose a natural, bioavailable source: Kakadu Plum provides Vitamin C in a more stabilised, skin-compatible form.
-
Apply Vitamin C regularly: a gentle, well-formulated serum used daily is more effective than a high-percentage product used sporadically.
-
Look for supporting ingredients: antioxidants like Waratah Extract and Finger Lime Caviar help stabilise and enhance the effects of Vitamin C
-
Protect your skin barrier: avoid irritating formulas and always pair Vitamin C with sunscreen to prevent oxidative damage.
Why Founder’s Formula uses Kakadu Plum as a Vitamin C source
For Vitamin C to work its best—supporting collagen, protecting against UV damage, and brightening skin—it needs to be stable, effective and well-absorbed. That’s why we use wild-harvested Kakadu Plum.
Unlike synthetic Vitamin C, which may be harsh and unstable, Kakadu Plum’s natural fibre makes it gentler on sensitive skin while protecting the Vitamin C from oxygen exposure, keeping it fresher for longer.
Also included is our Waratah Extract, a potent antioxidant that works with Vitamin C to fight oxidative stress and protect against premature aging. While our Australian Finger Lime Caviar Extract helps stabilise Vitamin C thanks to its high Ferulic Acid content, enhancing collagen production and protecting against UV damage.
A rich source of Vitamin C, straight from nature
Because our Kakadu Plums are wild-harvested, they naturally contain higher Vitamin C and antioxidant levels than farmed alternatives. Independent testing shows our extract averages 5% ascorbic acid, striking the perfect balance between potency and gentleness for everyday use.
Find out more about our Wild-Harvested Australian Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum in our shop.
The final takeaway: quality reigns over quantity
With Vitamin C serums, sometimes less really is more. It’s about a balanced, effective formula that supports your skin over time. Regular use of a gentle, well-formulated serum will give your skin a healthy, radiant glow leaving you feeling nourished and rejuvenated.
Kakadu Plum offers a natural, stable, and skin-friendly source of Vitamin C, providing your skin with what it needs to look its best and feel soft, smooth and revitalised.
Treat your skin to the nourishment it deserves with our Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum and experience the difference.