Adding vitamin C to your skin care routine is one of the best ingredients you can add to your skin care routine. Whether you are oily or dry, young or old, vitamin C can benefit your skin. Today, we’re going to make a DIY Vitamin C mask that will brighten your skin, smooth and soften and even encourage collagen production!
You might have caught my DIY Vitamin C serum recipe which is a fantastic way to add vitamin C to your beauty routine daily, but a vitamin C mask will give you an extra boost once a week.
I’ve worked in many, many skin care spas in my 20’s and one of the first facials I mastered was a Vitamin C facial. I remember how radiant my skin and my client’s skin looked afterwards. I never knew I could duplicate a $70 facial so cheaply and so simply! Let’s make a very simple DIY Vitamin C Mask to brighten skin as well as fade dark spots.
Unlike more invasive anti aging treatments like retinol, botox laser treatments etc., vitamin C is safe with little to no side effects. Not to mention, due to it’s unstable shelf life, DIYing vitamin C products is actually the most effective way to reap all the benefits this powerful vitamin has to offer!
Benefits of Vitamin C Skin Care:

DIY Vitamin C Mask Ingredients:
According to one study, when applied four times per day for 15 days, aloe was found to be effective in treating UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation.
Another study found that the topical application of aloe can inhibit hyperpigmentation from producing more melanin, the pigment that, when overproduced, causes dark spots to form.
In addition to its ability to help replenish and retain moisture in the skin, aloe also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decline naturally with age.
Which Vitamin C Powder Is the Best?
More Vitamin C DIYs:
- DIY Vitamin C Serum
- The Easy Way to Use Vitamin C
- Vitamin C, Aloe & Clay Mask
- DIY Vitamin C Sheet Mask
- DIY Vitamin C Rice Bran Cleansing Grains

DIY Vitamin C Mask
- 1 tsp. Vitamin C Powder (find it HERE)
- 2 tsp. Glycerin (find it HERE or HERE)
- 1 tsp. Aloe Vera Gel (find it HERE or HERE)
Directions:
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply a THIN LAYER to a clean face and throat.
- Rinse after 5-10 minutes with cool water.
- Follow up with a face oil.
**You must be very careful that the mask does not run into your eyes. If vitamin C gets in your eyes it will cause irritation and burning.**
This mask contains 50% Vitamin C which is quite a lot. It is meant for limited use.
Leave on for no more than 5-10 minutes. If your skin tingles that is natural. Too much tingling is not good. Remove it with cool water and lower the amount of vitamin C in your next mask.

DIY Vitamin C Mask
Vitamin C is one of the most effective anti aging tools whether you're a DIYer or prefer buying your skin care. It truly can boost your skin's health to the next level and actually should be DIY'd due to vitmain C's unstable shelf life. This DIY Vitamin C mask is quick and easy to make, but will give your skin the boost it needs leaving you soft, smooth and brightened!
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
- Apply a THIN LAYER to a clean face and throat.
- Rinse after 5-10 minutes with cool water.
- Follow up with a face oil.
Notes
**You must be very careful that the mask does not run into your eyes. If vitamin C gets in your eyes it will cause irritation and burning.
Leave on for no more than 5-10 minutes. If your skin tingles that is natural. Too much tingling is not good. Remove it with cool water and lower the amount of vitamin C in your next mask.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Organic Vegetable Glycerin by Sky Organics (8oz) Non-GMO Kosher USP Grade Hypoallergenic Cold-pre...
- Amazon.com : Aloe Vera Gel (8 oz) Cold-pressed Ultra Hydrating Skin Soothing Aloe Gel for Face Body After-Sun Care Aloe Gel Made in USA : Beauty & Personal Care
- Ultra Fine Cosmetic Grade Vitamin C Powder | DISSOLVES INSTANTLY IN WATER | Finest quality availa...
Pamper your skin-it’s the only skin you’ve got and nature offers some great tools to keep you feeling good, inside and out!
xx, Jenni
Very difficult to read because of the background.
d.c.
Hi Jenni, I have a question regarding your Vitamin C Serum, I have all of the needed ingredients, and am sooooo excited to try it, but I am having a heck of a time getting the granule to dissolve. I have stirred and stirred and stirred, i have left the granules sitting in just the distilled water for hours hoping they would dissolve…but they are still there! Is it necessary to get the granules to completely dissolve, or is it still effective to use the serum with the granules intact?
Thank you!
Sarah
Vitamin C is water soluable
I use a coffee grinder, turns into a power form. I bought it for $30 at Target, works perfectly.
Hi Sarah! This is a problem with the serum-If Vitamin C weren’t so amazing for your skin and if it didn’t deliver results as quickly as it does I would not share recipes using L.Ascorbic Acid. No matter what you do it does not totally dissolve. I take the back of a spoon and try to crush it and that helps some. Don’t worry though-it is very effective with the granules still intact. Plus, you only need a small amount when using the serum. Once you apply it to your skin, it should feel like it has absorbed. Thanks for your question!
I buy my L- ascorbic acid on amazon in bulk. Very inexpensive. I would look there instead of trying to crush tablets.
I use essential oils for almost everything. Would I get the same results using orange and lemon essential oils? I make my own night and day cream. I put orange and lemon essential oils in my night cream. I saw a post from another blogger saying she had made her own vitamin C powder by drying orange peels and grinding them into a fine powder. Would that method work? Thank you for your information.
Mandie-I didn’t “reply” to this question, see my response below-you’ve really intrigued me, I am researching your question. If I come up with a conclusion, I’ll let you know!
Mandie, I came across an answer to your question today in my research. I found a Young Living article written by a phD. He explained that during the distillation process most of the vitamins in the plant are lost. There are some amounts of vitamins left behind but not enough to truly benefit. Here is the article-very interesting…..
https://www.younglivingsuccess.com/2011/10/do-essential-oils-contain-proteins-enzymes-vitamins-or-hormones-.html
I had hoped I could make an easier serum using citrus oils-Shoot!
That being said, citrus oils are wonderful for brightening the skin. I keep hearing of the great results people are getting by applying orange, lemon, lime, tangerine etc. to their skin.
Mandie-I honestly don’t know if using essential oils in place of a powdered Vitamin C would work-I think the only way you could tell is if you are seeing results, such as less lines and diminished sun/age spots. Would you put the oil directly on your face or dilute? I guess it would depend on how sensitive your skin is. If it does work that would be awesome-so much easier then working with the powder! The other blogger was having great results so I’m very curious-I might try the oils too. Please check back in with your results!
Thanks for reading and sharing!
Just a thought on this question… from what I have learned, care must be taken with citrus essential oils as they increase photo sensitivity – you are supposed to avoid applying to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 24 hours.
I am going to make the serum as well. I just read the posts about how the powdered Vitamin C doesn’t completely dissolve. I’m going to try grinding it down with my mortar and pestle and see if that helps. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
Yes, let me know how that goes! I hope it helps!!
Jenny, I was wondering if you know if I could use Sweet almond oil(with vitamin E) with the Vitamin C powder? I don’t have Vitamin E capsules, but would love to start using this serum tonight!! Would it still work or would the vitamin C and almond oil cause a bad reaction? Thanks for your time!
Jennifer, you can use Sweet Almond Oil-That would work fine! Good luck!
If you find your L ascorbic acid powder is too grainy, you are using the wrong kind. Lotioncrafters.com makes a very fine powder, give it a try and I’ll bet you do not have any problems.
Thanks so much! I’ve heard of this company but never tried them. I found the link-I will be trying it!!
https://www.lotioncrafter.com/ascorbic-acid-ultrafine.html
I just made the serum and put a little bit on my arm to test since I don’t have pH strips. It tingles a little but it is also kind of sticky. Is it supposed to be a bit sticky? I am using the Healthforce truly natural powder that you recommended. I am hoping this can help me since I am fair skinned Irish/Scottish/Swiss background and the California sun has been doing a number on me since I moved here from Chicago 8 years ago! I wear tons of sunscreen but seeing more lines as I approach 40 🙁
Jen, Yes, this mask is sticky. It should also tingle but not be too uncomfortable. Results vary from person to person but most people say they see a difference quickly! I hope it works well for you!
Jenni
I really want to try this. Your link to the L. Ascorbic Acid isn’t working. I’d love to be able to purchase this from Amazon or Vitacost as I order from them all the time. Is it available from these sellers?
Kristina, I’m sorry about that-That is about the 10th time I’ve had to change that link! It is working now. The main thing to remember when buying a Vitamin C powder is that it is L. Ascorbic acid-that L is very important. Most won’t have it and that means it’s a synthetic, non-pure version of Vitamin C. Hope this helps!
Thanks, Jenni
What is the difference between citric acid, L. Ascorbic acid and vitamin C powder?
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Jennifer,
I read on a comment on Amazon that Esther C would be better than L-ascorbic acid because of absorption. Do you know anything about that? I couldn’t find that in powder form (the Esther C).
Bonnie-I have never experimented with Esther C but you raise a good point. You might have to grind or crush up pills to get it in powder form, but my problem is that this type of vitamin C isn’t pure and contains extra ingredients possibly being GMO’s. L.ascorbic acid is the purest form of vitamin C without being a gmo. I will be checking on the absorption though-that’s interesting!!
Hi Jenni.
In your opinion, is there any value to shaving orange peel and putting in water to use as a serum ? thanks
Diann
Diann-Yes! There is so much vitamin C in the peel-I am not sure about shelf life-it will be very short, but this is such a great way to get vitamin C!
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Hi Jenni,
I have one of those micro needle rollers for my face & was wondering if I used that on my face and then applied your recipe for Vitamin C serum immediately afterwards if that would damage my skin or help it even more?
Thank you!!
Jen, I honestly have no idea about the micro needle rollers so I can’t answer for sure. If it were me, I wouldn’t. The vitamin C can be irritating on it’s own so I wouldn’t want to be more aggressive with the roller.
Hi
Do you have anything that would help fade scars? Especially ones fromhaving surgery?
God Bless!
Hi Ashely! Yes, I have a stretch mark belly butter that is great for scarring. I made it with c-section scars in mind as well as stretch marks. Hope this helps!!
Hi, Jenni,
My question is in regards to your Vit C serum from Primally Inspired. I have Buffered Sodium Ascorbate which is made by dissolving pharmaceutical grade ascorbic acid with sodium hydrogen carbonate (mined from the earth). This makes the Vit C alkaline. Will this work as well?
I went ahead and made it anyway and applied it before bed. It didn’t tingle. After the stickiness went away, it left a coating of white grit on my face which is still there in the morning. Does this happen with the L. Ascorbic acid as well?
Finally, how often should you apply the serum? Every night?
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Elyse-I have never worked with buffered sodium ascorbate so I don’t know if it’s comparable or not. I do know that ascorbic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin C that I prefer to stay away from. A gritty coating does not happen with the L.ascorbic acid I recommend-it’s water soluble which helps. Be very careful with vitamin C because it’s an acid and can easily be too strong. You can apply the serum nightly but be sure to monitor how your skin feels-sensitivities can build up over time. Thanks so much! Keep me posted!
Hi, I’m Rachael, gladameetya Jenny. I worked with a dermatologist and I think you will find that anything oily will block vit. C penetration into the skin, glycerine is fine, no oils. The other thing is if you wish to encourage collegen production with “C” don’t use vitamin E at the same time because it has an anti inflammatory effect in the skin and the vit. C “micro-injury” cannot call on the collegen production because the E pretty much cancels it out with its soothing effect on the skin. hope not too forward. Thanx Rachael
Hi Rachel! Thank you for sharing this info.!! Absolutely not too forward. I don’t claim to know everything and when it comes to vitamin C the rules can be tricky! This info. is very interesting! Feel free to share anywhere you like on my blog! I’ve been looking into Ester C-seems like it might be a better choice. Know anything about that? Thanks Rachel!!
Hi! I have enjoyed making some of your recipes….my question on this one is on the vitamin c that I have. It is not “L-ascorbic acid” but rather is made up of the following: Amla (fruit) extract/Rutin/Rose Hips & Grape Seed extract…are these ingredients going to be effective? Thanks in advance for your input. 🙂
Hi Colleen! I’m not really too sure about what you have-Is it called “vitamin C”? L.Ascorbic acid is pure vitamin C so it’s going to be the most potent form of vitamin C you can find.
Thanks for replying – I appreciate it 🙂 It’s Now Foods Tru-C BioComplex, with the amla fruit extract providing 200 mg vitamin C. I have a recipe for a Vitamin C toner that I think I’ll experiment with this supplement in. Being that I’d apply it nightly, I should see pretty quick if it’s effective. Cheers!
Hi Jenny, Love your blog!! thanks a ton….always interested for the tried and tested., Started using the Solgar L Ascorbic Acid crystals Powder 10 days ago, have mixed it with Aloe vera gel, dissolves beautifully, do you know anything about DMAE, Dr perricone uses it a lot in his creams, but frightfully expensive, Ive been taking the supplement for yrs, and have now decided to crush a tablet and add it to the Vit c mix, apparently very good for saggy skin!- can you comment thanks so much jill
Jill-I have done a bit of research on it, but never worked with it. I’m not sure it’s as natural as I prefer so I’m still in the research stages. No doubt the buzz on this ingredient is very exciting! As far as crushing it up and applying to your face, I don’t know if it would be beneficial. Sometimes the skin can’t absorb something like that. I will have to do more research on that! Thanks!
Hi,
Could I dip a sheet mask into this solution to keep it from dripping? I get plain 100% rayon fabric sheet masks from a local Asian store that are meant for DIY masks. If yes, would I still have to rinse it off or massage remaining mask into my skin like store bought sheet masks? Lastly, can this be used in the eye area? (I also have mini eye masks haha)
Raya-Brilliant idea! Yes you could!
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the
post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Hi Jenni,
Thanks for the lovely post, it’s very helpful!
I was going through ingredients list of your vitamin c serum and mask. I realised that you suggest L ascorbic acid for the mask and Vitamin C Powder for the serum. and the links you’ve provided take us to different products also. Is there a specific reason for this or can these 2 forms be replaced by each other? I see discussions on different forms of vitamin c and I’m getting confused about which form is the best to put on my skin. and I can’t just click and buy from amazon because I live outside USA.
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Hi, been trying to get the ph right but i am having no success till now…any suggestions?? I read that if it is too high it may damage the skin, too low and it won’t penetrate.
Thanks
Ruth-I’ve found it so hard to test pH. I used the strips but my pH was coming up impossibly low on certain things! I’ve also read up on pH readers and they seem complicated and finicky too! Do you have a way of testing the pH in your mask? I know citric acid lowers pH and soap has a very high pH. I’m pretty sure I’m not being very helpful! Keep me posted!
How many times ?.?.daili? Weekly?
Payel-I would try this weekly. If you get irritated then try bi-monthly!
Hi Jenni,
thank you so much for sharing your awesome recipes with us! I plan to try making the vitamin c serum as well as trying out this mask but I have a question; can I use the L ascorbic acid instead of the vitamin c powder you recommend for the serum?
Becky-Yes you can use L.Ascorbic acid-that was what I used originally and still really like it!
please put me on your list for anything you anything you mail out…thanks
Hi Lorne, I will put you on the list and you’ll get a confirmation in your email. Click on it and you’ll be ready to get emails from me! Thanks so much!
GREAT THANKS
thank you for this website. It’s amaze-balls! I am interested in making the vitamin serum but would like to use ferulic acid, as I have read it causes L-ascorbic acid to oxidize more slowly. Do you have a recipe for vitamin C serum using ferulic acid?
Moe-Thanks!!!! I’ve actually never heard of ferulic acid! I’ll check into it though!
Hi jenni,
It’s me again lol-
I’m looking to make your Vit C mask- went to a natural grocery, Clovers and they had a powder ascorbic acid, and the main ingredient was 1200 (mg) (g) ?? L. Ascorbic acid. Should that be ok-or should I avoid it?
Julie-I’m not sure. I don’t know a lot about Vitamin C powders except that ascorbic acid is the chemical form of vitamin C and L.ascorbic is the authentic form. There are just so many products out there boasting they are vitamin C-I do know you want to look for non-GMO as well. Sorry to not be very knowledgeable on this subject!
Thank you so much 🙂 Not a problem 🙂 I will double check on the product.
Julie
Hi Jenni,
I just made this mask…it is fantastic! I used the Vitamin C Powder that you recommended in the Vitamin C serum post on Primally Inspired. I had no difficulty blending the powder into the glycerin. The mask gave a pleasant, tingly feeling at the beginning. I used it on the back of my hands (sun spots!) as well as my face. I followed it up with a homemade serum that I use. My face looks and feels fantastic! Thank you for your work!
Kathleen! Thanks for sharing-I’m so glad you like it, the feeling and texture of this serum can be tricky so I’m glad to know it worked for you!
Hi, I purchased ingredients for your vit c serum and I am excited about using it. The serum is kinda sticky. Am I doing something wrong? I also just purchased an anti wrinkle moisturizer with AHA in it. Can I use these together? What should I apply to skin first? Thank you so much for your time and knowledge:)
Michelle-This serum is sticky, it’s just the nature of the ingredients. I would be very careful with using both vitamin C and AHAs. It could be too much and irritate your skin. Pay close attention to how your skin feels and proceed cautiously-You might reduce the amount of vitamin C in your serum. Hope this helps!
Hi Jenni,
Will this mask keep well if I make a lot and store it in an amber pump bottle?
Thank you,
Kristie
Kristie-It will only keep for about 5 days. It’s just the nature of the L-Ascorbic acid unfortunately.
thanks for all the information. I am going to try the serum and offer my opinion later.
Hi Jeni, most of my Vitamin C serums are also big dropper bottles like The OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum, it make me feel brighter for my skin. It’s great! I realized that when using one small bottle at a time is best because air won’t get into the rest of the product, it helps using process better. Although using fresh lemon directy on my face, my skin’s clear. Thanks for your share!
Hi Jennifer, I have Vitamin C Powder 5000 mg Ascorbic Acid from Thompason. Can I use this to make the serum or does it have to be L-Ascorbic Acid? And can I substitute glycerin with another natural oil?
Thank you,
Debbie
Debbie-Is your powder edible? I would say probably not. Glycerin is a water based ingredient so it actually mixes with water to create more of a slip. You could omit it all together. Using an oil could work but you would really need to shake it up each time you apply because oil and water will not mix. Also, remember that because of the shelf life of vitamin C, you have to remake this serum 1 time a week. This will also insure you aren’t getting bacteria.
Can I use a real orange and vitamin E oil?
Donna-I don’t think real orange would be as effective plus it would be very sticky.
Do you use the whole amount or can you refrigerate any that is left.
Hi! You can put what you didn’t use in the fridge but use it up in the next few days or it won’t be effective.
Hi
I likethe Vit C mask but can you steam your face before to get a better penetration of the vit c. I used it once and did not see any results.
Hi Jenni
Im Behshid and from iran, my skin is dark . I was searching for masks to make it lighter, I found your website. You shared too link for L acid( amazon and lotioncrafter) which product is better?
Behshid-Hi! I’m not sure which is better. I think they are both comparable.
Jenni, Can glycirin cause acne for oily skin?
Behshid-Everyone is different but typically small amount of glycerin will not clog pores.
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Hi Jenni,
I read your note on using this once a week. My question to you is this – is there any danger in using this mask two or three times a week? I use a lesser quantity of L-Ascorbic Acid powder; and blend it with a mixture of homegrown aloe Vera gel and rosewater. When the mask is applied it does tingle, but not disturbingly so.. It isn’t at all difficult to wait ten minutes before washing it off. I do a two minute face steaming session and then massage my face with Rose hip oil.
Shabnam-Everyone’s skin is different so it’s really up to you. It’s not a bad idea to use it 2-3 times a week at all. But, you could get very sensitive to it and open your skin up to irritation and that could happen after a while of doing it several times a week. I would say try it and be very aware of your skin.
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Excited to try this! I’m just curious why you suggest to steam after instead of before? I’ve always steamed before a mask with the thought I was opening my pores to absorb better, but maybe I don’t actually understand the reason for steaming properly!
Hi Molly! This is an older post so I might actually edit it and suggest to steam before but you can go either way. Steaming typically softens and loosens dead skin. When I used to do facials, steaming had to come right before the extractions so that could be done as gently as possible which is probably why I suggested doing it before. Hope this helps and sorry for the confusion!
One tsp of vitamin C (as listed in the recipe pic) or one TBSP of vitamin C as listed in written out recipe?
Laci-So sorry-what a mistake. I can’t believe I didn’t catch it! It’s 1 tsp. not tablespoon. Thank you for letting me know!