Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42761976›Full record

ReviewThe Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology2026

Clinical Applications of Vitamin C in Dermatology: A Systematic Review.

Tanya Boghosian, Hannah Mendez, Nazar Boghosian, Mira Sayegh, Jacob Beer, Antonella Tosti

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Tanya BoghosianMs. Boghosian is with the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
Hannah MendezMs. Mendez is with the Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida.
Nazar BoghosianMr. Boghosian is with University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
Mira SayeghMs. Sayegh is with the University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
Jacob BeerDr. Beer is with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, and Beer Dermatology, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Antonella TostiDr. Tosti is with the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo evaluate clinical applications, efficacy profiles, and delivery strategies of vitamin C and its derivatives in dermatology.

methodsA systematic review of PubMed and Scopus identified studies published from 2020 onward, evaluating topical, injectable, or systemic vitamin C formulations. Of 263 screened publications, 44 met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted regarding derivative type, delivery platform, and outcomes.

resultsAscorbic acid remains the most clinically validated formulation, with low-pH stabilized systems and L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid-type complexes consistently improving photoaging, structural aging, pigmentary disorders, and periprocedural healing. Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate shows superior lipophilic stability, benefiting pigmentary and structural aging. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is preferred for sensitive skin but requires acetyl zingerone stabilization. Ascorbyl glucoside with or without arginine is well tolerated for chronic hyperpigmentation. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate improves texture and pigmentation, particularly when paired with microneedling. Bis-glyceryl ascorbate demonstrates niche utility for preventing tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated hand-foot skin reaction. Ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate emulgels provide rapid pigment lightening. Across modalities, procedural delivery-microneedling, jet injection, and radiofrequency-assisted laser import-enhances penetration and clinical response. Dietary vitamin C at 40 to 80 mg per day offers modest systemic photoprotection, hydration, and wrinkle-smoothing benefits, even without overt deficiency. LIMITATIONS: Study heterogeneity and a paucity of standardized data, particularly regarding diverse phototypes, restrict direct comparison; further research is required to guide optimal dermatologic use.

conclusionClinical effectiveness of vitamin C depends on derivative chemistry, vehicle, pH, stabilization strategy, and delivery method. Personalized selection by skin type, treatment goals, and delivery modality is essential.

Indexed as

anti-agingdietary supplementationformulation stabilityhyperpigmentationmicroneedlingphotoagingsystematic reviewVitamin C derivatives

Identifiers

PMID42761976
PMCPMC13588479

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.