If you’ve ever stared at your skincare shelf and wondered, “Wait—can I use these together?” you’re not alone.
Vitamin C and peptides are both popular for brighter, younger, smoother-looking skin, but if your skin is sensitive, it’s smart to ask about mixing actives before you layer everything at once.
Here’s the calm answer: yes, you can usually use peptides with vitamin C - and for many people, the easiest way is to split them into a simple AM/PM routine.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what each ingredient does, how to layer them, and how to keep the whole routine gentle and balance-first.
What vitamin C does (brightening + antioxidant support)
Vitamin C is often used to support:
- Brighter-looking skin
- More even-looking tone
- Antioxidant support (especially helpful in the morning)
For many routines, vitamin C is a great AM step because it pairs naturally with sunscreen and daily life.
(Internal link: Vitamin C Serum product page)
What peptides do (firming + smooth-looking skin)
Peptides in skincare are commonly used to support the look of:
- Firmer-feeling skin
- Smoother-looking texture
- Softened appearance of fine lines
For sensitive skin, peptides are often loved because they can feel like a steady, gentle approach—especially when the formula also supports hydration and comfort.
Can you use peptides with vitamin C?
In most skincare routines, yes—vitamin C and peptides can be used together.
That said, everyone’s skin is unique. If you’re very reactive, the best approach is:
- Introduce one new product at a time
- Patch test
- Start slowly (every other day) and build up
If your skin is currently stressed (tight, stinging, easily flushed), it may be better to focus on barrier comfort first, then add actives back in gradually.
The easiest routine: vitamin C in the morning, peptides at night
If you want a routine that feels calm and uncomplicated, this is the one I recommend.
Morning (AM): Brighten + protect
- Cleanse gently
- Vitamin C Serum
- Moisturizer (if needed)
- Sunscreen
Evening (PM): Support + renew (gently)
- Cleanse gently (Internal link: One Step Face Cleanser)
- Young and Bright Peptide Cream
This split keeps your routine effective without stacking too many active steps at once.
What order should you apply vitamin C and peptides?
If you’re using them in the same routine (some people do), the general layering idea is:
- Apply thinner, water-based steps first
- Apply creams and moisturizers after
But for sensitive skin, I still prefer the AM/PM split because it’s simpler—and less likely to feel overwhelming.
Tips to keep it gentle (especially for sensitive skin)
A few warm-wellness “guardrails” that help sensitive skin thrive:
- Keep your cleanser non-stripping. Do not use alcohol or sulfate based cleansers. Tightness after cleansing is a sign to simplify.
- Don’t introduce everything at once. Give your skin a week to settle into one new step.
- Avoid over-exfoliating. Do not use acids or scrubs, Use cream cleansers while you introduce vitamin C or peptides.
- Listen to your skin day by day. A routine should feel supportive, not like a challenge.
OM Botanical’s approach is inherently balance-first—your formulas are tri-doshic and designed to support harmony rather than extremes. I like routines that do the same.
FAQs
Can I use vitamin C and peptides every day?
Many people do. If you’re sensitive, start with vitamin C a few mornings per week and peptides a few nights per week, then build up as your skin feels comfortable.
Should I use vitamin C before moisturizer?
In most routines, yes—vitamin C goes on after cleansing and before moisturizer so it can sit closer to the skin.
Can I use peptides every night?
Often yes, especially when the formula feels gentle and supportive. If you’re new, start slowly and increase frequency over time.
What if my skin feels sensitive or stings?
Pause and simplify. Go back to a gentle cleanse + moisturizer for a few days, then reintroduce one active step at a time.
A simple duo to start with
If you want a calm, effective routine that doesn’t feel like “too much,” I’d start with:
- Morning: Vitamin C Serum
- Night: Young and Bright Peptide Cream