Vitamin C vs. Malassezin: Comparing the Benefits, Effects & Use of These Two Ingredients

People have been trying to counteract skin hyperpigmentation since what seems like the dawn of time. There are home remedies that use things like lemon juice, papaya, aloe, and even turmeric. There are poorly regulated products, with claims and ingredients that haven’t been fully tested. Some even include hydroquinone, which can have serious negative side effects and has actually been banned for use in cosmetic products. And there are some common ingredients that you’ll see over and over again, in different concentrations—where more is not always better.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has been used in skincare products for generations to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. You’ll see Vitamin C in active and inactive forms, variable concentrations, and different packaging that may require mixing two things together, storing it in a dark place, and so on. Topical Vitamin C has become so popular, there are products that include it for every step of a skincare routine, from cleanser to serum to sunscreen.

What is Malassezin?

Malassezin is a new discovery, but it’s a naturally-occurring molecule in the skin microbiome. Through innovation in biotechnology over six years, we were able to identify and harness the benefits of Malassezin for the first time in history. Malassezin reduces the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and sun damage when used on all skin types, with no side effects. And the clinical results are truly ground-breaking, with 100% of testers seeing results within four weeks.

Vitamin C vs Malassezin: What Makes Malassezin the Better Choice?

How Long it Takes to See Results

Malassezin has been shown to reduce the appearance of dark spots beginning in just two weeks, and results continue to improve over time. Vitamin C can take up to two months to have brightening effects on the skin. Using Molecular Hero Serum, our first product with Malassezin, will get you the visible results you’re looking for much faster.

Comparing Antioxidant Power

Free radicals play a large role in the aging process and in the development of dark spots. They set off a chain reaction in the skin that increases the production of excess melanin and breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

Malassezin and Vitamin C are both antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. But when we tested Malassezin head-to-head against Vitamin C, Malassezin was found to be 10 times more powerful of an antioxidant when it came to reducing free radicals. That leads to much stronger results with Malassezin, delivered more efficiently.

Formula Stability

Malassezin is stable and its efficacy remains the same throughout the use of the bottle. Vitamin C is an unstable ingredient that is vulnerable to being broken down by light, changes in pH, or oxygen – this can result in products that can be less effective over time.

How Vitamin C and Malassezin Address Hyperpigmentation

Tyrosinase is responsible for the first step in melanin production—and overproduction of melanin is what causes hyperpigmentation. Most ingredients used for hyperpigmentation, including Vitamin C, reduce tyrosinase activity leading to a reduction in melanin production and overall brighter skin. Malassezin is not a tyrosinase inhibitor.

Instead, it takes a completely novel approach by reducing melanin production at different points in the process of its formation. In extensive lab testing and two clinical trials, Malassezin produced a significant reduction in the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and other types of discoloration.

Pairing With Other Products

Some products contain ingredients that don’t pair well with Vitamin C. Niacinamide is often difficult to combine with Vitamin C in a one-step formula because they have different pHs. Vitamin C and acids like AHAs can be used together but may cause irritation. Benzoyl Peroxide may cause oxidation of Vitamin C and Retinol can create irritation when used with Vitamin C, so it’s typically recommended you use them at different times during the day.

Not only is Malassezin compatible with the other active ingredients listed above and more, it also doesn’t cause dryness, irritation, or redness of any kind, so it fits right into your routine. Molecular Hero Serum contains both Malassezin and Niacinamide working synergistically to provide skin barrier support and hydration.

Real-Deal Benefits

Our serum for hyperpigmentation is the first-ever product powered by Malassezin, with a revolutionary formula for dark spots and sun damage. Malassezin has many benefits, for example it dramatically reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation for an overall brighter, more youthful-looking complexion.

In just 4 weeks*:

-100% of participants had a reduction in the appearance of dark spots

-100% saw brighter, smoother skin

-100% had a visible improvement in lines and wrinkles

-94% said their skin looked more youthful

While Vitamin C certainly has a place in the skincare world, we know you’ll be blown away by the breakthrough effects of Malassezin, the new Holy Grail for dark spots and discoloration. Pick up our Molecular Hero Serum and prepare to put hyperpigmentation in your past.

Based on two clinical studies across 38 people using instrumentation, VISIA photography, expert grading, and consumer perception. Participants used Molecular Hero Serum twice daily.