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Topical Vitamin C in the Prevention and Treatment of Actinic Keratoses and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers: A Systematic Scoping Review.

  • 2025-10-06
  • Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] 52(5)
    • Leah Johnston
    • Santina Conte
    • Ilya Mukovozov
    • Jennifer Beecker
    • Susan Poelman

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 21
Population
Forty patients with AKs, 21 patients with basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and 1 patient with a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Methods
A systematic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Clinical Trials was completed, and a scoping review was conducted

Background

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is involved in collagen synthesis, maintenance of the skin barrier, and neutralization of free oxygen radicals in the skin. The potential for use of topical vitamin C as a therapeutic and protective agent against actinic keratoses (AKs) and skin cancers has not been fully delineated.

Objective

To review the current evidence on topical vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of AKs and skin cancers.

Methods

A systematic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Clinical Trials was completed, and a scoping review was conducted.

Results

Four studies met inclusion criteria. Forty patients with AKs, 21 patients with basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and 1 patient with a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) underwent treatment with topical vitamin C. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 prospective observational study, and 1 case report were included in this review.

Conclusion

This scoping review found that highly concentrated topical formulations of vitamin C may have some benefit in the treatment of AKs and low-risk subtypes of nonmelanoma skin cancers. However, only a small number of clinical studies have been conducted on this topic, limiting the ability to generate clinical recommendations on this therapy.

Research Insights

  • Vitamin C→Treated Actinic Keratoses

    This scoping review found that highly concentrated topical formulations of vitamin C may have some benefit in the treatment of AKs and low-risk subtypes of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    highly concentrated topical formulations
  • Vitamin C→Treated Basal Cell Carcinoma

    This scoping review found that highly concentrated topical formulations of vitamin C may have some benefit in the treatment of AKs and low-risk subtypes of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    highly concentrated topical formulations
  • Vitamin C→Treated Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    This scoping review found that highly concentrated topical formulations of vitamin C may have some benefit in the treatment of AKs and low-risk subtypes of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
    Dose
    highly concentrated topical formulations
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