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BioCgel

4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(223 ratings)
Vitamin C 500 mg
Product Image
Score80
A buffered softgel with a useful vitamin C serving, complemented by modest berry and citrus compounds but limited full-formula detail.
How scoring works
Softgel
Quantity:90 Softgel(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Immunity
Skin Health
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Vision Support

Score 80

A buffered softgel with a useful vitamin C serving, complemented by modest berry and citrus compounds but limited full-formula detail.
How scoring works
$13.97($0.15 per serving)
iHerb
$ 13.97
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Analysis

Calcium ascorbate supplies a practical vitamin C amount in a buffered softgel. The form may work well for users who find ordinary acidic vitamin C uncomfortable.

Berry concentrate and citrus bioflavonoids add complementary plant compounds without replacing the main active. Their amounts are modest, so the formula should still be viewed primarily as a vitamin C supplement.

The separate calcium quantity helps clarify the mineral contribution. Missing non-active ingredient details and limited evidence about the supporting blend keep the product below the strongest transparent formulas.

Who is it for
  • People who prefer softgels
  • Users seeking buffered vitamin C
  • Adults wanting modest antioxidant additions
Best for
  • Digestive-friendly vitamin C use
  • Routine antioxidant support
  • People avoiding plain ascorbic acid tablets

Pros

  • Uses buffered calcium ascorbate
  • Provides a well-targeted vitamin C amount
  • Separately discloses the calcium contribution

Cons

  • Berry and citrus additions are modest
  • Full non-active ingredient details are unavailable
  • Supporting compounds add limited pathway breadth

Warnings

  • The serving contributes calcium, which should be included when tracking total calcium intake.

Nutrient quality

89 Highest impact

The buffered mineral ascorbate form and the disclosed dose provide meaningful vitamin C support. The supporting plant additions offer less practical value than the core vitamin C.

Ingredient transparency

80 Highest impact

Active amounts and ingredient names are clearly disclosed. Daily directions and a complete inactive-ingredient list are not supplied.

Customer satisfaction

67 High impact

The supplied rating is strong and rests on moderate review volume. Detailed feedback themes are absent, leaving repeated complaints and purpose fit uncertain.

Value for money

79 High impact

The meaningful vitamin C dose offers favorable value relative to the serving cost. The formula is competitive without relying heavily on low-value extras.

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Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA Strength of SupportC+ CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered calcium ascorbate supplies 500 mg of vitamin C for antioxidant, immune, and collagen support with lower acidity than plain ascorbic acid. The active amount and the calcium contribution are disclosed clearly.

Bioflavonoids and a berry concentrate add related plant compounds, but their modest amounts are unlikely to transform the core effect. The formula remains well targeted, especially for people who find unbuffered vitamin C uncomfortable.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered calcium ascorbate supplies a well-targeted vitamin C amount for antioxidant and immune-cell support. The softgel clearly separates vitamin C from its calcium contribution.

Small berry and citrus additions may complement the antioxidant theme but are not standardized or deeply dosed. The formula is most convincing as a gentle vitamin C product rather than a broad botanical immune blend.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Highest effect
B Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Vitamin C provides a direct cofactor for collagen production and antioxidant support at a clearly stated 500 mg dose. The ingredient has established skin relevance, but it does not supply collagen, hydration lipids, or other structural building blocks.

Buffered calcium ascorbate is clearly disclosed with its calcium contribution and should be gentler than plain ascorbic acid. Bioflavonoids and a small berry blend broadens antioxidant context only modestly and does not turn the focused formula into comprehensive skin support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

Buffered vitamin C supplies meaningful antioxidant support that may help reduce oxidative pressure on inflammatory signaling. The 500 mg amount is substantial and uses a stomach-friendly calcium ascorbate form.

Citrus bioflavonoids and berry compounds fit the antioxidant theme, but their small or blended amounts make their contribution uncertain. The main vitamin remains clear and adequately dosed despite that weaker supporting disclosure.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitA+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageC- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 500 mg

A well-dosed buffered vitamin C serving supports antioxidant protection and matches a nutrient used in established vision formulas. Vitamin C alone is less targeted than a formula that also supplies macular carotenoids, zinc, and vitamin E.

The active amount is clear and gentle calcium ascorbate improves stomach comfort. The small proprietary berry blend and bioflavonoids add uncertain value without broadening the formula into comprehensive ocular support.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate)
 500 mg
Calcium (Calcium Ascorbate)
 60 mg
BerryRich Berry Blend Concentrate
50 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoids (Citrus sinensis, Hesperidin)
 10 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Dairy Free Sugar Free
Report overview
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) · 500 mg OverallScore83
B+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

Buffered calcium ascorbate supports digestive comfort at a well-targeted 500 mg vitamin C serving. Separate calcium disclosure improves clarity, while the botanical blend does not hide the active amount. Cost per gram is only moderate for a standard buffered form.

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Loading alternative details
89 Performance

C-500 Calcium Ascorbate-C

NOW
The clearly disclosed vitamin C form provides a more focused alternative to the original buffered vitamin C formula. Its 500 mg of calcium ascorbate is buffered and includes 55 mg of calcium; the 10 mg bioflavonoid addition is modest.
88 Performance

Buffered Gold C

California Gold Nutrition
The clearly disclosed vitamin C form provides a more focused alternative to the original buffered vitamin C formula. Its 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate is buffered and simply formulated, with 130 mg of sodium clearly disclosed.
88 Performance

Sodium Ascorbate Capsules

NutriBiotic Immunity
The clearly disclosed vitamin C form provides a more focused alternative to the original buffered vitamin C formula. Its capsules provide 850 mg of buffered sodium ascorbate with a clearly disclosed 100 mg sodium contribution.
85 Budget

C-500 With Rose Hips

NOW
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original buffered vitamin C formula, it supplies 500 mg of ascorbic acid with 40 mg of rose hips, although the vitamin C remains unbuffered.
83 Budget

C 500 mg

21st Century
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original buffered vitamin C formula, it supplies 500 mg of ascorbic acid with 30 mg of calcium in a basic, clearly dosed formula.
85 Budget

Gold C Vitamin C 1000 mg

California Gold Nutrition
The supplied serving-cost data indicates a less expensive way to obtain a comparable vitamin C serving. Compared with the original buffered vitamin C formula, it supplies 1,000 mg of plain ascorbic acid without extra actives, favoring simplicity rather than buffering.
87 Value

100% Pure Vitamin C Powder

Swanson Premium Brand
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original buffered vitamin C formula. Its powder provides 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid with flexible measuring, though the acidic form may not suit every user.
87 Value

C 500 mg

Mason Natural
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original buffered vitamin C formula. Its single active is 500 mg of ascorbic acid, making the label easy to assess despite the lack of buffering.
88 Value

Sodium Ascorbate

NutriBiotic Immunity
The combination of a focused ingredient list and efficient supply makes it a stronger value candidate than the original buffered vitamin C formula. Its 1,100 mg of sodium ascorbate is fully buffered, but the disclosed 120 mg of sodium matters for sodium-restricted users.
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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Efficacy of Vitamin C as Glucocorticoid Substitute for Reducing Pain and Inflammation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Jiang W; Xu H; Jiang X; Zhan Y; Ju Y; Xie J; Huang Z; Huang Q; Pei F · The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume · 2025
    Randomized trial107 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  2. The Impact of Vitamin C on Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, and Hemostatic Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Moftakhari Hajimirzaei S; Bagherzadeh Cham M; Dolikhani M; Tabatabaee SM; Ebrahimpour A · The archives of bone and joint surgery · 2026
    Meta-analysis1,162 participants10 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  3. The impact of vitamin C supplementation on the perioperative outcomes after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Liu X; Guo J; Li Y; Yang Y; Liu M; Gao Q; Yang Y; Wu X; Yue C · BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026
    Meta-analysis852 participants8 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  4. Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review.
    Ruzijevaite G; Acaite E; Jagelaviciene E · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2025
    Systematic review811 participants17 studies pooledAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  5. Oral vitamin C administration reduces early recurrence rates after electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and attenuates associated inflammation.
    Korantzopoulos P; Kolettis TM; Kountouris E; Dimitroula V; Karanikis P; Pappa E; Siogas K; Goudevenos JA · International journal of cardiology · 2005
    Randomized trial44 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forVitamin C
  6. Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
    Aune D; Keum N; Giovannucci E; Fadnes LT; Boffetta P; Greenwood DC; Tonstad S; Vatten LJ; Riboli E; Norat T · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2019
    Meta-analysis69 studies pooledGeneral Health forVitamin C
  7. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and increasing non haem iron absorption pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusGeneral Health forVitamin C
  8. Vitamin C Depletion and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.
    Sotomayor CG; Eisenga MF; Gomes Neto AW; Ozyilmaz A; Gans ROB; Jong WHA; Zelle DM; Berger SP; Gaillard CAJM; Navis GJ; Bakker SJ · Nutrients · 2018
    Cohort study598 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  9. Associations of Serum Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake With the Risk of Cause-Specific Mortality and All-Cause Mortality: A National Prospective Cohort Study.
    Pu L; Zhang R; Wang X; Zhao T; Sun H; Han L · Frontiers in nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study12,530 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  10. Relation between plasma ascorbic acid and mortality in men and women in EPIC-Norfolk prospective study: a prospective population study. European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.
    Khaw KT; Bingham S; Welch A; Luben R; Wareham N; Oakes S; Day N · Lancet (London, England) · 2001
    Cohort study19,496 participantsGeneral Health forVitamin C
  11. Vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
    EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) · EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority · 2026
    Guideline / consensusImmunity forVitamin C
  12. Therapeutic effects of high-dose vitamin C supplementation in patients with COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
    Sun L; Zhao JH; Fan WY; Feng B; Liu WW; Chen RQ; Ban C; Dang AG; Wang M; Luo KT; Zhou GY; Yu FF; Ba Y · Nutrition reviews · 2024
    Meta-analysis2,334 participants14 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  13. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Abioye AI; Bromage S; Fawzi W · BMJ global health · 2021
    Meta-analysisImmunity forVitamin C
  14. New evidence for antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
    Vojdani A; Bazargan M; Vojdani E; Wright J · Cancer detection and prevention · 2001
    Randomized trial20 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  15. Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults.
    Calder PC; Kreider RB; McKay DL · Nutrients · 2025
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  16. Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle effect of an ascorbic acid-loaded dissolving microneedle patch via a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    Lee C; Yang H; Kim S; Kim M; Kang H; Kim N; An S; Koh J; Jung H · International journal of cosmetic science · 2017
    Randomized trial23 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  17. Comparative Study on the Outcome of Periorbital Wrinkles Treated with Laser-Assisted Delivery of Vitamin C or Vitamin C Plus Growth Factors: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.
    Machado BHB; Frame J; Zhang J; Najlah M · Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2021
    Randomized trial149 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  18. Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus imiquimod for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma.
    Burke B; Bailie JE · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
    Randomized trial25 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  19. Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Gunton JE; Girgis CM; Lau T; Vicaretti M; Begg L; Flood V · The British journal of nutrition · 2022
    Randomized trial16 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  20. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women.
    Cosgrove MC; Franco OH; Granger SP; Murray PG; Mayes AE · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2007
    Cross-sectional study4,025 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  21. Role of Oral Vitamin 'C' on Astigmatic Errors in Phacoemulsification.
    Mohan S; Sah K; Khattri M; Ahmad L; Sachan SK · Current eye research · 2021
    Randomized trial400 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  22. Ascorbic acid metabolites are involved in intraocular pressure control in the general population.
    Hysi PG; Khawaja AP; Menni C; Tamraz B; Wareham N; Khaw KT; Foster PJ; Benet LZ; Spector TD; Hammond CJ · Redox biology · 2019
    Observational studyVision Support forVitamin C
  23. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  24. Dietary n-3 Fatty Acid, α-Tocopherol, Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and β-carotene are Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Japan.
    Aoki A; Inoue M; Nguyen E; Obata R; Kadonosono K; Shinkai S; Hashimoto H; Sasaki S; Yanagi Y · Scientific reports · 2017
    Case-control study530 participantsVision Support forVitamin C
  25. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, lifestyle and age-related macular degeneration: the Coimbra Eye Study - report 3.
    Raimundo M; Mira F; Cachulo MDL; Barreto P; Ribeiro L; Farinha C; Laíns I; Nunes S; Alves D; Figueira J; Merle BM; Delcourt C; Santos L; Silva R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2019
    Case-control study883 participantsVision Support forVitamin C