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Stellar C

4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(98 ratings)
Vitamin C 600 mg
Acerola 200 mg
Rutin 50 mg
Flavonoid (mixture) 100 mg
Product Image
Score71
A clear, well-dosed vitamin C blend with useful plant compounds, but the unbuffered form and modest flavonoid amounts limit its appeal for sensitive users or targeted support.
How scoring works
Capsule
Quantity:90 Capsule(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
General Health
Immunity
Skin Health

Score 71

A clear, well-dosed vitamin C blend with useful plant compounds, but the unbuffered form and modest flavonoid amounts limit its appeal for sensitive users or targeted support.
How scoring works
$39.99($0.44 per serving)
iHerb
$ 39.99
Pure Formulas
$ 39.99
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Analysis

A substantial vitamin C serving supports antioxidant defenses, normal collagen formation, and everyday immune function. Acerola, citrus bioflavonoids, rutin, and quercetin provide a coherent supporting layer rather than unrelated label extras.

Every active amount is stated, which makes the formula easy to assess. The main vitamin uses ordinary ascorbic acid, so people who find acidic vitamin C uncomfortable may prefer a buffered form.

The flavonoids broaden the antioxidant profile, but the rutin and quercetin amounts are modest for targeted use. It fits someone wanting a focused vitamin C blend more than someone seeking comprehensive skin, vision, or inflammation support.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking focused daily vitamin C support
  • People who want added acerola and citrus flavonoids
  • Users comfortable with plain ascorbic acid
Best for
  • Antioxidant support
  • Normal collagen formation
  • Everyday immune nutrition

Pros

  • Meaningful vitamin C amount
  • All active amounts are disclosed
  • Several complementary flavonoids

Cons

  • Vitamin C is not buffered
  • Rutin and quercetin are modestly dosed
  • Limited coverage beyond antioxidant pathways

Warnings

  • The ascorbic acid form may cause stomach discomfort in acid-sensitive users
  • Account for vitamin C from other supplements when combining products
  • Acerola is not standardized to a stated natural vitamin C yield

Nutrient quality

85 Highest impact

Ascorbic acid is effective but unbuffered, while acerola lacks standardization detail. Vitamin C is substantial, while rutin and quercetin provide moderate supporting amounts.

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Ingredient transparency

77 High impact

All listed active ingredients have specific amounts. The supplied data does not include a complete inactive ingredient list.

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Customer satisfaction

64 Moderate impact

The aggregate satisfaction measure is strong enough to support a favorable first impression. The limited volume and missing feedback themes leave repeat complaints and purpose fit uncertain.

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Value for money

54 Moderate impact

The price is high for unbuffered vitamin C with modest flavonoid support. Each serving is relatively costly for the active depth provided.

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Goals

General Health
General Health
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitA- Strength of SupportB- CoverageA Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 600 mg

A meaningful vitamin C serving supports antioxidant defenses and normal collagen production. Acerola and selected flavonoids complement the central active without obscuring its amount.

The formula uses ordinary ascorbic acid rather than a buffered or advanced delivery form. It remains a focused option for vitamin C support, though sensitive stomachs may prefer a gentler form.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 56 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
Highest effect
A- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 600 mg

A substantial vitamin C serving directly supports antioxidant protection and normal immune-cell function. Acerola, citrus bioflavonoids, rutin, and quercetin provide a compatible supporting polyphenol profile.

The formula has strong depth for one major immune pathway but little coverage of vitamin D, zinc, or barrier nutrients. Plain ascorbic acid may be less comfortable for sensitive users than a buffered form.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC CoverageA- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 600 mg

Vitamin C is supplied at a meaningful level for collagen synthesis and antioxidant defense. Acerola and several flavonoids add complementary plant compounds, though they do not broaden the formula into a full skin protocol.

Every active amount is listed, which makes the focused dose easy to assess. People with a sensitive stomach may find ordinary ascorbic acid less comfortable than a buffered form.

Study evidence
Vitamin C Supportive 53 studies
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Cellular Defense
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Moderate effect
C- Goal FitC Strength of SupportC- CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 600 mg

Vitamin C provides antioxidant support, while quercetin and rutin add modest flavonoid activity. The formula is relevant mainly through oxidative signaling rather than direct inflammatory enzyme inhibition.

Vitamin C is adequately dosed, but quercetin and rutin are present at relatively small amounts and lack enhanced delivery. The ingredients are compatible, though the flavonoid depth is limited.

Study evidence
Rutin Supportive 6 studies
Vitamin C Supportive 50 studies
Vision Support
Macular and Blue Light Defense
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
C- Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportD CoverageB- Formula Quality
Vitamin C · 600 mg

A 600 mg vitamin C serving provides meaningful antioxidant support for the lens and retina. Rutin and flavonoids add a small vascular-support layer, although their amounts are modest.

The formula focuses on one antioxidant pathway and omits macular pigments, zinc, vitamin E, and retinal lipids. Its compact ingredient list is coherent but not comprehensive for vision support.

Study evidence
Rutin Not classified 1 study
Vitamin C Disputed 24 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Vitamin C (Acerola, Ascorbic Acid)
 600 mg
Acerola (Vitamin C)
 200 mg
Citrus Bioflavonoids (Hesperidin)
 100 mg
Rutin
50 mg
Quercetin
50 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Report overview
Vitamin C (Acerola, Ascorbic Acid) · 600 mg OverallScore56
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

The 600 mg vitamin C serving sits in an efficient range and clearly identifies ascorbic acid with acerola. Neither source is buffered or paired with an advanced delivery system, so digestive comfort may be limited for sensitive users. Cost efficiency is poor for the vitamin C delivered despite the added flavonoids.

View ingredientView products
Acerola (Vitamin C) · 200 mg OverallScore41
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityC+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyF Value

Acerola is supplied at a meaningful amount, but the label does not state an extract ratio or standardized vitamin C yield. Synthetic ascorbic acid remains a major vitamin C source, which limits natural-source integrity. The exact acerola amount is disclosed, yet missing plant-part details and weak cost efficiency reduce its appeal.

View ingredientView products
Rutin · 50 mg OverallScore40
F Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityD- Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyD+ Value

The exact rutin amount is easy to verify, but it is too low for targeted vascular support. Generic rutin labeling provides no botanical source, chemical form, or purity standard. The modest dose also results in only average cost efficiency despite the broader antioxidant formula.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
87 Performance

Ester-C with Citrus Bioflavonoids

American Health
<p>A 1,000 mg buffered vitamin C serving and 400 mg citrus bioflavonoid complex provide stronger core coverage than the original's unbuffered vitamin C and smaller flavonoid amounts. The blend is less varied because quercetin, rutin, and separate acerola are not listed.</p>
86 Performance

C

Swanson
<p>Calcium ascorbate supplies 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C with 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids, improving the main nutrient form and keeping useful flavonoid support. It is more focused than the original and does not include separate acerola, rutin, or quercetin.</p>
86 Performance

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>Ester-C and 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids offer a higher buffered vitamin C amount and a simpler formula than the original. The narrower ingredient list loses the original's named rutin, quercetin, and acerola contributions.</p>
84 Budget

Ester-C 24 Hour Immune Support 1000 mg

NatureSmart
<p>Buffered calcium ascorbate supplies 1,000 mg of vitamin C with a citrus bioflavonoid complex at a much lower recurring cost. It leaves out the original's quercetin, rutin, and acerola, so the saving comes with less flavonoid variety.</p>
80 Budget

Supreme C Complex

Swanson Premium Brand
<p>A low-cost serving keeps 500 mg of vitamin C and raises the citrus bioflavonoid amount substantially compared with the original. The ascorbic acid form is still unbuffered, and it omits acerola and quercetin.</p>
83 Budget

Ester-C plus 500 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>Ester-C provides the same main vitamin C amount in a buffered form for less per serving. Its bioflavonoids, rose hips, acerola, and rutin are modest, so it trades the original's broader supporting doses for affordability and gentler delivery.</p>
84 Value

Ester-C 500 mg With Citrus Bioflavoinds

American Health
<p>A low recurring cost buys 1,000 mg of buffered vitamin C plus a broad citrus bioflavonoid complex that names acerola, hesperidin, and rutin components. The repeated 400 mg entries appear to describe one complex rather than separate doses, so the individual flavonoid amounts remain unclear.</p>
82 Value

Buffered C-1000 Complex

NOW
<p>A 1,000 mg calcium ascorbate serving with 250 mg of citrus bioflavonoids and 50 mg each of acerola and rutin provides strong active value. It omits quercetin, but the buffered form and larger supporting amounts improve the quality-to-cost balance.</p>
82 Value

Ester-C Plus 1000 mg Vitamin C

Solgar
<p>Buffered Ester-C doubles the original's main vitamin C amount and pairs it with 200 mg of citrus bioflavonoids at a lower serving cost. Acerola, rose hips, and rutin remain small, but the core dose and delivery make the formula more cost-effective.</p>
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Sources

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

  1. 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
  2. Effect of Vitamin C Supplements on Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Keya TA; Leela A; Fernandez K; Habib N; Rashid M · Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology · 2022
    Meta-analysis10 studies pooledImmunity forVitamin C
  3. Vitamin C supplementation and salivary immune function following exercise-heat stress.
    Carrillo AE; Murphy RJ; Cheung SS · International journal of sports physiology and performance · 2009
    Randomized trial12 participantsImmunity forVitamin C
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage.
    Fitzpatrick RE; Rostan EF · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2002
    Non-randomized trial10 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  7. Vitamin C and postoperative outcomes following mandibular third molar extraction: a randomized split-mouth study.
    Demirel M; Aktas A; Kizil M; Yalcin N · Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology · 2026
    Randomized trial56 participantsSkin Health forVitamin C
  8. The effects of rutin flavonoid supplement on glycemic status, lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), some serum inflammatory, and oxidative stress factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Bazyar H; Moradi L; Zaman F; Zare Javid A · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023
    Randomized trial50 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  9. Rutin ameliorates inflammation and improves metabolic function: A comprehensive analysis of scientific literature.
    Muvhulawa N; Dludla PV; Ziqubu K; Mthembu SXH; Mthiyane F; Nkambule BB; Mazibuko-Mbeje SE · Pharmacological research · 2022
    Systematic reviewAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  10. Rutin-loaded chitosan microspheres: Characterization and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity.
    Cosco D; Failla P; Costa N; Pullano S; Fiorillo A; Mollace V; Fresta M; Paolino D · Carbohydrate polymers · 2018
    OtherAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  11. Oral enzyme combination therapy reduces systemic inflammation, urinary CTXII and pain in knee osteoarthritis: a proof-of-mechanism, randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Henrotin Y; Pap T; Lieten S; Badot V; Dubuc JE; Urbin-Choffray D; von Eynatten M; Johansen OE; Rau S; Brabants K · RMD open · 2025
    Randomized trial45 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  12. The Impact of the Combination of Proteolytic Enzyme and Rutin on the Post-operative Management of Inflammation: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Comparative Clinical Trial
    Rathi PC, Rathi CL, Risbud SP, Ganu GP · Cureus · 2024
    Randomized trial65 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support forRutin
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. A randomized, double-masked study on the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with troxerutin
    Glacet-Bernard A, Coscas G, Chabanel A, Zourdani A, Lelong F, Samama MM · American Journal of Ophthalmology · 1994
    Randomized trial53 participantsVision Support forRutin
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. Nutritional modulation of cataract.
    Weikel KA; Garber C; Baburins A; Taylor A · Nutrition reviews · 2014
    Narrative reviewVision Support forVitamin C
  34. 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
  35. 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