Naturally derived vitamin C and synthetic vitamin C (i.e., Ascorbic Acid) are chemically identical, both are L-ascorbic acid, but they differ in their sources and possible additional ingredients, which may affect their absorption, effects, and impact on the human body. Here are their main differences:

1. Source
Natural vitamin C: From natural foods, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, red peppers, etc. Natural vitamin C is usually present with other natural plant ingredients (such as bioflavonoids, phenolic substances, minerals, etc.).
Synthetic vitamin C: Usually produced through a chemical synthesis process, the most common method is to synthesize L-ascorbic acid from glucose (sugar). It has a higher purity and usually does not contain other plant ingredients.
2. Additional ingredients
Natural vitamin C: In foods from natural sources, vitamin C is usually present with other natural antioxidants (such as flavonoids, plant acids, phenolic compounds), which help enhance the bioavailability and antioxidant effects of vitamin C.
Synthetic vitamin C: Synthetic vitamin C exists alone and usually does not contain these natural plant chemicals. Therefore, some studies suggest that natural forms of vitamin C may have a stronger antioxidant effect.
3. Bioavailability
Natural Vitamin C: Some studies have shown that naturally derived vitamin C may be more easily absorbed by the body than synthetic vitamin C, partly due to the bioactive ingredients (such as flavonoids) that are present with vitamin C in natural foods. These ingredients help enhance the absorption and utilization of vitamin C.
Synthetic Vitamin C: Synthetic vitamin C usually comes in a pure form, and although its absorption rate is similar to that of the natural form, it may sometimes not be as efficient as the natural form due to the lack of other auxiliary ingredients.
4. Stability
Natural Vitamin C: Natural vitamin C is often accompanied by other ingredients in food, which may help maintain its stability. However, natural vitamin C may be more susceptible to degradation when exposed to heat, light or oxygen.
Synthetic Vitamin C: Synthetic vitamin C (such as the common Ascorbic Acid powder) is more stable in storage, especially when it is sealed and is not easily oxidized or degraded.
5. Side Effects
Natural Vitamin C: Generally speaking, vitamin C from natural sources is less likely to cause stomach discomfort due to its complex formula and the other plant ingredients it contains. Vitamin C is relatively safe to consume through diet.
Synthetic Vitamin C: Large doses of synthetic vitamin C may cause gastrointestinal discomfort (such as diarrhea, stomach pain, etc.). This side effect is usually more obvious when taken in high doses for a long time.
6. Cost
Natural vitamin C: It is usually more expensive because it needs to be extracted from fresh fruits or vegetables and the production process is complicated.
Synthetic vitamin C: Synthetic vitamin C is cheaper because it is mass-produced through industrial processes and the production process is relatively simple.
7. Uses
Natural vitamin C: Because it contains a variety of plant ingredients, natural vitamin C is often used in daily diet or as a natural food additive.
Synthetic vitamin C: It is usually sold on the market as a supplement (such as vitamin C tablets, vitamin C powder) and is widely used in various health products, skin care products and food processing.

Although the main ingredients of natural vitamin C and synthetic vitamin C are L-ascorbic acid, and both can provide the body with the benefits of vitamin C, natural vitamin C may have certain advantages in absorption and health benefits because it is accompanied by other natural plant ingredients. Synthetic vitamin C has advantages in price, stability and convenience. For daily supplementation, both can achieve similar effects. Which one to choose depends on personal needs, budget and whether you prefer natural sources.

If you want to get vitamin C through diet, it is recommended to take it from fruits and vegetables. If you choose supplements, synthetic vitamin C can also provide you with the nutrition you need.