Works for
Evens skin tone3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidMay help
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.
Anti-agingSide benefit · Adenosine, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
MoisturizingSide benefit · Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Adenosine + 1 moreWorks
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, caprylyl glycol.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, AdenosineMay help
This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit water~7.1–10.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Water~3.9–5.9%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.1–4.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideCastor oil/ipdi copolymer~2.4–3.6%
Xanthan gum~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gum3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidAdenosine~1–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineDisodium edta~0.3–0.7%
Glycol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extractCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIngredient list view
Water, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit water, Unknown, Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Castor oil/ipdi copolymer, Xanthan gum, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Glycol, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract, Caprylyl glycol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Dr. AltheaGentle Vitamin C SerumYOUR PRODUCT | mixsoonVitamin C Cream 30ml | Jin Jung sungOmega Vegan Vita Serum | ArenciaVitamin C Booster Shot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 64% | 59% | 57% |
| Price | — | $13.02 | $31.40 | $15.77 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 3 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Bisabolol | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: DERMAFIRM Bio Correcting Ampoule Astasome A4ilso Heartleaf Tendersome Double Calming Ampoule 30ml
Product summary
"Dr. Althea - Gentle Vitamin C Serum" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Moisturizing, Anti-aging and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (3.50% - 5.30%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Adenosine 0.30% - 0.70%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 2 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
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