Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-blemish
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Key actives
Product Summary
"Dr. Althea - Vitamin C Boosting Serum" is effective for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing
This product could be helpful for: Evens skin tone, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (1.60% - 2.40%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- Adenosine 0.05% - 0.25%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
- An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 2.50% - 3.70%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
- Humectants (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.05% - 0.15%, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.05% - 0.20%, sodium acetylated hyaluronate 0.05% - 0.20%, panthenol 2.50% - 3.70% and sodium hyaluronate 0.05% - 0.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 22.95A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Contains Allantonin and Tocopherols that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Source: Lila Beauty
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: folic acid.
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.
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)
Can help stimulate collagen production in skin. While available studies are promising, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy in skin
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
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Formulated with 63% Vita Boosting Complex with 9 types of Vitamins, Hyppophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract and 45,000ppm of skin brightening ingredients that help improve dark spots and skin blemishes Consists of 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid that deliver deep hydration to the skin without stickiness.
Source: Lila Beauty
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
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)
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
Might have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, pyridoxine) 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.
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
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. It might be irritating
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
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)
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Formulated with 63% Vita Boosting Complex with 9 types of Vitamins, Hyppophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract and 45,000ppm of skin brightening ingredients that help improve dark spots and skin blemishes Consists of 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid that deliver deep hydration to the skin without stickiness.
Source: Lila Beauty
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.
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
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
Anti-blemish
This product contains ingredients (pantothenic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Anti-blemish |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 81/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum | Current | $21.51 | |
 COSRX Advanced The Vitamin C 23 Serum | 86% | $25.00 | |
 Bliv:U Buy Bliv:U The Real Vita C 20 Ampoule in Australia - Korean Skincare and Cosmetics | 83% | $18.95 | |
 Pre-Launch V.Biome Infusion Serum | 80% | $34.00 | |
Bellflower Vitamin C 20% Serum | 79% | $15.30 | |
BRTC Vitamin C-20 Antioxidant Ampoule | 75% | $19.80 |
Key Actives
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
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)
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. It might be irritating
Can help stimulate collagen production in skin. While available studies are promising, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Potential irritants
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
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. It might be irritating
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is studied as a mosquito repellent
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin
Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
Comedogenic ingredients
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
All ingredients
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and may help reduce inflammation in skin
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is studied as a mosquito repellent
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking. It might be irritating
Can help stimulate collagen production in skin. While available studies are promising, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy in skin
Might have some moisturising properties. Is not effective when applied topically beyond some moisturizing effect
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
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)
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin
Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Ingredient list view
Water, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Panthenol, 1,2-hexanediol, Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Thiamine hcl, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Folic acid, Biotin, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Sodium hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Potassium hyaluronate, 1,2-hexanediol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Xanthan gum, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Taurine, Limonene
- Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil
- Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Cutaneous Metabolism of Vitamin B-6
- Folic acid and creatine improve the firmness of human skin in vivo
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- In Vitro Assessment of Skin Irritation Potential of Surfactant-based Formulations by Using a 3-D Skin Reconstructed Tissue Model and Cytokine Response
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid: Enhanced Bioavailability and Biological Studies
- Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans
- Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic review
- Ameliorating effect of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate on an IL-4- and IL-13-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin-equivalent model
- Final report on the safety assessment of Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Potassium Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium Succinoyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glyceryl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhetinyl Stearate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Glycyrrhizic Acid, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium Glycyrrhizate, Trisodium Glycyrrhizate, Methyl Glycyrrhizate, and Potassium Glycyrrhizinate.
- Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmetics
- Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique
- Melia azedarach
- Preliminary and Pharmacological Profile of Melia azedarach L.: An Overview
- In Vitro antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of eggplant (Solanum melongena) stalks in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640
- Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin
- Cosmeceuttical Critigue: Taurine