Description
The Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum is a beginner-friendly, brightening concentrate formulated to fade dark spots, improve skin tone, and support a healthy skin barrier — while being gentle enough for sensitive or barrier-stress conditions. It features a stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), together with niacinamide and sea-buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides) fruit extract, in a minimal-ingredient, lightweight texture.
The formula is described as alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and built for improved skin tone and radiance without harsh irritation.
Size: 30ML
Skin Type
Normal to dry skin – especially if you feel your complexion is dull, uneven or lacking radiance.
Combination skin – useful for zones that may be a bit oily or textured while other zones are dry.
Sensitive or barrier-compromised skin – The gentle formulation (minimal ingredients, soothing components) makes it appropriate for skin needing extra care.
Skin with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or uneven tone – because this is a targeted brightening serum.
Key Benefits
Brightens & evens skin tone: With 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (a stable vitamin C derivative) plus niacinamide, the serum aims to reduce visible dark spots and improve overall tone.
Supports barrier & soothes skin: The minimal formula and added Camellia (tea) leaf water, sea-buckthorn extract, and soothing actives (like allantoin/adensosine) help comfort skin that’s less resilient.
Lightweight, easy to layer texture: The serum is formulated to absorb quickly, making it compatible with your existing routine (which emphasises barrier repair).
Gentle enough for sensitive skin: The formula is free of strong fragrance/alcohol, making it less likely to irritate — important when your barrier is compromised.
Key Ingredients
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid – a stable derivative of vitamin C that brightens the skin, supports collagen production and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide – multi-functional vitamin B3; supports barrier health, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, smoothes texture and improves tone.
Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract / Water – rich in natural antioxidants and vitamin C, helps boost skin tone and protect skin-cells.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water – soothing botanical to calm irritated skin, supportive for sensitive / barrier-compromised skin.
Adenosine & Allantoin – actives that support skin firmness, repair, comfort and reduce irritation.
Ingredients List
Water, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Water, Niacinamide, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol
Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date product information. However, formulations may change without notice. For the most current ingredient list, usage instructions, and warnings, please refer to the product packaging prior to use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safe
YES
While the product contains safe ingredients, we recommend you consult your healthcare professional before introducing new skincare products as every pregnancy is unique.
How to use
Morning or evening? You may use it in morning or evening — but if using in the morning, ensure you follow immediately with broad-spectrum sunscreen (important when using brightening actives).
After cleansing/toning: On clean skin, apply 2–3 drops of the serum to your face.
Spread & pat: Gently smooth the serum over the face and neck, then lightly tap with fingertips to aid absorption, especially on dry patches or tone-uneven areas.
Follow with moisturizer: Because your barrier is weak, after the serum apply a hydrating/repair cream (e.g., with ceramides) to lock in benefits and maintain barrier strength.
Frequency: If you are introducing it into your routine and your barrier is compromised, begin with every other night (or every night if your skin tolerates) and adjust as your skin improves.
Morning extra step: On mornings you use it (or any brightening treatment), apply your sunscreen as the final step — this amplifies the benefit of the serum and protects against dark-spot recurrence.
Avoid layering too many actives: On nights you use this serum, especially given your barrier, avoid heavy exfoliants or strong retinoids in the same session — keep the rest of your routine gentle to support recovery.
Storage tip: Because vitamin C derivatives can oxidize, store the bottle in a cool, dark place and close tightly after use (already part of general skincare habit)
