Dr.Althea VITAMIN C BOOSTING SERUM 63% 30ML

Dealing with stubborn dark spots or a dull complexion from Mauritius' strong sun can be frustrating. Dr. Althea's Vitamin C Boosting Serum is a gentle yet powerful solution designed to restore your skin's natural radiance without the irritation often associated with potent vitamin C products.

Values You Can Trust: Halal-Friendly* / Vegan-Friendly* / Cruelty-Free* / 100% Authentic Guarantee

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available ingredient data (no ethanol/denat.; no haram or animal-derived ingredients detected). / Brand-stated; not certified by an independent body.

If you're struggling with post-acne marks (PIH), sun spots, or a generally uneven skin tone, this serum offers a targeted approach to achieving a brighter, more luminous complexion.

• Best For: All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• What it does: Brightens dark spots, evens out skin tone, provides antioxidant protection, and delivers lightweight hydration.
• Texture: A watery, fast-absorbing gel-serum that feels refreshing and non-sticky.
• Key Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn Water (63%), Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (stable Vitamin C), Tranexamic Acid, Centella Asiatica, 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid.

1. Cleanser: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to create a clean base.
2. THIS PRODUCT: Apply 2-3 drops of the Vitamin C Boosting Serum to your face and neck.
3. Sunscreen (AM) / Moisturiser (PM): Always follow with sunscreen during the day to protect your results. At night, use a moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Note: Already own a similar serum? Finish that first to avoid waste. This product is designed to substitute, not stack with, another Vitamin C serum.

Minimalist Routine (3 steps):

1. Cleanser: Start with a clean face.
2. Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum: Apply 2-3 drops. Its antioxidant properties help protect your skin from daily environmental stressors.
3. Sunscreen (SPF 30+): This is a non-negotiable step. Sunscreen prevents new dark spots and protects the progress you've made.

Optional Additions:

• Hydrating Toner: Apply before the serum for an extra layer of moisture, which is great for dry or air-conditioned environments.
• Moisturiser: If your sunscreen isn't hydrating enough, you can apply a light moisturiser after the serum and before your SPF.

Wait Times: Allow the serum 30-60 seconds to absorb before applying your next product.

Minimalist Routine (3 steps):

1. Cleanser: Double cleanse if you wore makeup or water-resistant sunscreen (Oil Cleanser → Foam/Gel Cleanser).
2. Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum: Apply 2-3 drops to help repair and brighten your skin overnight.
3. Moisturiser: Lock everything in with a suitable moisturiser to support your skin barrier.

Optional Additions:

• Exfoliant (1-3x/week): On nights you use a separate AHA/BHA exfoliant, you can skip this serum to avoid potential irritation. Do not use strong exfoliants and strong retinoids on the same night.
• Eye Cream: Apply an eye cream before your final moisturiser.

Texture Rule: Always apply products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest.

Daily Use — AM and/or PM:

• Amount: 2-3 drops for the entire face and neck.
• Apply to: Freshly cleansed and toned skin.
• Method: Gently smooth the serum over your skin, then lightly pat to aid absorption.
• Frequency: Start with once daily (AM is ideal for antioxidant protection). You can increase to twice daily if your skin tolerates it well and you desire faster results.

If-This / Then-That:

• Very oily T-zone? The lightweight gel texture is perfect for you. Your sunscreen may provide enough moisture for the daytime.
• Very dry/AC exposure? Layer this serum over a hydrating toner and seal it with a nourishing cream like the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream at night.
• Sensitive/reactive? This serum is formulated for sensitive skin, but always patch test first. Start with PM-only use for a week before moving to daily AM use.
• Under makeup? Its non-sticky finish makes it an excellent base. Wait 1-2 minutes for it to fully absorb before applying sunscreen and makeup to prevent pilling.

Safety: Avoid direct contact with eyes. Discontinue use if a rash or irritation occurs and persists. For teens, focus on the basics: cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF. This serum can be introduced if there are specific concerns with PIH.

This serum is gentle enough for daily use. Here’s how to fit it into a routine with other actives:

• Daily (AM): Apply the Vitamin C Boosting Serum every morning for antioxidant protection and brightening. Follow with SPF.
• Daily (PM): Can be used every evening if you don't use other strong actives.

Example Week (PM focus for alternating actives):

• Mon: THIS PRODUCT + Moisturiser
• Tue: Exfoliant (e.g., Glycolic/Salicylic Acid) + Moisturiser
• Wed: THIS PRODUCT + Moisturiser
• Thu: Retinoid (if using) + Moisturiser
• Fri: THIS PRODUCT + Moisturiser
• Sat: Soothing/Hydrating Night (no strong actives)
• Sun: THIS PRODUCT + Moisturiser

Rule: One strong active per night is safest. Avoid using potent acids and retinoids on the same evening. This Vitamin C serum is generally gentle and can be used on "off nights" from stronger treatments.

• Immediate: Skin feels hydrated, refreshed, and has a subtle glow. The watery texture absorbs quickly without stickiness.
• 2–4 weeks: Skin may appear brighter and more radiant. The gentle formula helps to calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness associated with irritation.
• 4–8+ weeks: With consistent daily use and diligent sun protection, you may notice a visible reduction in the appearance of dark spots, post-acne marks, and sun spots. Skin tone looks more even and luminous.

*Results vary based on individual skin type, consistency of use, and sun exposure.

• Why use THIS, not pure lemon juice? Lemon juice is highly acidic (pH ~2) and unstable, which can cause chemical burns, disrupt your skin's protective barrier, and lead to phytophotodermatitis (a severe reaction in sunlight), ultimately worsening dark spots. This serum uses a stabilized, lab-tested form of Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) at an effective pH, providing all the brightening benefits without the significant risks of DIY citrus applications.

• Works Well With:
  • Sunscreen: An essential pairing. Vitamin C boosts your sunscreen's effectiveness by neutralizing free radicals.
  • Niacinamide: A great partner for brightening. This serum already contains Niacinamide, but it can be layered with other Niacinamide products.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Excellent for hydration. Apply your Hyaluronic Acid product first, then this serum.
  • Centella Asiatica & Panthenol: Perfect for soothing and repairing the skin barrier, enhancing the serum's gentle action.
• Use with Caution:
  • AHAs/BHAs & Retinoids: While this serum is gentle, layering multiple actives can increase the risk of irritation. It's safest to alternate use (e.g., Vitamin C in the AM, Acid/Retinoid in the PM) rather than applying them in the same routine.

• Oily & Combination Skin: Excellent. The lightweight, watery texture absorbs without a greasy residue, providing necessary hydration and antioxidant benefits without clogging pores.
• Dry Skin: Very good. Provides a brightening boost and antioxidant care. Should be layered under a nourishing moisturiser to ensure sufficient hydration is locked in.
• Sensitive Skin: Ideal. Formulated specifically to be gentle, using a stable Vitamin C derivative and soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica to minimize irritation.
• Acne-Prone Skin: Suitable. It is non-comedogenic and helps fade the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks) left behind by breakouts.

• Hyperpigmentation: Helps fade the appearance of sun spots, age spots, and post-acne marks (PIH).
• Dullness & Lack of Radiance: Revitalizes tired-looking skin, restoring a healthy, luminous glow.
• Uneven Skin Tone: Works to create a more uniform and even complexion over time.
• Environmental Protection: Provides antioxidant support to help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and pollution.

• Official Korean Name: 닥터엘시아 비타민 씨 부스팅 세럼 (Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum)
• Country of Manufacture: South Korea
• Period After Opening (PAO): 12 months
• Date Marks: Check packaging for either the manufacturing date (제조) or expiration date (까지). Unopened shelf life is typically 30 months from the manufacturing date.

• Halal Status: Halal-Friendly*. This product does not contain alcohol (ethanol/denat.) or any animal-derived ingredients explicitly forbidden in a Halal framework. Fatty alcohols (like Cetearyl Alcohol) are permissible.
• Vegan Status: Vegan-Friendly*. A review of the ingredient list shows no animal-derived components like honey, snail mucin, or animal collagen.
• Animal Testing Policy: Cruelty-Free*. The brand Dr. Althea states that it is a cruelty-free brand.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available ingredient data (no ethanol/denat.; no haram or animal-derived ingredients detected). / Brand-stated; not certified by an independent body.

• MFDS Class: Functional Cosmetic (Brightening). This product is recognized by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, formerly KFDA) for its skin brightening benefits.
• Functional Ingredients: Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid.
• Clinical Evidence: The brand highlights the efficacy of its key ingredients based on general scientific rationale. Specific clinical trial data (n, duration, protocol) for this final formula is not publicly disclosed by the brand.
• Medical Disclaimer: This is a cosmetic product designed to improve the appearance of the skin. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

"Brightening" refers to improving radiance and evening out skin tone (e.g., sun spots, post-acne marks); it does not change your natural skin color.

Key Actives Explained:

• Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Water (63%): The base of this serum instead of plain water. It's a natural, potent source of Vitamin C, E, and antioxidants, which helps to nourish the skin and protect it from environmental damage. (Ingredient Rationale)
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): A powerhouse ingredient that brightens skin tone, reduces the appearance of pores, controls sebum, and strengthens the skin barrier. (Ingredient Rationale)
• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: A highly stable and gentle derivative of Vitamin C that effectively brightens the complexion and fades hyperpigmentation with a lower risk of irritation. (Ingredient Rationale)
• Tranexamic Acid: A synthetic amino acid derivative known for its ability to target discoloration, particularly stubborn marks and melasma, by interfering with melanin production. (Ingredient Rationale)
• 8-Type Hyaluronic Acid Complex: A blend of different molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid that provides multi-layer hydration, plumping the skin from the inside out.
• Adenosine: An MFDS-certified anti-wrinkle ingredient that energizes the skin's surface, helping to improve smoothness and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Full INCI List: Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Methyl Gluceth-20, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Tranexamic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Thiamine HCl, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Taurine, Ascorbic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Limonene.

• Fragrance Status: No artificial fragrances added. The serum has a very light, fresh citrus scent that comes naturally from Orange Peel Oil.
• Scent Intensity: 1/5 (very mild and dissipates quickly).
• EU Allergens: Contains Limonene, a natural component of essential oils.

While formulated for sensitive skin, patch testing is always advised if you have known allergies to botanical extracts or essential oils.

Who should use this? Anyone looking to brighten their complexion, fade dark spots, and achieve a more even skin tone, especially those with sensitive skin who have found other Vitamin C serums irritating.

Who should use with caution? If you have an active rash, broken skin, or known allergies to any of the ingredients (especially citrus components), consult with a professional first. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is insufficient published data on high concentrations of some botanicals; please consult your doctor before use.

Patch Test Protocol:

1. Apply a pea-sized amount of the serum to a clean, small area of skin, such as your jawline or behind the ear.