Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum Versus The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum Versus The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum Detailed comparison of Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum versus The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum EU. This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid to bright

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Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum Versus The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum Detailed comparison of Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum versus The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum EU. This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots. This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and soften the look of wrinkles. 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 Fruit Extract Centella Asiatica Extract Hydrogenated Lecithin Sodium Hyaluronate Carbomer 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid C12-14 Pareth-12 Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer Xanthan Gum Tromethamine Panthenol Ethylhexylglycerin Adenosine Disodium EDTA Fructooligosaccharides Beta-Glucan Ascorbic Acid Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide NP Alpha-Arbutin Tocopherol Bifida Ferment Lysate Bisabolol Ubiquinone Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate 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 Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-Glucan, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Alpha-Arbutin, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Bisabolol, Ubiquinone, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Dimethicone Ascorbic Acid 30% Polysilicone-11 PEG-10 Dimethicone Dimethicone, Ascorbic Acid 30%, Polysilicone-11, PEG-10 Dimethicone These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C and is the biologically active form used directly by skin. Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, but it also has plenty of benefits for your skin. It is best supported by academic literature for: Topical vitamin C has been shown to help neutralize oxidative stress from UV and pollution, helping to improve photoaging and hyperpigmentation when used consistently. One clinical study found that using 5% topical vitamin C for six months improved signs of photodamaged skin, both on the surface and in the deeper structural layers of the skin. While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, studies show it can boost photoprotection when combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid. These two ingredients help improve stability and protective effects. The big downside of this ingredient is formulation difficulty. Vitamin C is prone to oxidation and doesn't penetrate the skin unless formulated correctly. Research found that vitamin C absorbs into the skin best at a low pH (< 3.5) with about 20% being the upper limit for effective absorption. Skin levels can saturate after repeated application; this means your skin won’t keep absorbing more once it’s full of vitamin C. This is why more isn’t always better with vitamin C and why very high concentrations don’t necessarily give extra benefits. Ascorbic acid generally works well with many skincare ingredients but can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. Strong oxidizing acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C if they are used at the same time; they are often recommended for use at different times of day. Read more about other types of Vitamin C: Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.