Serum

The Glow Catalyst Serum

Fade dark spots and boost radiance with stable, potent vitamin C that actually works

£20.9930ml

Brightens
Firms
Smooths
Protects

15%Vit-C

0.1%Tocopherol

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How to use

When to Use: AM

How to Use:

Step 1: In the morning, after cleansing, apply 2-3 drops to a dry face and neck.
Step 2: Gently press the serum into your skin.
Step 3: Allow it to fully absorb before applying your moisturiser and, most importantly, your sunscreen.

Pro Tip: Using Vitamin C in the morning helps to boost your sunscreen's ability to protect your skin from environmental damage.

If it isn't right

30 days to decide. Opened bottles are fine.No form to fill in. Reply to your order email.This is on top of your statutory right to cancel, not instead of it.

The research

The Science Behind a Brighter Complexion

15% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Standard Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) is notoriously unstable and can oxidize quickly, losing its effectiveness. We use a highly stable, next-generation form of Vitamin C called 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. This allows it to remain potent from the first drop to the last, delivering its full benefits:

Powerful Brightening: As a potent antioxidant, it helps to neutralize free radicals and inhibit the enzyme responsible for producing dark spots (melanin) [1]. A systematic review of clinical studies confirmed that Vitamin C is an effective treatment for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots [2].
Boosts Radiance: It helps to support collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and firmness, giving your skin a healthy, radiant glow [3].
Antioxidant Protection: It helps to protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, which can cause premature aging [4].

Why it works: By using a stable and potent form of Vitamin C at a clinically effective 15% concentration, this serum provides powerful antioxidant protection and visible brightening results without the stability issues of older formulas. Studies have shown that 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is an effective skin-whitening agent and is well-suited for cosmetic use [5].

References

[1] Sanadi, R. M., & Pawar, B. (2020). The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 32(24), 74–84. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7802860/

[2] Correia, G., Gomes, J., & Duarte, I. (2023). Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(8), 2156–2165. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128827/

[3] Boo, Y. C. (2022). Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) as a Cosmeceutical to Increase Dermal Collagen for Skin Antiaging Purposes: Emerging Combination Therapies. Antioxidants, 11(9), 1663. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/9/1663

[4] Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, November 10). Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-topical-vitamin-c-important-for-skin-health-202111102635

[5] Chen, S. J., Wu, C. C., Huang, H. Y., Chen, J. Y., Wang, Y. J., & Lin, Y. L. (2021). The anti-melanogenic effects of 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid via Nrf2-mediated α-MSH inhibition in UVA-irradiated keratinocytes and autophagy induction in melanocytes. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 176, 130–139. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584921004299

Full ingredients

Aqua, 3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Citric acid, Squalane, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Xanthan gum, Sodium citrate, Sodium benzoate, Panthenol, Potassium sorbate, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Sodium phytate, Tocopherol, Sclerotium gum, Algin

Formulations are reviewed from time to time. The carton is always the definitive list.