Calliel Vitamin C Serum
Calliel Vitamin C Serum
Product Description
Product overview
Stabilized vitamin C serum with antioxidant support and hydration. Ascorbic acid pairs with ferulic acid and glutathione for skin brightening.
Vitamin C + ferulic acid pairing
This serum combines ascorbic acid with ferulic acid, a documented pairing that extends vitamin C's shelf life and antioxidant potency on skin. Glycerin and panthenol add hydration and skin-conditioning support, creating a formula suited to mixed routines.
Stabilized antioxidant system
Ascorbic acid and ferulic acid work together to neutralize free radicals and maintain potency longer than vitamin C alone.
Hydration layer
Glycerin draws moisture into the skin, while panthenol acts as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.
Reduced oxidative stress
Glutathione provides additional antioxidant support, complementing the vitamin C system.
Lightweight delivery
Water-based formulation absorbs quickly without occlusive ingredients, making it easy to layer under other treatments.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSafety & compatibility
SAFEAscorbic acid and supporting ingredients are considered low-risk in pregnancy. However, always consult your healthcare provider before introducing new actives.
The INCI list contains no known triggering ingredients for fungal acne, making this serum suitable for malassezia-prone skin.
Ascorbic acid works optimally at low pH (around 3.5). Confirm this serum's pH if layering with other actives.
Ascorbic acid can cause mild tingling or redness in first-time users or reactive skin. Start with lower frequency (2–3 times weekly) and build tolerance.
Vitamin C and retinol can be used together, but apply to completely dry skin and wait 15+ minutes between applications to minimize irritation risk.
Ascorbic acid degrades quickly when exposed to air, light, and heat. Keep the bottle sealed and store in a cool, dark place.
While vitamin C has some antioxidant benefit, it does not provide UV protection. Use SPF 30+ daily when using this serum.
Ingredient breakdown
INCIAscorbic Acid Proven
Pure vitamin C in its most bioavailable form. It neutralizes free radicals, supports collagen synthesis, and is associated with a brighter skin tone. Ascorbic acid works best in acidic formulations and pairs synergistically with ferulic acid for enhanced stability and potency.
- Benefit: Reduces oxidative stress and free radical damage
- Mechanism: Penetrates skin and acts as a coenzyme in collagen synthesis
- Function: Provides antioxidant defense and brightening support
Ferulic Acid Supporting
A plant-derived phenolic compound that stabilizes ascorbic acid and amplifies its antioxidant activity. Ferulic acid also has its own free-radical scavenging properties and improves skin resilience when combined with vitamin C.
- Function: Extends shelf life and efficacy of vitamin C
- Benefit: Synergistic antioxidant defense with ascorbic acid
- Research: Often paired with vitamin C in clinical formulations for superior results
Glycerin Supporting
A humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin. Glycerin is non-irritating, lightweight, and enhances hydration without occlusion, making it ideal in fast-absorbing serum formats.
- Mechanism: Humectant that increases skin hydration
- Benefit: Improves skin barrier hydration and softness
- Function: Reduces transepidermal water loss when used with occlusive layers
Panthenol Supporting
The provitamin form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Panthenol hydrates the skin, reduces irritation, and supports barrier function. It also enhances skin conditioning and is well-tolerated across all skin types.
- Benefit: Soothes and hydrates without irritation
- Function: Supports natural moisture barrier
- Mechanism: Converts to pantothenic acid in the skin to enhance hydration and resilience
Glutathione Supporting
A tripeptide antioxidant that works alongside vitamin C to combat oxidative stress. Glutathione is particularly valued in skincare for its potential to support skin brightening and overall redox balance, though it has lower bioavailability in topical form.
- Benefit: Additional antioxidant protection
- Function: Supports skin barrier defense against environmental stressors
- Research: Studied for potential brightening and radiance benefits in combination formulas
Fragrance · Parabens · Sulfates · Silicones.
Where it fits in your routine
STEP 04How to use
4 STEPSCleanse & tone
Start with clean, slightly damp skin after toner.
Dispense 2–3 drops
Drop into palms or directly onto face — a little goes a long way.
Pat to absorb
Gently pat into skin until fully absorbed. No need to rub.
Layer & seal
Follow with moisturizer to lock it in. Sunscreen the next morning.
Who is it for?
FIT CHECKPerfect for you if
- You want brightening support and antioxidant protection from a fast-absorbing serum
- You're building a multi-step routine and need a compatible base layer
- You have oily to combination skin that needs hydration without heaviness
- You're open to active ingredients but prefer gentle stabilized forms
- You want to layer this serum under treatments like retinol or niacinamide
Consider alternatives if
- You have severely reactive or compromised skin barrier—start with lower active concentrations
- You expect immediate visible results—vitamin C works gradually over weeks
- You need an occlusive moisturizer replacement—this serum requires a cream layer
- You want an all-in-one product—this is a treatment serum, not a full routine
Skin type compatibility
5 TYPESThe lightweight, water-based formula absorbs without residue, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Glycerin and panthenol provide hydration, but dry skin may benefit from a richer moisturizer layered on top.
The serum hydrates without greasiness, making it well-suited for mixed T-zone and cheek conditions.
Ascorbic acid can trigger irritation in reactive skin; introduce slowly and consider patch testing first.
Fungal-acne-safe formula with antioxidant benefits, though vitamin C may cause mild irritation during adjustment period.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Hydration boost and smooth texture
Glycerin and panthenol provide instant moisture and skin-conditioning sensations.
Most usersReduced irritation and barrier comfort
Panthenol and glycerin work to calm and condition, supporting skin tolerance.
Visible brightening and radiance
Ascorbic acid and glutathione begin supporting a more luminous, even-toned appearance.
85% noticedEnhanced skin texture and clarity
Sustained antioxidant benefit and hydration support can improve overall skin appearance and resilience.
Pros & cons
BALANCEDPros
- Stabilized vitamin C paired with ferulic acid for extended potency
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that layers easily under other treatments
- Contains supportive humectants (glycerin) and skin conditioners (panthenol)
- Fungal-acne safe and pregnancy-safe formula
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
Cons
- Ascorbic acid can irritate sensitive or reactive skin; requires gradual introduction
- Vitamin C degrades quickly with exposure to air, light, and heat—requires careful storage
- Results develop gradually over weeks; not suitable for immediate visible changes
- Requires consistent use and SPF daily to see full benefits
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHSUse within 12 months after opening the package. Check the small jar symbol on the packaging for the manufacturer-specified PAO.
Heat and UV degrade many active ingredients. Bathrooms with hot showers are not ideal; consider a bedroom cabinet.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Ascorbic acid and the supporting ingredients are considered safe in pregnancy, but consult your healthcare provider before starting any new active serum.
Yes, but apply to completely dry skin and wait 15+ minutes between applications. Start with using them on alternating nights if you're new to either ingredient.
Ascorbic acid may cause mild tingling or redness in first-time users or reactive skin. Begin with 2–3 times weekly and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance.
Keep the bottle sealed and store in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. Ascorbic acid degrades when exposed to air and light, which shortens shelf life.
Yes. While vitamin C has antioxidant benefits, it does not provide UV protection. Use SPF 30+ daily when incorporating this serum into your routine.
Yes. The ingredient list contains no known malassezia triggers, making this formula compatible with fungal-acne-prone skin.
Most users notice improved radiance and tone around week 4. Vitamin C works gradually, so consistency and patience are key to seeing full benefits.
This is a treatment serum and should be layered under a moisturizer. The serum provides hydration and actives, but a cream or lotion will seal in moisture and support barrier health.
Calliel's Vitamin C Serum is a stabilized ascorbic acid treatment designed for brightening and antioxidant support. The formula pairs vitamin C with ferulic acid—a clinically-backed pairing that extends potency—and includes hydrating glycerin and skin-conditioning panthenol. It absorbs quickly and layers well in multi-step routines. The main limitation is that ascorbic acid may irritate sensitive skin on first use, requiring gradual introduction. Best suited for oily to combination skin seeking a lightweight, active-rich serum.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.