Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+
Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+
Product Description
Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+ is an all-in-one face serum that packs five hard-working actives β stable Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, a salicylic-acid derivative and botanical Hyaluronic Acid β into a single lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. Designed to brighten dull tone, soften fine lines, fade dark spots and calm breakouts in one simple step, it has become a long-running budget favorite with tens of thousands of five-star ratings.
β¨ Texture & Feel
All-in-One Formula
Combines Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, a salicylic-acid derivative and botanical Hyaluronic Acid so one serum covers brightening, anti-aging and clarifying.
Stable Vitamin C
Uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate β a gentler, more shelf-stable derivative that resists the rapid oxidation of pure L-ascorbic acid.
Clarify + Anti-Age
Tea tree oil and the salicylic-acid derivative target oil and breakouts, while retinol and niacinamide work on tone, texture and fine lines.
Wallet-Friendly
A multi-active serum for under $20, backed by tens of thousands of five-star Amazon ratings and a 90-day money-back guarantee from the brand.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains retinol and a salicylic-acid derivative, which are commonly avoided during pregnancy and nursing. Check with your doctor first.
Includes olive fruit oil, polysorbate and other esters that can feed malassezia yeast. Not considered fungal-acne safe.
Both potent actives sit in one bottle, which can be irritating for beginners. Start 2β3 times a week and build up slowly.
Retinol and exfoliating acids can increase photosensitivity. Daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential while using this serum.
Tea tree, lavender and ylang ylang give it a light scent but are known potential sensitizers for reactive skin.
With several actives layered together, patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before applying to the face.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) ~1β5% Proven
A water-soluble, stabilized form of Vitamin C that converts to active ascorbic acid in the skin. It brightens tone, supports collagen and offers antioxidant defense with far less irritation than pure L-ascorbic acid.
- Function: Brightening, antioxidant, collagen support.
- Stability: More shelf-stable and pH-flexible than pure Vitamin C, so it oxidizes less quickly.
- Bonus: Some studies suggest mild antibacterial benefits useful for acne-prone skin.
𧬠Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Undisclosed Proven
A versatile vitamin that helps even out tone, reduce the look of redness, regulate oil and reinforce the skin barrier. It pairs well with Vitamin C in modern formulations.
- Function: Barrier support, oil control, tone evening.
- Evidence: Well studied for reducing the appearance of blemishes and improving texture with consistent use.
- Synergy: Calms some of the potential irritation from retinol and acids in the same formula.
π °οΈ Retinol (Vitamin A) Low % Proven
A gold-standard anti-aging active that boosts cell turnover, helps refine texture, unclog pores and soften the look of fine lines over time.
- Function: Cell turnover, anti-aging, pore refining.
- Evidence: Once converted to retinoic acid in the skin, it is proven effective against multiple signs of aging.
- Note: Can be irritating; the formula keeps it at a gentle level, but introduce slowly.
𧽠Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (BHA) <2% Proven
A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates, helps clear pores and smooth rough texture, with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits for blemish-prone skin.
- Function: Gentle exfoliation, pore-clearing, blemish control.
- Behaviour: Oil-soluble, so it can penetrate into pores to dissolve buildup.
- Bonus: Often better tolerated than standard salicylic acid at similar strength.
π¦ Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (Botanical HA) Undisclosed Promising
A plant-derived humectant marketed as a "botanical hyaluronic acid." It binds water to the skin's surface to deliver lightweight hydration and a smoother, plumper look.
- Function: Hydration, surface plumping.
- Source: Derived from senna seed; a vegan alternative to animal-derived hyaluronic acid.
- Texture: Helps offset the potential dryness from the active exfoliants.
𦴠Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM) Undisclosed Promising
An organic sulfur compound included to support softness and a calmer-looking complexion, often paired with Vitamin C and retinol in this product range.
- Function: Conditioning, soothing support.
- Evidence: Topical data is limited but generally well tolerated.
𫧠Squalene / Squalane Undisclosed Proven
A skin-mimicking emollient (typically olive-derived) that softens, smooths and helps reduce moisture loss without a heavy or greasy feel.
- Function: Emollient, moisture retention.
- Profile: Lightweight, non-comedogenic and well tolerated by most skin types.
πΉ Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Callus Lysate Undisclosed Promising
A rosehip-derived botanical valued for its antioxidant and conditioning properties, supporting a softer, more radiant-looking complexion.
- Function: Antioxidant, conditioning, radiance.
- Origin: Rosehip is traditionally used for hydration and supporting the look of even tone.
π« Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil Undisclosed Promising
A nourishing plant oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that conditions and softens the skin.
- Function: Emollient, antioxidant nourishment.
πΏ Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil <1% Promising
An essential oil with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties traditionally used to help calm and clear blemish-prone skin.
- Function: Blemish support, anti-bacterial.
- Evidence: Some data supports its role in reducing the appearance of mild breakouts.
πͺ΄ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Undisclosed Proven
A soothing, hydrating base ingredient that helps calm the skin and provides a comfortable, lightweight feel.
- Function: Soothing, hydration, comfort.
- Role: Helps balance the more active exfoliating and antioxidant ingredients.
17 key ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dimethyl Sulfone, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Niacinamide, Retinol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Squalene, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Rosa Canina Callus Lysate, Carbomer, Arginine, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Note: Eva Naturals does not publish exact active concentrations. Formulations may be updated over time, so always check the box for the current INCI.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier creams. Because it already contains retinol and an exfoliating acid, keep other strong actives to a minimum and always finish with SPF in the morning.
π How to Use
Shake well
Shake the bottle before each use so the actives and botanical oils are evenly blended.
Cleanse & tone
Start on clean skin. If you use a toner, apply it first and let it absorb.
Apply 3β5 drops
Smooth a thin layer over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. A little goes a long way.
Moisturize
Once absorbed, follow with your moisturizer to lock in hydration.
SPF in the morning
If using in the AM, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Begin every other day until your skin adjusts.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want one simple serum that tackles brightness, breakouts and aging at once
- You have oily or combination skin that tolerates actives well
- You're on a budget but still want real active ingredients
- You're already comfortable using retinol and exfoliating acids
- You don't mind a light herbal-floral scent
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (contains retinol & salicylic)
- You have very sensitive or reactive skin
- You follow a strict fungal-acne (malassezia) safe routine
- You prefer fully fragrance-free, essential-oil-free products
- You want fully disclosed active percentages
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight and fast-absorbing; salicylic acid and tea tree help control oil and clear pores without a heavy feel.
Balances brightening and clarifying actives well across drier and oilier zones of the face.
A solid all-rounder for maintenance and glow; just monitor for any sensitivity to the actives.
Salicylic acid and tea tree target blemishes, but the plant oils mean it is not fungal-acne safe.
Provides some hydration, but exfoliating actives can feel drying β layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Retinol, an acid and three essential oils together give it a high irritation potential; patch test and proceed with caution.
π Results Timeline
Hydration & first glow
Skin often looks smoother and a touch more radiant as the humectants and emollients settle in. Some users notice a light glow right away.
~60% noticedBrighter, more even tone
With consistent use, Vitamin C and niacinamide begin to lift dullness and the complexion looks fresher and more uniform.
~50% noticedClearer skin & fading spots
Breakouts and post-blemish marks may start to calm, and dark spots can begin to look lighter as turnover improves.
~40% noticedRefined texture & tone
Over a few months retinol and exfoliation can soften the look of fine lines and improve overall texture and evenness.
~35% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Five actives in one affordable, under-$20 bottle
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Stable Vitamin C (SAP) is gentler than pure ascorbic acid
- Tens of thousands of positive ratings over many years
- Tea tree + salicylic help with oil and breakouts
- 90-day money-back guarantee from the brand
β Criticized
- Essential oils can irritate sensitive or reactive skin
- Retinol + acid make it unsuitable for pregnancy/nursing
- Active percentages are not disclosed
- Not fungal-acne safe due to oils and polysorbate
- Some users report dryness or breakouts
- "Kitchen-sink" formula can overwhelm beginners
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Much higher Vitamin C but as pure L-ascorbic acid in a gritty, single-active base. No retinol, niacinamide or exfoliating acid, so it only matches the brightening side.
A stabilized, brightening-focused Vitamin C serum at a comparable price. Smoother to layer, but lacks the retinol and acne-fighting actives of the Eva Naturals blend.
Uses multiple Vitamin C forms plus antioxidants for a more elegant feel. Closest "all-in-one antioxidant" vibe, though still without retinol or salicylic acid.
π Comparison with Competitors
Eva Naturals Vitamin C+ Serum (This Product)
~$15TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
~$20CeraVe Skin Renewing Vit C Serum
~$29The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%
~$8π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry, room-temperature spot away from direct sunlight; the fridge can help keep the Vitamin C fresh.
Glass dropper bottle for controlled, hygienic dosing.
Yes β the 30ml size is well under the 100ml carry-on limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally not recommended. The serum contains retinol (a vitamin A derivative) and a salicylic-acid derivative, both of which are commonly avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are expecting or nursing, choose a retinoid-free, acid-free Vitamin C product and check with your doctor before use.
No. The formula includes olive fruit oil, polysorbate and other esters that can feed malassezia yeast, so it is not considered fungal-acne safe. If you are prone to fungal acne, look for a stripped-back, oil-free Vitamin C serum instead.
This serum already contains Vitamin C, retinol and a salicylic-acid (BHA) derivative, so you usually don't need to add separate versions of those. Avoid layering additional strong retinoids or acids on top, as that raises the risk of irritation. If you want to use an AHA elsewhere, alternate nights rather than stacking everything at once, and always follow with SPF.
It performs best on oily and combination skin that tolerates actives well, thanks to its lightweight texture and oil-controlling ingredients. Normal and acne-prone skin can also do well. Dry and especially sensitive skin should be cautious, since the retinol, acid and essential oils can be drying or irritating.
Many people notice added hydration and a light glow within the first 1β2 weeks. Brighter, more even tone tends to appear around weeks 3β4, while clearer skin and fading dark spots usually take 6β8 weeks. Texture and fine-line improvements from retinol typically build over 12 weeks or more of consistent use.
Use it after cleansing and toning, and before your moisturizer. Apply to clean, dry skin, let it absorb, then seal with moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Because it contains retinol, many people prefer to use it in their evening routine.
It has a low-to-moderate comedogenic profile, rated around 2 out of 5. The squalane is non-comedogenic, but the olive fruit oil is mildly comedogenic and not fungal-acne safe. Most oily and combination skin types tolerate it, while very breakout-prone skin should patch test first.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening (the PAO). Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed tightly. If the color darkens noticeably or the scent changes, the Vitamin C has likely oxidized and it is time to replace it.
Verdict: The Eva Naturals Skin Clearing Serum Vitamin C+ is a genuinely versatile, budget-friendly all-in-one that delivers brightening, clarifying and anti-aging actives for under $20, backed by a huge base of long-term happy reviewers. The trade-offs are real: undisclosed concentrations, added essential oils, and a retinol-plus-acid combo that is not ideal for sensitive, pregnant, or fungal-acne-prone users. It's best for oily and combination skin that tolerates actives well β introduce it slowly and pair it with daily SPF.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Redness
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Dimethyl Sulfone
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|