Vitamin C Daily Glow Serum
Vitamin C Daily Glow Serum
Product Description
A lightweight, fast-absorbing brightening serum from Turkish skincare brand maru.derm that pairs stabilized Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) with niacinamide, pea peptides and a skin-identical amino acid complex to even tone, soften the look of fine lines and restore an everyday glow β all without fragrance, parabens or a sticky finish.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Brightens & Evens Tone
Stable Vitamin C plus niacinamide work to visibly fade dark spots and dullness for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Peptide Firming
Pea peptides and a skin-identical amino acid complex support the look of collagen for smoother, firmer-feeling skin.
Lightweight & Fast
The watery texture absorbs in seconds with no sticky residue, layering easily under SPF or makeup.
Barrier Support
Panthenol and niacinamide help reinforce the moisture barrier and soothe sensitive, stressed skin.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Built on Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, niacinamide and amino acids, with no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone. Generally considered low-risk, but always confirm with your doctor.
No added perfume, parabens or phenoxyethanol, making it a sensible choice for reactive and sensitive skin.
Unlike pure L-ascorbic acid, the gentle SAP derivative is stable alongside the niacinamide built into this same formula.
The SkinSort ingredient database lists this formula as not malassezia-safe, so fungal-acne-prone users should patch test before full use.
Vitamin C boosts daytime antioxidant protection but is not a sunscreen β follow morning use with broad-spectrum SPF.
Safe with hyaluronic acid and moisturizer; space it apart from strong AHA/BHA or retinoids to avoid unnecessary irritation.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) Stabilized Proven
A water-stable derivative of Vitamin C that brightens, supports collagen synthesis and helps fade hyperpigmentation, while being far less likely to sting or oxidize than pure L-ascorbic acid.
- Source: Studies show Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is effective at reducing blemishes and clogged pores and is gentler than pure Vitamin C.
- Stability: Far more shelf-stable than L-ascorbic acid, so it resists browning and pH-driven degradation.
𧴠Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 3.6β5.4% Proven
A multitasking active that brightens, refines the look of pores, regulates oil and reinforces the skin barrier β and a well-documented partner for fading post-acne marks and uneven tone.
- Concentration: Ingredient analysis estimates a strong, well-tolerated 3.6%β5.4% niacinamide level.
- Evidence: Solid research supports niacinamide for barrier support, oil control and reducing pigmentation marks.
𧬠Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide 2β3% Promising
Plant-derived peptide chains that aim to support collagen and elastin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and adding a firming, rejuvenating angle to the brightening base.
- Concentration: Estimated around 2%β3%, a meaningful level for a peptide active.
- Function: Peptides may support barrier repair and offer anti-aging benefits, though research is still developing.
π¦ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Soothing Proven
A humectant and skin-soother that deeply hydrates, calms irritation and supports the skin's natural repair process β helpful for offsetting any dryness from active ingredients.
- Function: Well-established for moisturizing, soothing and supporting barrier recovery.
- Texture: Adds a touch of slip and comfort without heaviness.
πΏ Amino Acid Complex NMF Support Promising
A blend of skin-identical amino acids β arginine, glycine, serine, proline, alanine and more β that mimics the skin's natural moisturizing factors to replenish, soften and smooth.
- Role: Amino acids are natural building blocks of the skin's moisture-retention system.
- Benefit: Research links topical amino acids like glycine and proline to improved hydration and a healthier surface.
20 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Panthenol, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyethylcellulose.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after cleansing and toning on dry skin, before heavier serums and moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Start with freshly cleansed, dry skin so the actives absorb evenly.
Apply 3β4 Drops
Dispense a few drops onto your fingertips or palm.
Massage In
Gently press and smooth over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Lock It In
Follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration and actives.
Protect (AM)
Finish with broad-spectrum SPF whenever you use it in the morning.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want to brighten dull skin and gently fade dark spots
- You're new to Vitamin C or have sensitive, reactive skin
- You like a lightweight, fragrance-free, non-sticky serum
- You want Vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides in one affordable bottle
β Consider alternatives if:
- You specifically want high-strength pure L-ascorbic acid (15β20%)
- You're highly fungal-acne prone and need a verified malassezia-safe formula
- You prefer a richer, more emollient serum for very dry skin
- You want clinically disclosed exact active percentages
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Watery, oil-free texture absorbs fast without adding shine, and niacinamide helps regulate sebum.
Balances brightening and light hydration across both oily and drier zones.
Gentle SAP derivative and fragrance-free base suit most sensitive skin; patch test if very reactive.
Panthenol and amino acids add comfort, but very dry skin will want a richer moisturizer on top.
Non-comedogenic with anti-blemish actives; note it isn't confirmed malassezia-safe, so patch test for fungal acne.
π Results Timeline
Glow & Softness
Skin feels smoother and more hydrated, and many users notice an initial healthy glow.
60% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
Dullness lifts and overall tone starts to look more uniform and luminous.
55% noticedFading Dark Spots
Dark spots and post-acne marks gradually fade with consistent daily use.
45% noticedFirmer-Looking Texture
Peptides and niacinamide support a smoother, firmer-looking surface and refined texture.
40% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and never sticky
- Visibly brightens and evens skin tone
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and Vitamin C beginners
- Fragrance-, paraben- and phenoxyethanol-free
- Affordable multi-active formula (C + B3 + peptides)
- Users report fading dark circles and spots
β Criticized
- Can sting or tingle on very dry skin at first
- SAP is gentler but less potent than pure L-ascorbic acid
- Small 30ml bottle for daily face-and-neck use
- Flagged as not malassezia-safe by SkinSort
- Limited reviews and availability outside TΓΌrkiye & EU
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Combines Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate with encapsulated L-ascorbic acid for a slightly stronger brightening punch in a comparable essence-like texture. No peptides.
Pairs Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate with niacinamide and ceramides for a gentle, beginner-friendly serum, geared toward younger skin. No peptides.
A different gentle Vitamin C derivative (ascorbyl glucoside) with no niacinamide or peptides. Simpler and cheaper, but less multifunctional.
π Comparison with Competitors
maru.derm Vitamin C & Peptide Serum (Featured)
$24.90Naturium Vitamin C Complex
$21.00CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C
$19.99The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside 12%
$12.90π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep tightly closed.
30ml glass dropper bottle (recyclable)
Yes β 30ml, well under the 100ml cabin limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
The formula relies on Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, niacinamide, panthenol, pea peptides and amino acids, with no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β ingredients generally considered low-risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with any skincare, confirm with your doctor before use.
Its actives (a Vitamin C derivative, niacinamide, peptides and amino acids) contain no obvious oils, esters or fatty acids that typically feed malassezia. However, the SkinSort database lists this product as not malassezia-safe, so if you're fungal-acne prone, patch test before working it into your routine.
The gentle SAP derivative already sits comfortably next to the niacinamide in this same formula, so layering is easy. Use it in a separate step from strong retinoids or AHA/BHA β for example, this serum in the morning and a retinoid at night β to minimise irritation. You don't need a second Vitamin C product on top.
It suits all skin types, with oily and combination skin benefiting most from the light, watery texture. Sensitive and Vitamin-C-beginner skin tend to tolerate the gentle derivative well, while very dry skin may want a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Many users notice glow and smoother texture within 1β2 weeks, a more even tone around 4 weeks, and visible fading of dark spots from roughly 6β8 weeks with consistent daily use. Peptide-related firmness builds more gradually over about 12 weeks.
Apply after cleansing (and toner, if used) on dry skin, before your moisturizer. You can use it morning and/or evening, and you should always follow daytime use with broad-spectrum SPF.
No. It's water-based, oil-free and rates very low (1/5) on the comedogenic scale, and the niacinamide can actually help regulate oil and the look of pores.
Like most Vitamin C serums, use it within about 6 months of opening (6M). Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and tightly closed to help preserve the Vitamin C's potency.
Verdict: maru.derm's Vitamin C Daily Glow Serum is a well-rounded, gentle brightening serum that punches above its budget price. Stable Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a strong ~5% niacinamide level, pea peptides and a skin-identical amino-acid complex make it a smart, low-irritation pick for beginners, sensitive skin and anyone after everyday glow and a more even tone β all fragrance- and paraben-free. It won't replace a high-strength pure L-ascorbic acid treatment for advanced users, the 30ml bottle is small, and fungal-acne-prone skin should patch test first, but as an affordable all-in-one brightener it's an easy recommendation.
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 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Redness
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|