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Vitamin C & E Ferulic Glow Booster Serum

Vitamin C & E Ferulic Glow Booster Serum

Product Description

A potent brightening serum formulated with 10% pure L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), 1% Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, and Alpha-Arbutin to target dull skin, uneven tone, and dark spots while delivering powerful antioxidant protection in a clean, fragrance-free formula.

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ Filipino Beauty ยท Made in Philippines
โœ” 10% Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) โœ” Fragrance-Free โœ” Alcohol-Free โœ” Paraben-Free โœ” Silicone-Free โœ” Oil-Free โœ” Sulfate-Free โœ” No Artificial Dyes
Pregnancy Safe
Yes โœ”
Fungal Acne Safe
Caution โš ๏ธ
Comedogenic Rating
1/5
๐Ÿ’ง
Volume
30 mL
๐Ÿงช
Vitamin C
10% L-AA
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Vitamin E
1%
๐ŸŒฟ
Ferulic Acid
Included
โœจ
Alpha-Arbutin
Included
๐Ÿ“‹
Ingredients
18 Total
๐Ÿงด
Type
Serum
โณ
PAO
6 Months
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ
Origin
Philippines
๐Ÿฐ
Cruelty
Not Tested

โœจ Texture & Feel

๐Ÿ’ง
Consistency
Lightweight Serum
๐Ÿ‘ƒ
Scent
Fragrance-Free
โฑ๏ธ
Absorption
30โ€“60 Seconds
๐ŸŽฏ
Finish
Dewy / Glowy
โ˜€๏ธ

Brightening Powerhouse

10% L-Ascorbic Acid combined with Alpha-Arbutin works to visibly reduce dark spots and even out skin tone for a luminous complexion.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Antioxidant Triple Threat

The Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid trio provides synergistic antioxidant protection against UV-induced free radical damage and photoaging.

๐Ÿงฌ

Collagen Support

L-Ascorbic Acid at 10% concentration is clinically proven to stimulate collagen synthesis, helping firm and plump the skin over time.

๐ŸŒฑ

Clean & Minimal Formula

Only 18 ingredients with no fragrance, parabens, silicones, oils, or sulfates. Includes soothing chamomile water and aloe vera for calming hydration.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility

โœ…
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and alpha-arbutin are all considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

โš ๏ธ
Fungal Acne (Malassezia) โ€” Use with Caution

Contains Steareth-21 (a PEG-based emulsifier) and Butylene Glycol, which some fungal-acne-prone individuals may want to avoid. Most other ingredients are FA-friendly, but patch testing is recommended.

โœ…
Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Very low risk of causing breakouts or clogged pores.

โš ๏ธ
Sensitive Skin โ€” Patch Test First

L-Ascorbic Acid at 10% with a low pH may cause mild tingling or irritation on very sensitive or reactive skin. Start with every other day and build up tolerance.

โœ…
Vegan & Cruelty-Free

No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals.

โ„น๏ธ
Always Use Sunscreen

Vitamin C boosts photoprotection but does not replace sunscreen. Apply SPF 30+ daily when using this serum to prevent further pigmentation and maximize brightening results.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Ingredient Breakdown

๐ŸŠ L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 10% Proven

The gold standard of topical Vitamin C. This pure, biologically active form is clinically proven to brighten skin, fade hyperpigmentation, boost collagen production, and neutralize free radicals when formulated at the right pH and concentration.

  • Proven Efficacy: Clinically effective at 5โ€“20% concentration for collagen synthesis and photoprotection.
  • Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, reducing melanin production and fading dark spots.
  • Synergy: When combined with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, photoprotection is doubled (Pinnell et al., 2005).
  • pH Dependent: Requires a pH below 3.5 for optimal skin penetration and bioavailability.
โš ๏ธ
May cause mild tingling on sensitive skin. Highly unstable โ€” oxidizes when exposed to air and light. Discard if serum turns dark yellow or brown.

๐ŸŒพ Ferulic Acid ~0.5% Proven

A plant-derived antioxidant naturally found in rice bran, wheat, and oats. Its primary claim to fame is stabilizing Vitamin C while dramatically boosting the formula's photoprotective abilities.

  • Stabilizer: Adding 0.5% Ferulic Acid to a Vitamin C + E formula stabilizes the unstable L-Ascorbic Acid.
  • Doubles Protection: Landmark 2005 study showed it doubles the photoprotection of a C+E combination.
  • UV Defense: Independently protects against UV-induced skin damage and can penetrate the skin effectively.
โœ…
Pregnancy-safe and well-tolerated. Works synergistically with Vitamins C and E for maximum antioxidant benefit.

๐Ÿฅœ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) 1% Proven

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Moisturizes the skin while working as a network antioxidant with Vitamin C โ€” each regenerates the other for longer-lasting protection.

  • Network Antioxidant: Recycles oxidized Vitamin C back to its active form, extending protection.
  • Barrier Support: Strengthens the skin's lipid barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Helps soothe irritation and reduce redness from UV exposure.

๐Ÿ’Ž Alpha-Arbutin <1% Promising

A biosynthetic skin-brightening agent derived from hydroquinone but significantly gentler. Works by inhibiting tyrosinase to reduce melanin production without the harsh side effects of hydroquinone.

  • Brightening: Up to 10x more effective than beta-arbutin at inhibiting melanin synthesis.
  • Gentle: Considered a safer alternative to hydroquinone with fewer side effects.
  • Complementary: Enhances the brightening effects of Vitamin C when used together.

๐ŸŒผ Chamomile Flower Water Supporting

Chamomilla Recutita (German Chamomile) flower water provides gentle anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps calm and soothe the skin, which is especially beneficial alongside the active Vitamin C.

  • Soothing: Contains bisabolol and chamazulene compounds known for calming irritated skin.
  • Antioxidant: Provides mild additional antioxidant support to complement the main actives.

๐ŸŒต Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Supporting

A well-known botanical extract with moisturizing, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps hydrate the skin and reduce potential irritation from the active vitamin C.

  • Hydration: Provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores.
  • Soothing: Clinically recognized for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

18 ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Steareth-21, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, EDTA, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Sulfates, Harsh Alcohols, Artificial Dyes, Essential Oils, Retinoids, Hydroquinone

๐Ÿ”„ Where It Fits in Your Routine

1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
This Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply after cleansing and toning on bare skin. Wait 1โ€“2 minutes before layering moisturizer. Always follow with SPF 30+ in the morning.

๐Ÿ“ How to Use

1

Cleanse & Prep

Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser and pat face dry. Optionally apply a hydrating toner and let it absorb.

2

Apply 2โ€“4 Drops

Dispense 2โ€“4 drops onto your fingertips. Gently press and pat the serum across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

3

Wait & Layer

Allow 1โ€“2 minutes for the serum to absorb fully before applying your moisturizer. A slight tingling is normal with Vitamin C.

4

Sunscreen (AM)

In the morning, always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Vitamin C enhances sun protection but never replaces it.

๐Ÿ‘ค Who Is It For?

โœ… Perfect for you if:

  • You want to brighten dull, tired-looking skin
  • You have dark spots, acne scars, or uneven skin tone
  • You want antioxidant protection against sun damage and pollution
  • You prefer a clean, minimal ingredient list with no fragrance
  • You want an affordable C+E+Ferulic formula
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe brightening serum

โŒ Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very sensitive or reactive skin (start with 5% Vitamin C)
  • You need a higher concentration (15โ€“20%) of L-Ascorbic Acid
  • You are strictly fungal-acne-prone and avoid all PEG emulsifiers
  • You prefer a serum with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration
  • You want a product with proven long-term stability data

๐ŸŽฏ Skin Type Compatibility

Oily Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Oil-free, lightweight formula absorbs quickly without adding shine or greasiness. Vitamin C helps control excess sebum oxidation.

Dry Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

Contains glycerin and aloe for hydration, but lacks heavier emollients. Pair with a rich moisturizer for best results on dry skin.

Combination Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… Excellent

Lightweight enough for oily zones while the glycerin and aloe provide adequate hydration for drier areas. Well-balanced formula.

Sensitive Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜† Moderate

Fragrance-free which is good, but 10% L-Ascorbic Acid at low pH can cause tingling or irritation. Patch test first and introduce gradually.

Acne-Prone Skin โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜† Good

Non-comedogenic (1/5), oil-free formula. Vitamin C helps fade post-acne marks. Contains no known acne triggers but patch test if highly reactive.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Results Timeline

Week 1โ€“2

Instant Glow & Hydration Boost

Skin appears more radiant and luminous immediately after application. The antioxidant trio begins neutralizing daily free radical damage. Slight tingling may occur as skin adjusts.

80% noticed improved radiance
Week 3โ€“4

Visible Brightening & Tone Evening

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation begin to fade noticeably. Skin tone looks more even and uniform. The alpha-arbutin and vitamin C work together to inhibit excess melanin production.

65% noticed reduced dark spots
Week 6โ€“8

Firmer, Smoother Texture

Collagen-boosting effects of L-Ascorbic Acid become apparent. Fine lines appear softened, skin feels firmer, and overall texture is smoother and more refined.

55% noticed improved firmness
Month 3+

Cumulative Anti-Aging Benefits

Continued daily use delivers cumulative benefits including visibly reduced signs of photoaging, more resilient skin barrier, and sustained brightness. Results compound over time with consistent application.

70% saw significant overall improvement

โญ Ratings by Platform

๐Ÿ›’ Shopee Philippines
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.8
Rating
500+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Small 30ml bottle runs out quickly with twice-daily use
๐Ÿ›’ Lazada Philippines
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7
Rating
200+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Can oxidize quickly if not stored properly away from light
๐Ÿ  Brand Website
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.9
Rating
100+
Reviews
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Mild stinging sensation reported by some first-time Vitamin C users
๐Ÿ”ฌ SkinSort Community
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5
Rating
35
Routines
โš ๏ธ Main complaint: Wish it contained hyaluronic acid for extra hydration

โš–๏ธ Pros & Cons

โœ… Praised

  • Effective brightening with noticeable glow after first use
  • Clean, minimal 18-ingredient formula with no unnecessary fillers
  • Contains the proven C+E+Ferulic Acid antioxidant trio
  • Added Alpha-Arbutin for extra brightening and dark spot targeting
  • Completely fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free
  • Affordable compared to Western CEF serums like SkinCeuticals
  • Lightweight texture absorbs well under makeup and sunscreen
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe

โŒ Criticized

  • Small 30ml bottle size may not last long enough
  • L-Ascorbic Acid is inherently unstable and can oxidize quickly
  • No hyaluronic acid in the formula for extra hydration
  • 10% concentration may be too low for experienced Vitamin C users
  • Can cause tingling or irritation on very sensitive skin
  • Limited international availability outside the Philippines
  • Dropper packaging exposes serum to air with each use

๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)

85% Match
Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum
$13.00 Budget Pick

Higher Vitamin C concentration (15% vs 10%) with the same C+E+Ferulic trio. Water-like texture. No alpha-arbutin. Very short shelf life (3 months PAO). Made in Hungary.

82% Match
Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
$25.00 Similar Price

Contains 20% L-Ascorbic Acid (double the concentration) with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Includes hyaluronic acid for added hydration. No alpha-arbutin or chamomile. Pump packaging helps preserve freshness.

70% Match
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
$11.80 Budget Pick

Shares the Vitamin C + Alpha-Arbutin combination but uses a non-aqueous propanediol base for better stability. Lower Vitamin C (8%) but higher Alpha-Arbutin (2%). No Vitamin E or Ferulic Acid. Different texture.

๐Ÿ”„ Comparison with Competitors

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

$182
Vitamin C Type 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Additional Actives Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid
Size 30ml
Ingredient Count 12
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic

$25
Vitamin C Type 20% L-Ascorbic Acid
Additional Actives Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid + HA
Size 30ml
Ingredient Count 11
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes

Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow

$13
Vitamin C Type 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Additional Actives Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid
Size 30ml
Ingredient Count 10
Fragrance None
Pregnancy Safe Yes

๐Ÿ“ฆ Storage & Shelf Life

๐Ÿ“…
Period After Opening (PAO)

6 months after opening. L-Ascorbic Acid serums degrade faster once exposed to air. Use promptly for best results.

๐Ÿ 
Storage

Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed. Refrigeration recommended to extend freshness and slow oxidation.

๐Ÿ“ฆ
Packaging

Glass dropper bottle. Amber/dark tinted glass helps protect the light-sensitive formula from UV degradation.

โœˆ๏ธ
Travel Friendly

Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit. Glass bottle requires careful packing to prevent breakage.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. This serum contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens โ€” all of which are commonly flagged during pregnancy. The active ingredients (L-Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin) are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, always consult your healthcare provider before adding new skincare products to your routine during pregnancy.

Use with caution. While most ingredients in this formula are fungal-acne-friendly, it contains Steareth-21, a PEG-based emulsifier that some fungal-acne-prone individuals prefer to avoid. Butylene Glycol is also present, which is generally well-tolerated but occasionally flagged. If you are strictly avoiding all potential FA triggers, you may want to patch test first or consider alternatives specifically formulated as malassezia-safe.

Yes, but with careful separation. L-Ascorbic Acid works best at a low pH, and using it simultaneously with other low-pH actives (AHA, BHA) or retinol can increase irritation risk. The safest approach is to use Vitamin C in the morning and retinol or exfoliating acids in the evening. If you want to use them in the same routine, apply the Vitamin C serum first, wait 15โ€“20 minutes, then apply your other actives. Avoid using with benzoyl peroxide, which can inactivate Vitamin C.

This serum works best for oily, combination, and normal skin types thanks to its lightweight, oil-free formula. Dry skin types can use it but should layer a richer moisturizer on top. Sensitive skin types should introduce it gradually (every other day) as the 10% L-Ascorbic Acid at low pH may cause initial tingling. It is also excellent for those with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or dull skin regardless of skin type.

Most users notice an immediate glow and radiance boost after the first application. Visible brightening and dark spot reduction typically become noticeable within 2โ€“4 weeks of consistent daily use. Firming and anti-aging benefits from collagen stimulation generally take 6โ€“8 weeks to appear. For best results, use the serum consistently every morning (and optionally evening) for at least 8โ€“12 weeks.

Apply this serum as step 3 in your routine: after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. Apply 2โ€“4 drops to clean, dry skin and pat gently. Wait 1โ€“2 minutes for absorption, then follow with your moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen. The serum can be used both morning and evening.

This serum has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known comedogenic ingredients. It is suitable for acne-prone skin and should not cause breakouts for most people. If you have extremely reactive skin, a patch test on a small area is always recommended before full-face application.

The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. However, because L-Ascorbic Acid is inherently unstable, the serum may begin to oxidize sooner โ€” especially if not stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed. Refrigeration can help extend its active life. If the serum turns dark yellow, orange, or brown, it has oxidized and should be discarded. A fresh serum should be clear to very pale yellow.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
4.2 out of 5

Verdict: The Glow Glass Vitamin C & E Ferulic Glow Booster Serum delivers the well-researched C+E+Ferulic antioxidant trio at an accessible price point, with the added bonus of Alpha-Arbutin for enhanced brightening. Its clean, 18-ingredient formula is free from fragrance, parabens, oils, and silicones โ€” making it a solid choice for those who want effective brightening without unnecessary additives. The 10% L-Ascorbic Acid concentration is gentler than many competitors, making it a good entry point for Vitamin C beginners. However, experienced users may prefer a higher-concentration option, and the inherent instability of L-Ascorbic Acid means careful storage is essential. An excellent value for the Filipino market and a worthy contender in the affordable CEF serum category.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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 ยซpromisesยป 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Ascorbic Acid Tocopherol Ferulic Acid Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Ascorbic Acid Glycerin Alpha-Arbutin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ascorbic Acid Glycerin Tocopherol Allantoin Citric Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
66% 11% 22%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 18 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 A
Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
brightening Brightening
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
0 Unknown
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water
Masking
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS