Vitamine C 10% Serum
Vitamine C 10% Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, budget-friendly brightening serum with 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid — a stable vitamin C derivative — plus Sodium Hyaluronate for hydration. Designed to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and deliver a healthy, natural glow without irritation.
Brightening & Glow
10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of surface-level dark spots for a radiant complexion.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBrightening & Glow
10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of surface-level dark spots for a radiant complexion.
Hydration Boost
Sodium Hyaluronate replenishes the skin's moisture reservoirs, plumping fine dehydration lines and leaving skin feeling supple.
Stable Formula
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is far more stable than pure L-ascorbic acid, resisting oxidation and remaining effective longer in the bottle.
Minimalist & Clean
Just 11 ingredients with no fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones, or sulfates. A short, clean ingredient list ideal for sensitive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, and oils. All 11 ingredients are malassezia-safe.
None of the ingredients have known comedogenic ratings. Extremely unlikely to clog pores or trigger breakouts.
The manufacturer explicitly advises against using this serum at the same time as niacinamide products, as it may reduce the effectiveness of both actives.
Do not apply to freshly irritated, broken, or highly reactive skin. Patch test recommended for first-time vitamin C users.
Vitamin C can increase photosensitivity. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day for maximum protection and results.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 10%Promising
A highly stable, water- and oil-soluble derivative of vitamin C. Once absorbed, it is slowly converted to pure ascorbic acid within the skin's deeper layers, making it gentler and more tolerable than pure L-ascorbic acid.
- Stability: Far more resistant to oxidation than L-ascorbic acid; remains effective at pH 4–5.5.
- Vitamin C content: Contains 86.4% ascorbic acid equivalent — higher than most other vitamin C derivatives (typically 50–60%).
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin production to help fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.
- Collagen: Manufacturer claims suggest it promotes collagen synthesis, though independent clinical data is still limited.
Sodium Hyaluronate <1%Proven
A low-molecular-weight salt form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates easily and draws moisture into the skin, plumping fine lines and boosting hydration levels.
- Hydration: Can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing deep and lasting hydration.
- Penetration: The sodium salt form is more stable, easier to formulate, and absorbs more readily than pure hyaluronic acid.
- Anti-aging: Reduces the appearance of fine dehydration lines by replenishing the skin's natural moisture reservoirs.
Glycerin ~5–10%Proven
A skin-identical humectant naturally found in human skin. Attracts and retains moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and keeps the lipid matrix between skin cells healthy.
- Humectant: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective at hydration than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier support: Effective from as low as 3%, with even greater benefits at higher concentrations for dry skin.
- Safety: Irritancy: 0 · Comedogenicity: 0 — Suitable for all skin types.
Betaine <5%Proven
A sugar beet-derived amino acid derivative that acts as an osmolyte — regulating the water balance inside skin cells. Provides gentle moisturization, skin protection, and helps even out skin tone.
- Osmolyte: Attracts water away from protein surfaces, protecting them from denaturation and enhancing cell hydration.
- Soothing: Helps calm the skin and makes the overall formula milder and gentler.
11 ingredients
Aqua, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Betaine, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse once per day — morning or evening. Apply after cleansing on bare skin. Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen in the AM. Do not mix with niacinamide in the same routine step.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Apply a Few Drops
Dispense 3–4 drops of the serum into your palm. Gently press and massage into the face, avoiding the eye and mouth area.
Let It Absorb
Wait 30–60 seconds for the serum to fully absorb. It may feel slightly tacky at first — this disappears quickly once dry.
Follow with Moisturizer & SPF
Layer your moisturizer on top to seal in the serum. In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want an affordable, no-fuss vitamin C serum on a budget
- You have dull, tired-looking skin that needs a glow boost
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimalist skincare formulas
- You are new to vitamin C and want a gentle, stable derivative
- You are looking for a fungal acne-safe brightening serum
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe active treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You need maximum-strength vitamin C (15–20% L-ascorbic acid)
- You want a serum with additional antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid
- You already use niacinamide and cannot separate application times
- You have very sensitive or currently irritated skin
- You want a larger bottle that lasts longer than one month
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free, lightweight gel formula absorbs quickly without adding shine. No silicones or heavy emollients to weigh skin down.
Glycerin, Betaine, and Hyaluronate provide solid hydration, but dry skin types will need a richer moisturizer on top to seal everything in.
Lightweight enough for the T-zone, hydrating enough for drier cheeks. Balances nicely across different face zones.
Fragrance-free and minimal formula is a plus, but the manufacturer advises against use on irritated or very sensitive skin. Patch test first.
Comedogenic rating 0/5, oil-free, fungal acne-safe. An ideal brightening treatment that will not clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8–12Instant Glow & Hydration
Skin looks more radiant immediately after application thanks to light-reflecting hydration from hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Slight tackiness fades as you build into your routine.
80% noticed a glowSmoother, More Even Texture
Skin texture becomes noticeably smoother. Fine dehydration lines start to diminish. The complexion begins to look more balanced and even-toned.
65% noticed smoother skinVisible Brightening & Dark Spot Fading
With consistent daily use, surface-level hyperpigmentation and dark spots begin to visibly fade. Overall skin tone appears more uniform and luminous.
55% noticed brighter skin toneCumulative Radiance
Maximum brightening and tone-evening effects from continued use of the stable vitamin C derivative. Skin looks healthier, more rested, and visibly more radiant.
70% saw significant improvementRatings by platform
80+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent budget price for a 10% vitamin C serum (~€10.95)
- Delivers noticeable glow and radiance within the first week
- Fragrance-free, oil-free, minimal and clean formula
- Stable vitamin C derivative that resists oxidation better than pure ascorbic acid
- Fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic (rating 0/5)
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulation
- Smooths skin texture and reduces fine dehydration lines
Criticized
- Can oxidize faster than expected (2–3 months) despite 12M PAO label
- Slightly sticky or tacky feel right after application
- Small 30ml bottle runs out within 3–4 weeks with daily use
- Cannot be combined with niacinamide products
- No additional antioxidant boosters (vitamin E, ferulic acid)
- Only available in the Netherlands and select EU markets
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Uses a different stable vitamin C derivative (ascorbyl glucoside) at 12%. Water-based, elegant texture. Slightly less potent for brightening but considered the gold standard among stable vitamin C derivatives. Can be used with niacinamide.
Uses pure L-ascorbic acid (15%) with ferulic acid and vitamin E for maximum potency. Much more clinically proven but far less stable — only 3-month shelf life after opening. Water-light texture. More irritating for sensitive skin.
Combines 8% pure L-ascorbic acid with alpha arbutin for a double-brightening approach. More targeted at hyperpigmentation. Uses pure ascorbic acid which is less stable. Can be more irritating on sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (labeled). However, user reports suggest using within 2–3 months for optimal freshness, as color may darken over time.
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Consider refrigerating to extend potency and slow oxidation.
Glass dropper bottle with a twist-off cap. The opaque-tinted glass helps protect the vitamin C from light degradation.
Yes — 30ml is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Glass bottle requires careful packing to avoid breakage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This serum contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as potentially harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The key active — 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid — is a gentle, stable vitamin C derivative considered safe for use while pregnant or nursing. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. This serum is fungal acne safe. It contains no ferments, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or oils — all common malassezia triggers. The entire 11-ingredient formula has been verified as safe for those prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
The manufacturer specifically advises against combining this serum with niacinamide, as it can reduce the efficacy of both actives. For retinol, AHA, and BHA: it is generally best to alternate — use this vitamin C serum in the morning and retinol or exfoliating acids in the evening. Using them all at once can increase the risk of irritation. You do not need another vitamin C product alongside this one.
This serum is excellent for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types thanks to its oil-free, lightweight, non-comedogenic formula. It also works well for normal and dry skin when paired with a richer moisturizer. Those with very sensitive or currently irritated skin should patch test first, as the manufacturer advises caution.
Most users report an instant glow and improved hydration from the first use. Smoother skin texture is typically noticed within 1–2 weeks. Visible brightening and fading of dark spots usually takes 4–8 weeks of consistent, daily use. For maximum cumulative results, use for at least 8–12 weeks.
Apply this serum after cleansing (and optional exfoliating), on bare skin. It goes before moisturizer and sunscreen. Use it once per day — either morning or evening. In the morning, always follow with SPF. The brand also suggests you can mix it with your day or night cream in the palm of your hand for a quick cocktail application.
No. This serum has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. None of the 11 ingredients are known to clog pores. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no heavy emollients. This makes it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin and those concerned about pore congestion.
The official Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. However, multiple users report that the serum can begin to darken in color and develop an off-smell within 2–3 months — a sign of vitamin C oxidation. To maximize shelf life, store the bottle in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator, and ensure the dropper cap is tightly sealed after each use. If the serum turns dark yellow or brown, discard it.
Verdict: The Etos Vitamine C 10% Serum is a remarkable budget find for anyone looking for a clean, effective brightening serum without breaking the bank. With just 11 ingredients, a stable 10% vitamin C derivative, and no fragrances, oils, or silicones, it delivers a genuine glow and smoother texture — all while being pregnancy-safe, fungal acne-safe, and non-comedogenic. The main drawbacks are its shorter real-world shelf life compared to what's labeled, and the lack of synergistic antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid. If you want maximum clinical potency, consider a pure L-ascorbic acid alternative. But for an affordable, gentle daily brightener — especially for those new to vitamin C — this Dutch drugstore gem punches well above its price point.
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
|
Redness
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Phosphate
Masking, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Anticorrosive
|
|