Your Skin Bae Vitamin C 3% + Niacinamide 2% + Mandarin Orange Fruit Extract Serum
Your Skin Bae Vitamin C 3% + Niacinamide 2% + Mandarin Orange Fruit Extract Serum
Product Description
A lightweight, watery brightening serum from Avoskin's Your Skin Bae line, pairing stable Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 3%) with Niacinamide 2% and Mandarin Orange (Citrus Nobilis) Fruit Extract. Formulated to fade dark spots and post-acne marks, even out dull tone, and shield skin from free radicals โ all in a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe base suitable for daily morning and evening use.
โจ Texture & Feel
Stable Vitamin C
Uses 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a water-soluble Vitamin C derivative that is more stable and less irritating than pure L-ascorbic acid.
Triple Brightening Complex
Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Mandarin Orange extract work together to target dullness, dark spots and uneven tone.
Barrier-Friendly
Niacinamide and glycerin help strengthen the skin barrier and keep moisture locked in while the actives work.
Clean & Gentle Base
Free from fragrance, essential oils, parabens, silicones, sulfates and drying alcohols โ friendly for sensitive skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone. Vitamin C derivatives and niacinamide are generally considered safe โ but always confirm with your doctor.
Verified free from fatty acids, esters, polysorbates and other malassezia-feeding ingredients.
Both actives are pre-formulated together in this serum at gentle, well-tolerated levels โ no layering conflict to worry about.
Vitamin C boosts antioxidant protection but is not sunscreen. Daytime SPF is essential to lock in brightening results.
Generally fine, but introduce one active at a time. Heavy AHA/BHA or retinoid use alongside may increase sensitivity for reactive skin.
As with any active serum, patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before applying to the full face, especially if skin is reactive.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 3% Proven
A stabilized, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. Once absorbed, it converts to active ascorbic acid in deeper skin layers, brightening tone and supporting collagen with far better stability than pure Vitamin C.
- Function: Interferes with melanin production to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Stability: Resists oxidation better than L-ascorbic acid, so the formula stays effective longer.
- Optimal pH: Works best in the 4.0โ5.5 range, gentler than traditional Vitamin C.
๐ Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 2% Proven
A multitasking form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil, minimizes the look of pores and helps fade dark spots. Well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Barrier: Boosts ceramide synthesis to reinforce the skin's protective barrier.
- Tone: Helps even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks.
- Synergy: Pairs well with Vitamin C to amplify overall brightening.
๐ Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract Extract Promising
The signature natural extract of this serum, used for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. Adds a botanical brightening boost that complements the Vitamin C complex.
- Antioxidant: Helps defend skin cells against free radical damage from UV and pollution.
- Conditioning: Supports a healthier, more radiant-looking complexion.
๐ง Glycerin Humectant Proven
A naturally occurring humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping keep it hydrated and supple while the actives do their work.
- Hydration: Pulls water into deeper skin layers thanks to its low molecular weight.
- Barrier support: Well-hydrated skin maintains a stronger barrier against irritants.
๐พ Biosaccharide Gum-1 Soothing Promising
A fermented sugar known for soothing and long-lasting moisturizing properties, giving the formula a silky, non-sticky feel.
- Soothing: Manufacturer testing showed it can reduce irritation from acids.
- Texture: Helps the watery serum feel smooth and comfortable on skin.
13 ingredients
Water, Propylene Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Bisulfite, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hydroxide
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after toner/essence on clean skin, before heavier moisturizers and oils. Can be used both morning and evening โ always follow with SPF in the daytime.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start with a clean, slightly damp face. Apply your toner or essence first if you use one.
Dispense 2โ3 Drops
Drop a few drops onto your fingertips or directly onto the face, avoiding the immediate eye area.
Pat & Massage
Gently press and massage into the skin until fully absorbed. It sinks in quickly without stickiness.
Seal & Protect
Follow with moisturizer. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your progress.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have dull skin and want a gentle daily glow boost
- You're dealing with dark spots or post-acne marks (PIH)
- You're new to Vitamin C and want a low-irritation derivative
- You prefer lightweight, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe formulas
- You want an affordable brightening serum for AM and PM
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You want a high-strength Vitamin C (10โ20% L-ascorbic acid)
- You need intense hydration as a standalone product
- You're specifically targeting deep wrinkles (try a retinoid)
- You dislike very watery, fast-absorbing textures
- You have a known sensitivity to Vitamin C derivatives
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Watery, fast-absorbing texture won't add shine; niacinamide helps regulate oil.
Lightweight formula balances well across both oily and drier zones.
Low comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe base with niacinamide to help fade marks.
Fragrance-free with a gentle Vitamin C derivative, but patch test if reactive.
Provides humectant hydration but layer a richer moisturizer on top.
๐ Results Timeline
Smoother, Hydrated Skin
Skin feels softer and looks slightly more radiant as glycerin and niacinamide hydrate and comfort the surface.
~60% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
A visible glow sets in and overall dullness begins to lift with consistent twice-daily use.
~70% noticedFaded Dark Spots
Post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation start to lighten as the Vitamin C complex continues to work.
~55% noticedClearer, Healthier Complexion
With sustained use and daily SPF, tone looks more uniform and skin appears noticeably brighter overall.
~50% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Gentle, stable Vitamin C suited to beginners
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Fragrance-free and fungal-acne safe
- Visible brightening with consistent use
- Very affordable for a multi-active serum
โ Criticized
- Low Vitamin C % vs high-strength serums
- Small 20ml size depletes quickly
- Dark spot fading takes patience
- Dropper control can be inconsistent
- Limited availability outside Asia
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Closest ingredient match per SkinSort. Focuses more on niacinamide with less of a dedicated Vitamin C brightening angle.
Targets brightening too but uses pure ascorbic acid (stronger, less stable) plus alpha arbutin. Shares the brightening goal, not the formula.
Fellow Indonesian brand with the same ethyl ascorbic acid base but at a much higher 12% concentration for faster, stronger brightening.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Avoskin YSB Vitamin C 3% (Featured)
~$8.00Somethinc Glass-C 12%
~$10.00The Ordinary AA 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%
~$11.00SKINTIFIC 10% Vitamin C Glow
~$12.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the bottle tightly closed to preserve Vitamin C potency.
Yellow-tinted glass bottle with dropper/pipette
Yes โ 20ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone โ the actives most often avoided during pregnancy. Vitamin C derivatives and niacinamide are generally regarded as pregnancy-friendly. That said, individual circumstances vary, so always confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
Yes. The formula has been verified free from fatty acids, esters, polysorbates and other ingredients that feed malassezia, making it a safe choice for those prone to fungal acne.
Vitamin C and niacinamide are already combined here, so there's no internal conflict. You can use it alongside retinol or exfoliating acids โ but introduce one new active at a time, and consider alternating mornings (Vitamin C) and evenings (retinol) to minimize irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
It performs best on oily, combination and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy texture, and works well for sensitive skin given the fragrance-free base. Dry skin will benefit too, but should layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Most users notice smoother, more hydrated skin within the first 1โ2 weeks and a brighter, more even tone around weeks 3โ4. Fading of dark spots and post-acne marks is gradual, typically becoming visible after 6โ8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use paired with daily SPF.
Apply it after cleansing and toner/essence, but before moisturizer and sunscreen. Use 2โ3 drops on clean skin morning and/or night, and always finish your daytime routine with SPF.
No. With a comedogenic rating of about 1/5 and a water-based, oil-free formula, it is very unlikely to clog pores and is suitable for acne-prone skin.
Around 6 months after opening (6M PAO). Because Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, store it in a cool, dark spot with the cap closed tightly to keep it effective for as long as possible.
Verdict: Avoskin's Your Skin Bae Vitamin C 3% + Niacinamide 2% + Mandarin Orange serum is one of the best value beginner brightening serums in the Indo-beauty space. The gentle, stable Vitamin C derivative paired with niacinamide delivers a fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe formula that brightens dull skin and gradually fades marks without irritation. The trade-offs are its modest active percentages and small 20ml size โ if you want fast, high-strength results you may prefer a 10โ12% Vitamin C serum. But for an affordable, everyday, sensitive-skin-friendly glow, it punches well above its price.
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 skinโs 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 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.
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 2 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
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 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 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|