Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK / Ulta: LINK / Soko glam: LINK
Price: ~£35 / ~$43.29
Volume: 30ml
Made in: South Korea
What is it?: A Vitamin C-derivative serum, containing 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide, to:1. Improve the skin’s overall tone 2. Reduce pigmentation 3. Brighten the skin and 4. Boost the skin’s radiance.
Supposedly Good for: Sensitive Skin (This isn’t aimed for first-time Vitamin C users, but sensitive skins).
What I think: I would agree (doesn’t have a painful stinging sensation or feel hot / uncomfortable on the skin)
Note: For other Dear, Klairs reviews, click HERE
Malassezia Suitable?: Yes.
Vegan?: Yes.
Cruelty Free?: Yes.
pH: 5.9 ± 1.0 (not as acidic as other Vitamin C serums).
Packaging: Plastic tube with a pump mechanism and a cap (easy to travel with and dispense).
Directions: Apple onto the face after toner, following with a moisturiser. The brand technically states all you need is one pump (but I need more).
How I use it: I apply this in the PM (I use this for its brightening benefits). 3-4 pumps for the face and neck (doesn’t sting my neck). I apply this after a toner and before a cream (doesn’t layer badly).
Why 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid?: This is a Vitamin-C Derivative that is not as well-researched or as potent as pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). However, it does help brighten the skin (especially pigmentation). The positives include: 1. Doesn’t warm the skin like potent Vitamin C does 2. It is more stable than pure Vitamin C (oxidises much more slowly so you can use it for longer) 3. Soluble in water and oil (so your serum wont feel as oily) 4. Doesn’t smell as strong (i.e. as iron-like) as vitamin C. (Sources: LINK / LINK / LINK). Furthermore, this serum contains 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic acid, which is a more effective amount without being irritating (can go up to 30%).
Key Ingredients: 3-O-Ehtyl Ascorbic Acid (Brightening + Antioxidant) / Niacinamide (Brightening + Antioxidant, Anti-blemish + Moisturising) / Adenosine (Wound healing, anti-inflammatory) / Hyaluronic Acid (Hydrating) / Linolenic Acid (Emollient + ) / Panthenol + Liquorice + Madecassoside + Beta-Glucan (Soothing + Moisturising).
Full Ingredients: Water, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tromethamine, Adenosine, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Beta-Glucan, Tocopherol, Linolenic Acid, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
How does this differ from the Dear,Klairs – Freshly Juiced – Vitamin Drop Serum?
Similarities:
- Both are Vegan + Cruelty-Free
- Both contain Hyaluronic Acid and some form of Vitamin C
- Both help with Dry Skin, Skin brightening, Dark Spots, Improving the Skin’s texture and Pigmentation
Differences:
- The Vitamin Drop serum is slightly cheaper at ~$17.59 (for 35ml) whereas the Charging serum is $~26 (for 30ml)
- The Vitamin drop serum is not EU-allergen Free, whereas the Charging serum is.
- The Charging Serum has a higher pH (5.9 ± 1.0) whereas the Vitamin drop is ~3.81 (more acidic – can be slightly less comfortable for sensitive skins).
- In terms of Key Ingredients, the Charging serum contains a Vitamin C Derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) whereas the Vitamin Drop Serum contains pure Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) – this means that the charging serum is more stable and takes longer to oxidise (the Drop serum oxidises quicker and so needs to be used more quickly)
- The Vitamin Drop Serum contains 5% Vitamin C whereas the Charging serum contains 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (A derivative). L-Ascorbic acid is more potent and has been more extensively researched compared to the derivative.
- The Vitamin Drop serum feels slightly more oily.
- The Charging serum is slightly more suitable for oilier skins and acne-prone skins compared to the Vitamin Drop Serum.
- Vitamin Drop Serum contains Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides. Whereas the Charging Serum contains: Vitamin C Derivative, Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E.
- The Vitamin Drop Serum contains Essential Oils (The Charging Serum is Fragrance + EO Free – more suitable for sensitive skins).
Texture: This is slightly viscous (thicker than water), but it does run down the hand. It doesn’t feel stinging or warm when rubbing into the skin. It feels lightly hydrating and moisturising. This doesn’t take too long to absorb into the skin as it’s lightweight.
Sticky?: No.
Greasy?: There is an ALMOST greasy residue/film left on the skin once this has absorbed/rubbed in. I don’t find it nearly as uncomfortable as oil-based serums however.
Balls up?: No.
- As you can see, this is lightweight and drips down the hand. I’ve had this for a few months and as you can see, it has not turned bright yellow or oxidised.
Comparing textures with the Jumiso Glow Serum (Swatches + Review HERE)
The Jumiso serum is more gel-like and thicker. The Dear, Klairs Charging Serum is lighter (runs down the hand) and faster absorbing (see how it sinks into the skin quicker?).
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes.
Summer or Winter?: Both (can even be worn in the summer thanks to its lightweight texture).
Layerable?: Yes.
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this looks lightweight, it runs down the hand and isn’t sticky. It also doesn’t look extremely oily.
Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free (this has a light, typical ”Ascorbyl” scent.
Good Under Makeup?: This is fine under makeup (not as thin as an essence/toner). However, I wouldn’t wear it under makeup (slight oily residue).
How long have I been using this?: ~3 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes.
How Long will that take?: 2-3 more months (I don’t use this every day).
The Effect?: Initially: This feels moisturising and lightly hydrating on the skin. This also doesn’t sting my skin as soon as it touches it (as long as the skin isn’t sensitised) and I don’t get a warming sensation on the skin / Long-Term: This has been definitely helping to brighten the skin and improve the overall tone of the skin. This hasn’t gotten rid of deep-rooted pigmentation, but it has helped with superficial marks and fresh post-acne blemishes. Any improvement with fine lines is superficial, but I am happy to continue using this until completion.
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Cruelty-Free
- Moisturising
- Lightweight
- Not sticky
- Additional skin-beneficial ingredients
- Did not irritate/ ruin my skin / break me out
- Moderate amount of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic acid (10%) to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation (does help brighten the skin)
What I don’t like:
- It is a Vitamin C derivative serum (not pure Vitamin C, which has been more studied and is more potent). However, this is therefore more gentle, less acidic, and is more suitable to those whose skin cannot tolerate Ascorbic acid (may take slightly longer to see results compared to a potent Ascorbic acid Serum).
- Left with a slight greasy residue (very slight, but it is there)
Overall Rating and Conclusion: 3.9 (nearly 4) / 5 – I appreciate that this isn’t sticky, it’s lightweight, it’s not really oily and it has helped brighten the skin and reduce superficial pigmentation. I appreciate that the amount of Vitamin C derivative is listed (10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid), and that this hasn’t oxidised fast. I also appreciate that this is somewhat moisturising and has other added skin-beneficial ingredients. A great way to improve this serum, would be to also add L-Ascorbic acid, to boost the potency of this serum and its antioxidant effects. That being said, I understand that this serum is aimed at those who cannot tolerate pure Vitamin C, and to those people, I would recommend this serum!
Would I repurchase?: Yes (or any of the dupes below as they are very similar). That being said, I appreciate that this contains a good amount of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (10%), which aids in this serum’s brightening effects. I would however, prefer to buy a pure Vitamin C Serum (instead of a derivative serum) if I had to choose only one (currently I alternate days between a derivative serum and a pure vitamin c serum which has been effective at improving my skin’s tone and radiance).
Dupe?: The Isntree – C-Niacin Toning Ampoule (Swatches + Review HERE) – is Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty-Free, and also contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. I’m assuming it has a lower % as it isn’t stated, but this does have a more watery texture (feels slightly nicer on the skin).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Soko Glam: LINK
- The Jumiso Vitamin C (Swatches + Review HERE) – contains 5.5% Pure Ascorbic Acid. So although it does oxidise quite quickly, it is pure Vitamin C + Alpha Arbutin, to brighten the skin.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- The Rovectin – Dark spot Serum (Swatches + Review HERE) contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Arbutin and L-Ascorbic Acid to brighten the skin. It is also Unscented.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Rovectin: LINK
- The Skin&Lab – Vitamin C Brightening Serum (Swatches + Review HERE) contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide and L-Ascorbic acid to brighten the skin. And is unscented.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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