Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum
3.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer well-suited for oily skin and a humectant enhancement for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Panthenol (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant engancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:
    • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈1.5%),
       or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
    • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
       one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
Among others, Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Folic Acid, Adenosine, and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈4.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Panthenol (est. ≈3.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Niacin
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Pantothenate
Function:
Origin:
Thiamine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Riboflavin
Function:
Origin:
Pyridoxine
Function:
Origin:
Folic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Biotin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Taurine
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.3
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
1.3
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.3
1.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 1.5 0.8
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 4 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.2
Ascorbic Acid
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Folic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 10.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10.7
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
4
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Tocopherol
1.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Riboflavin
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.1 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.1
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Panthenol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Tocopherol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Niacin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
NiacinAn active form of vitamin B3 that is used to support and restore the healthy appearance of the skin, although it is less effective than Niacinamide.
Calcium Pantothenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium PantothenateA vitamin B5 derivative that reduces static buildup on the skin.
Thiamine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thiamine HClAlso known as vitamin B1, the benefits of this ingredient in skincare are not yet clear. It may have some benefits to energy metabolism, but this hasn't been confirmed. It has a typical, sulfur-like smell.
Riboflavin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
RiboflavinRiboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is used in skincare as a coloring agent due to its bright, brilliant orange-yellow color. The research shows that it is a good antioxidant and can protect the skin from UV-induced damage.
Pyridoxine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PyridoxinePyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is required by the body to produce amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Its benefits in skincare have not been researched as of yet.
Folic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Folic AcidA critical vitamin for the body that needs more research for topical applications.
Biotin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BiotinBiotin is an important nutrient that can cause weak hair and nails if deficient. Unfortunately, while biotin supplements have promising studies, topical biotin in creams and serums doesn’t have a large body of evidence to support its use.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateA vegetable glycerin or synthetically produced emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. It won't leave skin feeling tight or dry when used to cleanse.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Potassium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Hyaluronate
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit ExtractAn under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Taurine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Taurine
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.