🇪🇸Spain

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum for oily skin

High

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best serums for oily skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Excellent for your oily skin, this serum utilizes 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid to effectively brighten and even your skin tone, while Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production for reduced shine.
  • The inclusion of multiple hyaluronic acid derivatives and Panthenol ensures your skin remains hydrated and comfortable, preventing the dryness often associated with oil-controlling treatments.
  • This formula is safe for your skin, featuring soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate with no harsh or irritating components.

How to apply

  • Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
  • Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
  • Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 900+ reviews

Users with sensitive and acne-prone skin frequently praise this serum for its lightweight, non-irritating formula that effectively brightens dull complexions and fades post-acne hyperpigmentation without causing stinging. While many appreciate the "glass skin" glow and hydration it provides, a minority of users report breakouts or find the brightening effects too subtle compared to stronger pure Vitamin C serums.

Highlights

  • Gentle & non-irritating Mostly Mentioned
    • “great for sensitive skin”
    • “never experienced irritation”
    • “no stinging sensation”
    • “very gentle formula”
  • Brightens & evens tone Often Mentioned
    • “faded dark spots”
    • “gave me a glow”
    • “helped with acne scars”
    • “skin looks more radiant”
  • Lightweight texture Often Mentioned
    • “absorbs quickly”
    • “not sticky at all”
    • “watery consistency”
    • “leaves no residue”
  • Hydrating formula Sometimes Noted
    • “leaves skin soft”
    • “feels moisturizing”
    • “plumps the skin”
    • “good hydration boost”
  • Subtle results Sometimes Noted
    • “didn't see big difference”
    • “results are very slow”
    • “not potent enough”
    • “too mild for old scars”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “broke me out badly”
    • “caused tiny bumps”
    • “triggered acne”
    • “skin got better after stopping”
  • Scent dislike Rarely Noted
    • “smells a bit odd”
    • “faint chemical scent”
    • “didn't like the smell”
    • “scent lingers”
  • Sticky finish Rarely Noted
    • “leaves a tacky film”
    • “feels slightly sticky”
    • “takes time to dry down”
    • “sticky under makeup”

Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, skinsort.com, yesstyle.com, gopicky.com, reddit.com, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum a great fit for oily skin?

Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is a great fit for oily skin because it uses vitamin C to brighten your skin tone and Niacinamide to help reduce extra shine. It also includes Panthenol and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated without causing dryness. Soothing ingredients like Allantoin further help keep your skin calm and safe from irritation.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?

This serum is a great fit for oily skin because 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid brighten your skin tone while Niacinamide helps control extra oil and shine. Panthenol and multiple hyaluronic acid derivatives also keep your skin comfortable and hydrated without adding heavy grease.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid do for oily skin?

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps brighten an uneven skin tone and reduces signs of aging. It works well on oily skin by delivering vitamin C to improve clarity without clogging pores.

Pharmaceutics, 2024Pharmaceutics, 2023

What does Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract do for oily skin?

Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract helps manage oily skin by reducing skin sebum secretion when applied topically. Clinical studies show that regular use significantly lowers oil content compared to control bases, making it a useful addition for balancing greasy skin.

Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 2010Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2014

Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This serum goes in your evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing, for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. It is a great fit for your oily skin because it uses vitamin C to brighten your skin tone and niacinamide to help reduce shine, while hyaluronic acid and Panthenol keep your skin comfortable and hydrated.

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum in your morning routine and apply your retinol in the evening to help prevent irritation while keeping your skin bright and balanced. Using vitamin C and retinol at different times of day ensures your oily skin gets the full benefits of both treatments safely.

How often should I use this serum?

This serum is a great fit for your oily skin and is used in the evening as part of your routine. It helps brighten your skin tone and manage shine while keeping your skin comfortable and hydrated.

Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts on oily skin, as it features a safe formula with soothing ingredients and a low rate of complaints. Reviewers rarely report breakouts, and the lightweight ingredients help keep your skin comfortable without clogging pores.

Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene).

What the research says

  • L-ascorbic acid and betaine-based therapeutic deep eutectic system significantly enhanced transdermal delivery through porcine skin compared to ascorbic acid alone or physical mixture, and reduced aging markers while inducing an even skin tone in humans.

    Pharmaceutics, 2024
  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
  • A topical formulation containing panthenol, niacinamide, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate increased skin hydration by 74.1% and reduced transepidermal water loss by 13.5% at 28 days compared to baseline and untreated control in 35 individuals with xerosis.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026
  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
  • Topical application of a sea buckthorn fruit extract formulation significantly reduced skin sebum secretion in 10 healthy human volunteers compared to the control base over an 8-week period.

    Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 2010
  • Topical emulsions containing Hippophae rhamnoides and Cassia fistula plant extracts significantly reduced skin sebum contents compared to placebo in patients with grade I and grade II acne vulgaris.

    Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2014
  • Topical application of a 5% Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water emulsion significantly improved skin hydration (p=0.0003) and transepidermal water loss (p=0.0087) compared to a placebo base formulation in 13 healthy male subjects over 84 days.

    Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014
  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008
  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005
  • Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.

    Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019

Ingredients

Water, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Biotin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyl Trimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium Edta, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Allantoin, Taurine, Limonene

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 13 Oct 2026

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