# Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands.

Brand: [Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/dr-althea)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily skin; a few serums fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- 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.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin): High (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Ascorbic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol Vitamin B5, Sodium Hyaluronate

## 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794349/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21814424/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25254008/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25362595/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067777/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

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.

- Liked: Gentle & non-irritating (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Brightens & evens tone (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Subtle results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Scent dislike (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Sticky finish (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## 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.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

### 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.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

### 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.
Sources: [Pharmaceutics, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794349/), [Pharmaceutics, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36986679/)

### 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.
Sources: [Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21814424/), [Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25254008/)

### 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.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36607762/)

### 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.
Sources: [Facial Plastic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24488631/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### 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).

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/clinique/fresh-pressed-daily-booster-with-pure-vitamin-c-10/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €99.41 at Amazon
- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €10.20 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €35.80 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Notino: €15.00 (https://www.notino.nl/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum-verhelderend-serum-met-vitamine-c-met-hydraterende-werking/p-16315838/)
Prices checked 17 Oct 2026.

## 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
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/oily-skin