# Dr. Alethea Gentle Vitamin C Serum for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin

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

Brand: [Dr. Alethea](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/brands/dr-alethea)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- This serum offers moderate benefits for your normal skin, as 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide work to brighten and even skin tone, while Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water and Allantoin provide soothing and hydration supportive for redness.
- The formulation is safe for your sensitive skin, containing no harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.
- It provides general skincare benefits that support your concerns without being overly specialized.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract

## What the research says

- Niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use in women by inhibiting melanosome transfer. ([The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/))
- Topical and in vitro application of a Camellia sinensis leaf extract demonstrated immunomodulatory, detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties while improving mood states, skin hydration, barrier function, rejuvenation, and facial skin health. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391588/))
- A multi-component dissolving microneedle patch loaded with glabridin, 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid, and tranexamic acid effectively reduced chloasma and age spots while demonstrating safety in clinical evaluation, alongside significant antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and melanin-reduction effects in vitro and in vivo. ([Polymers, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571190/))
- Concurrent treatment with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and cannabigerol in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes prevents membrane structure alterations, promotes cell survival, enhances antioxidant enzyme activity and GSH- and Trx-dependent systems, reduces lipid and protein oxidative modifications, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. ([Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39778604/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- Sea buckthorn seed oil prevents UV-induced disturbances in redox balance and lipid metabolism in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts by reducing reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation products while enhancing antioxidant levels. ([Antioxidants, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30142919/))

## What reviewers say

This serum is widely praised as an excellent entry-level Vitamin C product specifically formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Users consistently report that it provides lightweight hydration and a subtle glow without the irritation or stickiness often associated with stronger Vitamin C treatments, though results regarding dark spot fading are often described as gradual.

- Liked: Extremely gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating and plumping (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves skin tone (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Safe for acne (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Fragile packaging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Rare breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Small bottle size (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Dr. Alethea Vitamin C Serum work for sensitive skin?

This serum works moderately well for sensitive skin, brightening your skin tone while soothing redness with gentle ingredients like niacinamide and allantoin. A product of this type needs exceptionally well-suited soothing and hydrating components, potent antioxidants, and skin-repairing ingredients that target redness and irritation with no risk of irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391588/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide and 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid help brighten and even skin tone, while Allantoin and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water provide soothing and hydration supportive for redness. Sensitive skin typically needs ingredients that calm irritation and provide strong support for redness without harsh additives.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391588/)

### What does Niacinamide do for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide helps calm sensitive skin by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing redness and irritation. It is very well tolerated and may improve overall comfort and resilience with regular use.
Sources: [Cutis, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16209160/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/)

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

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps protect sensitive skin against sun damage and inflammation while evening out dark spots. It supports cell survival and antioxidant defenses, making it a safe choice for maintaining a calm, smooth complexion.
Sources: [Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39778604/), [Polymers, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571190/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. It is unlikely to irritate sensitive skin, but a product for this skin type needs soothing ingredients like allantoin and green tea water to keep it calm and hydrated.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following it with your retinol, or by using them on alternate nights to keep your sensitive skin calm. Because this product has an average fit for your skin, sensitive skin needs a product that includes extra soothing plant extracts and gentle hydrators to prevent dryness and irritation.

### How often should I use it?

This serum works well in your evening routine, but a product of this type for sensitive skin needs gentle brightening ingredients like niacinamide and soothing components like allantoin to keep skin calm.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391588/)

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for sensitive skin, as it has a very low rate of complaints about breakouts and contains soothing ingredients. To avoid breakouts on sensitive skin, a product of this type needs calming and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and allantoin along with gentle brighteners that do not irritate.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391588/)

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$50.41 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — S$28.55 at Amazon
- [PCA Skin C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/pca-skin/c-and-e-advanced/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit — S$192.38 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.00 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [One Thing Centella Asiatica Extract Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/one-thing/centella-asiatica-extract-toner/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.07 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/isdin/eryfotona-actinica-spf-50/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — S$110.01 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Singapore has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Niacinamide, 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Allantoin, Adenosine
## 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-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-alethea/gentle-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin