# Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

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

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

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

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening and evening of skin tone for your combination skin, as 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid work to treat hyperpigmentation, while Niacinamide provides seboregulation. The inclusion of various forms of hyaluronic acid and dipotassium glycyrrhizate offers general hydration and soothing benefits, which are supportive but not specifically targeted for your oily shine concerns.
- The formula is safe for your combination skin, with Allantoin and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate present to soothe and an absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

- 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/))
- 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/))
- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/))
- Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate-loaded hydroxypropyl chitosan and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels applied to wounds in a mouse full-thickness skin defect model resulted in rapid wound closure, efficient tissue remolding, collagen deposition, and decreased inflammation compared to commercial Tegaderm film and 3M dressing controls. ([Acta Biomaterialia, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35245682/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

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

Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is a great fit because it uses vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone while niacinamide helps balance oily areas. It also includes soothing ingredients like allantoin to keep skin calm and safe from irritation.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

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

This serum is a great fit for your combination skin because 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid help treat dark spots, while Niacinamide manages oily shine. Additionally, ingredients like Panthenol and various forms of sodium hyaluronate keep your skin well hydrated and smooth.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

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

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps brighten combination skin and reduce aging signs by promoting an even tone and better skin health. Topical formulas containing vitamin C derivatives are generally well tolerated and may improve skin look without disrupting moisture balance.
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 combination skin?

Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract helps balance combination skin by boosting moisture levels and keeping the skin barrier strong. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation and may help calm areas that feel dry while supporting overall skin health.
Sources: [Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25362595/)

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

This treatment goes in your evening routine, as Lovi routines put treatments with active ingredients in the PM for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying this treatment first and then following with your retinol on separate nights or by spacing them out to keep your skin calm. This helps prevent irritation while giving you the brightening benefits of the vitamin C and the smoothing benefits of your retinol.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/)

### How often should I use it?

Use this treatment in your evening routine, applying it once a day or a few times a week depending on how your skin feels. This timing keeps things simple and provides extra safety around sun exposure, while helping improve your skin tone and hydration.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/)

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on combination skin, as its formula avoids harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like Allantoin and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate. Reviewers rarely report breakouts, and the product maintains a very safe profile for this skin type.
Sources: [Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

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

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £36.96 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Niacinamide 15% Firming Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-niacinamide-15-firming-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £24.20 at Amazon
- [Augustinus Bader The Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/augustinus-bader/the-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £248.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £14.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £30.37 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — £14.80 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.co.uk: £14.79 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CW99ZRWB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: £13.00 (https://www.notino.co.uk/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum-vitamin-c-brightening-serum-with-moisturising-effect/p-16315838/)
- Lookfantastic: £13.80 (https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/dr.-althea-vitamin-c-boosting-serum-30ml/17680179/)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 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/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin