Vital C Hydrating Antioxidant A C E Serum
Serum
Updated 10 Dec 2025

Vital C Hydrating Antioxidant A C E Serum

Image
41Ingredients
0EU Banned
6Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
Mod. Allergens4 fragrance allergens
76% Natural22% synthetic

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Limonene
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Linalool
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.8 — Ineffective
5.8
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.8
Active ingredients: Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glycolic Acid, Retinol, Copper Tripeptide-1
Ascorbyl Glucoside at pH 5.8: optimal range (5–7)
Glycolic Acid at pH 5.8: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Retinol at pH 5.8: optimal range (5–6)
Copper Tripeptide-1 at pH 5.8: optimal range (5–7)
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5.8, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Ascorbyl GlucosidepH 5–7
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4
RetinolpH 5–6
Copper Tripeptide-1pH 5–7

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeContains fragrance
Contains fragrance/parfum
Key Actives
Contains RetinolConfirmed
Contains vitamin A derivative
Contains Vitamin CConfirmed
Contains vitamin C derivative
Vitamin C SerumConfirmed
Hyaluronic Acid SerumConfirmed
Retinol / Vitamin AConfirmed
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Peptide SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

76% natural22% synthetic
31 natural 1 unknown 9 synthetic

Based on 41 ingredients analyzed. 76% natural, 2% unknown and 22% synthetic.

Active ingredients3 actives
Preservatives3 preservatives
Fragrance3 essential oils

Functions Overview (15)

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Viscous, serum-like — slightly "thick water" feel
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionFast
Tackiness / ResidueLight
Finish:Luminous / radiant — subtle light-reflecting glow

Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.