Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum
By Nur → Last verified 9/12/2026
Price checked 9/12/2026
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What we found
Based on how this product compares to others in the serums category, cross-referenced against retailer listings and market data.
Strengths
- + Multi-retailer confirmed (Ulta, CultBeauty, and others) as a genuinely current, well-documented gentle vitamin C option
- + Uses a stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) rather than pure ascorbic acid, consistent with its gentle positioning
- + Real formula confirmed with sea buckthorn extract at 20% and niacinamide at 5%, specific stated concentrations rather than vague amounts
Worth knowing
- - Lower vitamin C concentration means slower, more gradual brightening than high-potency options
Key ingredients
These are the ingredients Dr. Althea highlights for this product, cross-checked against general dermatological and cosmetic-chemistry sources, not a full INCI list.
Fragrance: confirmed fragrance-free.
| Ingredient | What it is | What it does for skin |
|---|---|---|
| Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit extract (20%) | An extract from sea buckthorn berries, naturally high in vitamins and fatty acids, at a specified concentration. | Commonly included as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient, often paired with vitamin C actives. |
| Niacinamide (5%) | Vitamin B3 at a concentration within the most clinically studied range. | Supports the skin barrier and has published evidence for visibly reducing hyperpigmentation at this dose. |
| 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (stable vitamin C) | A more stable, gentler derivative of vitamin C. | Converts to active vitamin C once in the skin; brightens and fights free radicals with less irritation risk than pure ascorbic acid. |
| Green tea extract | An extract from Camellia sinensis leaves, rich in polyphenol antioxidants (catechins). | Provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Adenosine | A compound naturally present in skin cells, used in skincare as an anti-aging active. | Recognized by South Korea's MFDS as a functional anti-wrinkle ingredient at 0.04% concentration, based on clinical studies showing measurable fine-line improvement; a real but modest effect, not a retinoid substitute. |
| Allantoin | A soothing compound, naturally occurring in some plants and also made synthetically. | Calms irritation and supports skin healing, often paired with other barrier-focused ingredients. |
What the brand says
Dr. Althea's own marketing claims, not our own findings.
- Explicitly marketed for first-time vitamin C users and sensitive/acne-prone skin
- Under-20-ingredient formula
- Stable vitamin C form, less prone to oxidizing than pure ascorbic acid
Research-Based
Our assessment comes from pricing, ingredients, and published information, not personal use, the same standard we apply across the site. This product hasn't been hands-on tested yet. See our Methodology for what that distinction means.
Price history
Current price is the lowest we've recorded so far.
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Frequently asked
How much does Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum cost per mL?
$0.77 per mL (currently $23.00 for 30 mL).
Has Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum been hands-on tested?
Not yet. Our assessment for this product comes from pricing, ingredients, and published information, not personal use, the same standard we apply across the site. See our Methodology for what that distinction means.
What are the key ingredients in Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum?
The ingredients Dr. Althea highlights for this product include Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit extract (20%), Niacinamide (5%), 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (stable vitamin C), Green tea extract, Adenosine, Allantoin.
Sources
Pricing and availability for this product were verified against the following retailer listings.