10% Vitamin C + E & Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
A clean, purposeful formula let down by the inclusion of DGME without consumer disclosure. Removing DGME or transparently communicating its role would significantly improve this score.
- Sensitive skin types
- Dull or uneven skin tone
- You are using prescription actives alongside
₹449-₹799 • Analysed 11 June 2026
A Vitamin C serum is a highly relevant product for India, UV-induced hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks are among the most common skin concerns. Ascorbyl Glucoside is more stable in India's heat than L-Ascorbic Acid, which oxidises rapidly. The DGME concern is worth monitoring as EU safety data matures.
This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.
At a glance
What was checked
Each claim checked against publicly available evidence: published test reports, the ingredient list, and regulatory data.
Brand confirms 10% Ascorbyl Glucoside. This is a stable derivative, not L-Ascorbic Acid - a potency distinction not disclosed in the product name.
Well-established published evidence for Vitamin C and E working synergistically as antioxidants.
DGME is a penetration enhancer under EU review. Its effect on co-formulated ingredient absorption is not communicated to consumers.
Score breakdown
Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyStrong24/30Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DGME) is present in this formula. It is classified as a skin penetration enhancer and is currently under ongoing safety review in Europe. It is permitted in both India and the EU at present levels, but the concern is that DGME increases the amount of every other ingredient in the formula that absorbs through the skin - effectively raising the body's exposure to all actives in the serum. No fragrance, no azo dyes, no restricted UV filters. The rest of the formula is clean.
Formula LogicStrong21/25The brand states 10% Ascorbyl Glucoside, and the Vitamin C plus Vitamin E combination is well-established in antioxidant research.
The brand states 10% Ascorbyl Glucoside, and the Vitamin C plus Vitamin E combination is well-established in antioxidant research. Sodium Hyaluronate adds hydration. Ascorbyl Glucoside is a gentler, more stable form of Vitamin C than L-Ascorbic Acid - an advantage in India's heat but with lower potency. DGME enhances ingredient penetration, which may boost efficacy but also increases systemic absorption of co-formulated ingredients.
Claims EvidenceStrong20/25Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
The brand states 10% Vitamin C on the product, which is a welcome transparency. The full ingredient list is published on dotandkey.com and DGME is listed within it. However, the penetration-enhancing properties of DGME are not explained to consumers. The product name implies L-Ascorbic Acid to most consumers, but the actual form used is Ascorbyl Glucoside - a distinction that matters for anyone comparing efficacy against other Vitamin C serums.
Test TransparencyGrade BStrong12/15No product-specific clinical study published.
No product-specific clinical study published. The Vitamin C + E synergy has strong ingredient-level evidence in published literature. The DGME element lacks consumer-facing transparency. Grade B reflects the strong ingredient science with the DGME opacity as a gap.
Consumer ClarityExcellent5/5Full INCI list published.
Full INCI list published. Concentration disclosed proactively. DGME's penetration-enhancing function is not communicated but it is listed in the INCI, allowing informed consumers to investigate. Scored at max given overall disclosure level.
Ingredient list
10 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua (Water) |
Ascorbyl Glucoside |
Glycerin |
Butylene Glycol |
Tocopherol |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether (DGME) |
Allantoin |
Show all 10 ingredientsShow fewer
Phenoxyethanol |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Regulatory screen
Each ingredient mapped against 10 global regulatory authorities
DGME (Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether) - penetration enhancer under ongoing EU safety review (SCCS); currently permitted
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
No flagged substances
Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.
Claims check
Each marketing claim assessed against publicly available evidence
Brand confirms 10% Ascorbyl Glucoside. This is a stable derivative, not L-Ascorbic Acid - a potency distinction not disclosed in the product name.
Evidence visible
Well-established published evidence for Vitamin C and E working synergistically as antioxidants.
Evidence visible
DGME is a penetration enhancer under EU review. Its effect on co-formulated ingredient absorption is not communicated to consumers.
Missing
What would improve this score
Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps
- ○Consumer disclosure of DGME's penetration-enhancing properties
- ○Clarification that Vitamin C form is Ascorbyl Glucoside, not L-Ascorbic Acid
A clean, purposeful formula let down by the inclusion of DGME without consumer disclosure. Removing DGME or transparently communicating its role would significantly improve this score.
Full methodology
- What global regulations say about each ingredient
- What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
- What formula concentration context changes
- What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
- What the stated user group needs
- What published test evidence confirms
- What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports
