10% Vitamin C + Glutathione Advanced Brightening Serum
A targeted treatment for uneven tone and post-blemish marks.
- Combination skin
₹645 · ₹22/ml • Analysed 5 June 2026
A triple-approach brightening serum using 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA) at a brand-confirmed 10%, Glutathione (position 8, concentration not disclosed), and Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine (position 13), a signal-blocking melanin inhibitor. EAA at position 2 confirms high concentration in a Propanediol-Propylene Glycol solvent base. Squalane at position 10 adds emollient lipid support. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) at position 15 stabilises the EAA in formula. The formula contains Triethanolamine as a pH adjuster and Allergen Free Fragrance. Not truly fragrance-free.
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.
Score breakdown
How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyStrong42/503-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable Vitamin C derivative with a strong safety record.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable Vitamin C derivative with a strong safety record. No parabens, no SLES, no formaldehyde releasers. Triethanolamine (TEA) appears as a pH adjuster — at cosmetic use levels it is considered safe by both the EU and India regulators, but some databases flag it as a potential sensitiser in products containing nitrosating agents; no nitrosating agents are present in this formula. Octenidine HCl is an antimicrobial preservative booster with a strong safety profile and low resistance development risk. Glutathione and Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine at their positions are at low concentrations with no known safety concerns. Contains Allergen Free Fragrance — still a synthetic fragrance component, not fragrance-free. Disodium EDTA as chelator rather than a biodegradable option.
Formula DesignExcellent18/203-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is more heat-stable and pH-stable than L-ascorbic acid, an important choice for the Indian market.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is more heat-stable and pH-stable than L-ascorbic acid, an important choice for the Indian market. At 10%, EAA delivers clinically relevant antioxidant, brightening, and collagen-stimulating activity. Glutathione adds a complementary brightening mechanism: it shifts melanin synthesis from eumelanin (dark) towards phaeomelanin (lighter), a fundamentally different pathway from EAA's antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting action. Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine (Sepiwhite MSH) inhibits alpha-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) signalling, blocking a third independent step in melanin production. Three independent anti-pigmentation mechanisms is strong formulation design. Tocopherol stabilises EAA against oxidative degradation.
Claims EvidenceStrong17/20Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.
The 10% EAA concentration is brand-confirmed and publicly stated. Glutathione and Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine are called out on the product page as key actives, which is above-average transparency. However, neither concentration is disclosed, which limits the consumer's ability to assess expected efficacy. The triple-brightening mechanism claim is scientifically valid in principle. No published clinical trial data for this specific formula. The 'suitable for sensitive skin' claim is broad; the fragrance content makes it less appropriate for highly reactive skin.
Ethics & SustainabilityFair5/10Cruelty-free, vegan, Indian brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets.
Cruelty-free, vegan, Indian brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets. No parabens or SLS. Disodium EDTA rather than a biodegradable chelator. Contains synthetic fragrance (Allergen Free Fragrance). Squalane in the formula can be plant-derived (sugarcane) or shark-derived; Foxtale has not publicly disclosed the source.
Ingredient list
21 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Aqua |
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
Propanediol |
Propylene Glycol |
Betaine |
Glycerin |
Glyceryl Glucoside |
Glutathione |
Show all 21 ingredientsShow fewer
Phenoxyethanol |
Squalane |
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer |
Lecithin |
Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine |
Allantoin |
Tocopherol |
Carbomer |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Octenidine HCl |
Disodium EDTA |
Triethanolamine |
Allergen Free Fragrance |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Consumer reviews
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.
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
Melasma, PIH from acne marks, and sun-induced hyperpigmentation are among India's most prevalent skin concerns across Fitzpatrick III-VI skin tones. EAA's heat stability makes it far better suited to India's warm climate than pure L-ascorbic acid, which oxidises within weeks at room temperature. Glutathione's phaeomelanin-shifting mechanism is especially relevant for individuals with genetically darker, melanin-dense skin. Mandatory SPF use: brightening actives are reversed by unprotected UV exposure.
