10% Vitamin C + Glutathione Advanced Brightening Serum

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.

MOSTLYCLEAN

Mostly Clean

Best for

Melanin Rich Skin
Daily Use

₹645 · ₹22/ml • Analysed 11 June 2026

India Context

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.

Key Ingredients

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid•Propanediol•Propylene GlycolView all ingredients

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Ingredient & Safety

Formula Logic

Public Claim Support

Transparency

Consumer Clarity

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

✓Alcohol free

✓Paraben free

What was checked

3 claims checked against public evidence

Strong

10% Vitamin C (EAA)Verified

Brand-confirmed 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10%; consistent with INCI position 2.

Published evidence

Triple brightening mechanismNeeds context

Three active mechanisms are scientifically valid independently; no formula-specific published trial.

Brand claim

Suitable for sensitive skinNeeds context

Allergen Free Fragrance is still a synthetic fragrance component and may not suit highly reactive skin.

Brand claim

Verified: confirmed from public evidenceSupported: consistent with available evidenceNeeds context: relevant for some usersNot verified: could not be confirmed

The breakdown

Mostly credible with gaps

Public Evidence Score across 5 pillars. Open any row for the full rationale.

Ingredient Safety

Strong

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid has an excellent safety profile.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid has an excellent safety profile. No parabens, no SLES, no azo dyes. Triethanolamine (TEA) as a pH adjuster is safe at cosmetic concentrations; no nitrosating agents present in this formula. Octenidine HCl is a well-tolerated broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Allergen Free Fragrance is present - synthetic fragrance, not fragrance-free. Disodium EDTA as chelator rather than biodegradable alternative. Squalane source (plant vs. marine) not disclosed.

Formula Logic

Strong

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10% provides antioxidant, collagen-stimulating, and tyrosinase-inhibiting brightening.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10% provides antioxidant, collagen-stimulating, and tyrosinase-inhibiting brightening. Glutathione at position 8 shifts melanin synthesis from dark eumelanin toward lighter phaeomelanin - a second independent brightening mechanism. Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine (Sepiwhite MSH) at position 13 inhibits alpha-MSH melanocyte stimulation - a third independent mechanism. Tocopherol stabilises EAA. Three independent anti-pigmentation pathways is strong formulation design.

Claims Evidence

Strong

Good evidence for stated claims based on public information.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10% is brand-confirmed. Glutathione and Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine are named on the product page but neither concentration is disclosed. Full INCI accessible. 'Suitable for sensitive skin' claim is broad; synthetic fragrance makes it less appropriate for highly reactive skin. No published clinical data for this formula.

Test Transparency

Grade CFair

No independent clinical study or efficacy report has been published for this formula.

No independent clinical study or efficacy report has been published for this formula. The triple-brightening mechanism claim is scientifically valid at the ingredient level but no finished-product efficacy data is public. 3-O-EAA at 10% is brand-confirmed, which is positive baseline transparency.

Consumer Clarity

Strong

The triple-brightening system (EAA, Glutathione, Sepiwhite) is explained on the product page.

The triple-brightening system (EAA, Glutathione, Sepiwhite) is explained on the product page. EAA at 10% is disclosed. Glutathione and Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine concentrations are not stated. Allergen Free Fragrance is not prominently disclosed as a synthetic fragrance component.

Ingredient list

21 ingredients · INCI order

Strong

SafeNoteCaution

Ingredient	What it does
Aqua	Solvent base
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid	Brand-confirmed 10%; stable Vitamin C, antioxidant, brightening, collagen stimulation
Propanediol	Plant-derived humectant and solvent
Propylene Glycol	Humectant and solvent, low sensitisation risk at cosmetic concentrations
Betaine	Osmolyte humectant, calming, plant-derived
Glycerin	Humectant, moisture retention
Glyceryl Glucoside	Prebiotic skin-hydrating active, barrier support
Glutathione	Antioxidant tripeptide, shifts melanin synthesis to lighter pigment pathway; % not disclosed
Phenoxyethanol	Preservative, within EU/India 1% limit
Squalane	Non-comedogenic emollient; plant (sugarcane) or marine origin - Foxtale has not disclosed source
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer	Polymer thickener and texture stabiliser
Lecithin	Phospholipid emulsifier, biomimetic skin conditioning
Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine	Sepiwhite MSH, alpha-MSH signal inhibitor; blocks melanocyte stimulation; position 13 = trace but active
Allantoin	Soothing and skin-repairing
Tocopherol	Vitamin E, antioxidant, stabilises EAA in formula
Carbomer	Polymer gelling agent
Ethylhexylglycerin	Preservative booster, low concern
Octenidine HCl	Antimicrobial preservative booster; effective against a broad spectrum; low resistance development risk
Disodium EDTA	Chelating agent; not a biodegradable alternative
Triethanolamine	pH adjuster; safe at cosmetic concentrations; no nitrosating agents present in this formula
Allergen Free Fragrance	Synthetic fragrance blend excluding EU sensitising allergens; not fragrance-free

INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).

Regulatory screen

Each ingredient mapped against 10 global regulatory authorities

Clear

EU 1223/2009EU Cosmetics Regulation - Annexes II–VI

No banned substances; Allergen Free Fragrance formulated to exclude 26 EU-listed allergens per Regulation 2023/1545

India CR 2020India Cosmetics Rules, CDSCO

No flagged substances

Health Canada HotlistCanada prohibited & restricted ingredients

No flagged substances

US FDA 21 CFRUS FDA Parts 700–740

No flagged substances

MFDS KoreaKorea Cosmetics Act

No flagged substances

ECHA SVHCSubstances of Very High Concern

No flagged substances

IARCCarcinogen classifications Groups 1/2A/2B

No flagged substances

AICIS AustraliaAustralian industrial chemical safety

No flagged substances

TGA AustraliaTherapeutic claims (if applicable)

No flagged substances

Canada NHPIDNatural health product ingredients

No flagged substances

Flags are based on publicly available INCI only. Not a substitute for full regulatory compliance review.

Claims checked

1 of 3 publicly supported

Strong

10% Vitamin C (EAA)Publicly supported

Brand-confirmed 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10%; consistent with INCI position 2.

Evidence visible

Triple brightening mechanismNeeds proof

Three active mechanisms are scientifically valid independently; no formula-specific published trial.

Mentioned only

Suitable for sensitive skinNeeds proof

Allergen Free Fragrance is still a synthetic fragrance component and may not suit highly reactive skin.

Mentioned only

What would strengthen this review

Public evidence the brand could provide to close verification gaps

○Glutathione concentration not disclosed
○Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine concentration not disclosed
○Squalane source (plant or marine) not disclosed
○No published clinical trial for this formula

About this review

A well-designed triple-brightening serum with three independent anti-pigmentation mechanisms. EAA's heat stability makes this suitable for Indian conditions. The allergen-reduced fragrance is present but should be communicated more clearly to consumers.

Are you the brand? If you have published test data or want to request a re-review, write to us at hello@thecleansheet.in.

Independent reviewPublic evidence only

Full methodology