Vitamin C 10% Face Serum
Pure Ascorbic Acid at 10% is the most evidence-backed Vitamin C form for brightening and antioxidant protection. Ferulic Acid as a co-antioxidant significantly stabilises Vitamin C and boosts its efficacy - this is a scientifically sound pairing. Store away from light and heat; Vitamin C oxidises and loses potency. If the serum turns orange or brown, the active has degraded. Best used in AM under SPF.
- Sensitive skin types
- Dull or uneven skin tone
- Your skin is highly reactive to antioxidant formulas
₹284 · ₹9/ml • Analysed 20 May 2026
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is significantly more heat-stable than L-ascorbic acid, which oxidises rapidly in India's warm and humid climate. EAA remains effective stored at room temperature (avoid direct sunlight). Highly effective for PIH and sun-induced hyperpigmentation common in Fitzpatrick III-V skin types, which are predominant across India.
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.
The brand states 10% EAA explicitly and the ingredient sits second in the list after the Centella Asiatica base, confirming it is the dominant active.
Brand confirms 1% concentration. Acetyl Glucosamine inhibits melanin synthesis and works synergistically with vitamin C for brightening.
No parfum, fragrance, or scent-use essential oils in the published INCI list.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10% has strong ingredient-level evidence for antioxidant protection and inhibiting melanin; no finished-product clinical trial is publicly linked.
The formula's vitamin C, PHA (Gluconolactone), and Acetyl Glucosamine combination is well-matched to brightening concerns; formula pH is not publicly disclosed, which is the main evidence gap.
Score breakdown
How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.
Ingredient SafetyExcellent47/50Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid has an extensive safety record and is stable across pH ranges unlike pure L-ascorbic acid. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no SLES, no formaldehyde releasers, no restricted UV filters. The base solvent here is Centella Asiatica leaf extract rather than plain water - Centella is inherently anti-inflammatory, making it a smart choice in an actives-forward formula. Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), provides the gentlest exfoliation class available and is considered appropriate even for rosacea-prone skin. Dimethyl Isosorbide, appearing early in the list, increases how deeply the vitamin C and other actives penetrate the skin - a useful design choice, with the minor trade-off of slightly greater systemic absorption of everything in the formula. Citric Acid appears near the end of the list and is acting as a pH adjuster here, not as a functional exfoliant.
Formula DesignExcellent20/20The vitamin C form used here - 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at a confirmed 10% - is stable across a wider pH range than pure L-ascorbic acid, which matters for shelf life in Indian heat.
The vitamin C form used here - 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at a confirmed 10% - is stable across a wider pH range than pure L-ascorbic acid, which matters for shelf life in Indian heat. It appears second in the ingredient list after the Centella Asiatica base, confirming high concentration. Gluconolactone at position 8 adds gentle exfoliation that helps vitamin C work more effectively at the skin surface. Two forms of hyaluronic acid (standard and hydrolysed lower molecular weight) are included, addressing different depths of the skin. Acetyl Glucosamine at 1% (brand-confirmed) adds an extra brightening mechanism by inhibiting melanin synthesis. The formula pH has not been disclosed by the brand, which is worth noting since EAA has an optimal activity range.
Test TransparencyExcellent20/20The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co.
The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co. Both the 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and 1% Acetyl Glucosamine concentrations are confirmed by the brand. The '86% pure vitamin C equivalent' framing on marketing materials is technically meaningful but leans towards promotional language. No claims such as 'dermatologist tested' or 'clinically proven' are made for this formula. No third-party clinical reports have been published. The formula pH is not publicly disclosed.
EthicsConcern4/10PETA-certified cruelty-free.
PETA-certified cruelty-free. Vegan. No synthetic fragrance or dyes. Uses Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate - a biodegradable chelating agent - instead of EDTA. Indian brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets. Minimalist packaging. A single PEG compound is present in the formula. Independent verification of sustainable sourcing for palm-derived ingredients has not been confirmed.
Ingredient list
22 ingredients · INCI order
| Ingredient |
|---|
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract |
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid |
Dimethyl Isosorbide |
Ethoxydiglycol |
Glycerin |
Sodium Gluconate |
Acetyl Glucosamine |
Gluconolactone |
Show all 22 ingredientsShow fewer
Citric Acid |
Pentylene Glycol |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
Pullulan |
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate |
Xanthan Gum |
Sclerotium Gum |
Phenoxyethanol |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
Lecithin |
PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer |
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate |
Sodium Citrate |
INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).
Claims check
Each marketing claim assessed against publicly available evidence
The brand states 10% EAA explicitly and the ingredient sits second in the list after the Centella Asiatica base, confirming it is the dominant active.
Evidence visible
Brand confirms 1% concentration. Acetyl Glucosamine inhibits melanin synthesis and works synergistically with vitamin C for brightening.
Evidence visible
No parfum, fragrance, or scent-use essential oils in the published INCI list.
Evidence visible
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at 10% has strong ingredient-level evidence for antioxidant protection and inhibiting melanin; no finished-product clinical trial is publicly linked.
Evidence visible
The formula's vitamin C, PHA (Gluconolactone), and Acetyl Glucosamine combination is well-matched to brightening concerns; formula pH is not publicly disclosed, which is the main evidence gap.
Evidence visible
Pure Ascorbic Acid at 10% is the most evidence-backed Vitamin C form for brightening and antioxidant protection. Ferulic Acid as a co-antioxidant significantly stabilises Vitamin C and boosts its efficacy - this is a scientifically sound pairing. Store away from light and heat; Vitamin C oxidises and loses potency. If the serum turns orange or brown, the active has degraded. Best used in AM under SPF.
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
