5% Ascorbic Acid

Brighten and protect your skin with our beginner-friendly 5% ascorbic acid serum. This stable, low-irritation formula delivers pure vitamin C benefits: fading dark spots, evening tone, boosting collagen, and defending against free radicals and environmental damage. Perfect for sensitive or first-time vitamin C users, it provides visible radiance, smoother texture, and reduced dullness without the stinging or redness often seen with higher concentrations.

Key Benefits of This 5% Ascorbic Acid Serum

Brightening & Spot Fading: Gently reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven tone for a more luminous complexion.

Powerful Antioxidant Protection: Shields against environmental stressors, helping prevent premature aging and sun damage.

Collagen Support & Anti-Aging: Boosts firmness, smooths fine lines, and enhances elasticity with consistent use.

Gentle & Non-Irritating: Lower risk of redness, tingling, or purging-great for sensitive, dry, or rosacea-prone skin.

Daily Glow Booster: Improves radiance and texture without overwhelming the barrier.

This makes it a versatile AM essential, pairing perfectly with sunscreen for enhanced photoprotection.

Gentle Anti-Aging: Supports collagen and reduces fine lines with minimal irritation.

Looking for vitamin C benefits without the sting? Our 5% ascorbic acid serum offers a balanced, science-backed entry into pure L-ascorbic acid skincare. As the most biologically active form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid excels at brightening, antioxidant protection, and anti-aging-but higher concentrations (10-20%) can irritate sensitive skin or cause oxidation issues. At 5%, this gentle concentration delivers noticeable results with far less risk, making it ideal for beginners, reactive skin types, or anyone wanting daily brightening without compromise.

Why 5% Ascorbic Acid Hits the Sweet Spot

L-ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution, inhibits melanin production to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, stimulates collagen synthesis for firmer skin, and improves overall tone and texture. Clinical studies show that concentrations as low as 5% provide meaningful brightening, reduced inflammation, and photoprotective effects-such as decreased wrinkling when applied before sun exposure. Research (including long-term trials) demonstrates improvements in photoaged skin, even tone, and fine lines with 5% ascorbic acid over 3-6 months, often comparable to higher strengths for sensitive users but with significantly less irritation.

Unlike 10-20% formulas that require very low pH (below 3.5) and can sting or dry out skin, 5% allows for better tolerability while still penetrating effectively and delivering antioxidant power. It's especially praised for melasma, post-acne marks, dullness, and early aging signs.

How to use :

Apply 2-3 drops in the morning after cleansing (and optional toner). Gently pat into face and neck; allow to absorb fully before moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (crucial, as vitamin C enhances sun protection but doesn't replace it). Use daily; it's gentle enough for beginners. For extra stability, store in a cool, dark place. Visible brightening and smoother texture often appear in 4-8 weeks, with optimal results after 12+ weeks.

Who Should Use This Serum?

Sensitive or reactive skin types new to vitamin C

Those prone to irritation from higher-strength serums

Dull, uneven, or sun-damaged skin needing gentle brightening

Beginners building tolerance before trying 10-15% formulas

Anyone seeking clean, effective antioxidant care

Patch test first. Consult a dermatologist if pregnant, breastfeeding, or using strong actives.

Fundamentals Skincare is

Vegan friendly

Cruelty-free

Cosmeceutical grade

Fragrance-free

Made in South Africa

Dermatologically Tested and Approved

What's in the box
1 x Fundamental Skincare 30ml glass amber dropper bottle