15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum | The INKEY List

On damp, cleansed skin, apply a pea-sized amount to face and neck. Gently pat in.

Follow with

Treatments → moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

Layer serums thinnest to thickest. Wait 60 seconds between layers to avoid pilling.

Heads up

Don’t mix with Retinol, AHAs, BHAs or PHAs in the same routine. Use Vitamin C in the AM, Retinol or Acids in the PM.When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

*4-week independent consumer trial of 64 people

• 15% Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C): Stable, effective Vitamin C that converts on skin to brighten and target sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
• 1% Epitensive™ (EGF Epidermal Growth Factor): Plant-based peptide that supports skin renewal and boosts elasticity. 

Aqua (Water/Eau), Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phytic Acid, Oligopeptide-1.

Epitensive™ is a trademark of Lipotrue and is used with permission 

Is this for me?

WHO IS THIS SERUM FOR? All skin types — and especially anyone who wants brighter, more even-looking skin without irritation. At 15%, it's a gentle starting point if you've never used vitamin C before, or if stronger formulas have stung or left your skin red in the past. Oily skin benefits from pore-refining effects, dry skin gets brightening hydration, and sensitive skin gets vitamin C results without the irritation. Suitable for sensitive skin and safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

WHAT IS THE BEST VITAMIN C SERUM FOR BEGINNERS? Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is specifically formulated for vitamin C beginners. Unlike harsh L-Ascorbic Acid formulas that can irritate, our stable Ascorbyl Glucoside provides effective brightening without burning or stinging. Start with 2-3 times per week and build up to daily use. Learn how to build a Vitamin C routine for beginners here

CAN I USE THIS VITAMIN C SERUM IF I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN? Yes! This is one of the most gentle vitamin C serums available. Our Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable, non-irritating form of vitamin C that's dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. Find out more about Vitamin C & sensitive skin here. Unlike pure L-Ascorbic Acid, it won't cause redness, stinging, or peeling. But always patch test. Learn more here

IS THIS VITAMIN C SERUM VEGAN? Yes - certified by The Vegan Society.

Will it cause problems?

CAN VITAMIN C CAUSE BREAKOUTS OR PURGING? Vitamin C doesn't cause purging in the way retinoids or acids can — it doesn't speed up cell turnover. If you notice breakouts after starting a new serum, it's usually down to another product in your routine, or introducing several new steps at once. Our 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it's a gentle place to start. Introduce it on its own for two weeks before adding anything else. Read more about if Vitamin C can causes breakouts

 IS THIS VITAMIN C SERUM SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? Yes, vitamin C is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare products. Find out more about if you can use Vitamin C whilst you are pregnant.

How do I use it?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE VITAMIN C SERUM? For beginners: Start with 2-3 times per week in your morning routine. After 2 weeks, you can increase to daily use if your skin tolerates it well. Always follow with SPF as vitamin C can increase sun sensitivity. Learn how and when to use Vitamin C here

SHOULD I USE VITAMIN C SERUM IN THE MORNING OR NIGHT? Morning is best! Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection against daily environmental damage from pollution and UV rays. Apply to clean skin, follow with moisturizer and SPF. This timing maximizes both protective and brightening benefits.

DO I NEED TO WAIT BEFORE APPLYING OTHER PRODUCTS? If layering, give it 10 minutes before applying your next product to let EGF do its job.

CAN I APPLY SPF STRAIGHT AFTER VITAMIN C? Yes, and you should. Let the serum absorb for a minute, then apply SPF as your final morning step. Vitamin C and sunscreen are a strong pairing — SPF protects the brightening results you're working for. Learn why you need to use SPF with Vitamin C

What can I mix it with?

CAN I LAYER IT WITH OTHER ACTIVES? Don’t layer with exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) or Retinol in the same routine. Alternate: Vitamin C in the AM, Retinol or acids in the PM. Learn how to layer skincare.

CAN I USE IT WITH NIACINAMIDE? Yes - safe to layer with Niacinamide. But don’t mix with pure L-Ascorbic Acid. Learn more about mixing Vitamin C & Niacinamide here

CAN I USE VITAMIN C & EGF SERUM WITH RETINOL? Yes, but not at the same time. Use vitamin C in your morning routine and retinol at night. This prevents any potential interaction while maximizing the benefits of both ingredients. Wait at least 12 hours between applications. Learn more about mixing Vitamin C & Retinol here

CAN I USE VITAMIN C WITH HYALURONIC ACID? Yes - they work well together. Apply your 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum first to clean, dry skin, then follow with hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Vitamin C brightens, hyaluronic acid plumps, and neither cancels the other out. Learn more about mixing Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid here

What’s actually in it?

WHAT IS EGF IN SKINCARE? EGF stands for Epidermal Growth Factor — a protein that signals skin to renew itself, supporting firmness and a smoother surface over time. The EGF in our serum is lab-made and vegan. It isn't derived from animals or human tissue. Read more about what is EGF here >

IS EGF SAFE TO USE? Yes. The EGF in our formula is a lab-made, vegan peptide used at a cosmetic level. It's suitable for daily use, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

VITAMIN C VS EGF - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Vitamin C protects, brightens, and targets pigmentation. EGF boosts skin renewal and elasticity. Together? A power duo for brighter, smoother skin.

WHAT’S THE % OF EGF? 1% EGF.

WHAT’S THE PH? 6.8–7.2.

Results & care

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS FROM VITAMIN C SERUM? Most users see initial brightening within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. In our clinical studies, 87% of participants saw visible skin brightness improvement after 4 weeks*. Dark spots and uneven tone typically take 6-12 weeks to fade significantly.

*4-week independent consumer trial of 64 people

WHY DOES MY SERUM LOOK YELLOW? Ascorbyl glucoside is a stable form of vitamin C, so this serum won't turn brown the way pure L-ascorbic acid can. A slight variation in shade between batches is normal and doesn't affect how well it works.

HOW LONG DOES VITAMINC C SERUM LAST ONCE OPENED? Use within 6 months of opening. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed tightly — no refrigeration needed, room temperature is fine. Because our formula uses ascorbyl glucoside, a stable form of vitamin C, it won't degrade as quickly as pure L-ascorbic acid. Learn more about how to store Vitamin C here

What else should I know?

WHAT ELSE CAN I USE TO BRIGHTEN SKIN? If you're targeting dark spots or post-blemish marks specifically, our Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment works on pigmentation while you sleep and layers well with this serum. For overall dullness, pair with regular exfoliation.

CAN I USE VITAMIN C AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL? Wait until your skin feels completely settled — usually 3 to 5 days after a peel. When you do restart, this serum is a gentler option than high-strength vitamin C, but always follow your practitioner's advice first.

This product is;

Dermatologically tested

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

Paraben-free

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding safe