Dr Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum Review – Power of Vitamins

Dr Althea rose through the K-beauty world first with this famous, golden serum. Infused with 63% sea buckthorn extract, it was heralded as the perfect addition for sensitive skincare and reducing dark spots and scars. First released in 2022, it’s been around for 4 years now – (reformulated once in 2024), but how does it hold up against all other vitamin C serums in the market? 

So, what first made this serum number 1 on its release? It was the simple pivot of a vitamin C serum, designed specifically to be sensitive and gentle on the skin. Pure vitamin C commonly causes skin irritation (from flushed/redness to burning to stinging to outbreaks, especially on sensitive skin). 

Instead, Dr Althea used high-concentration sea buckthorn extract (rich in not only vitamin C, but other vitamins and flavonoids to boost skin glow), which created a gentle formula for the skin whilst maintaining a high vitamin C benefit. Sea buckthorn also is high in vitamin A (retinol) which helps stimulate collagen production and smooth fine lines as well as hydrating vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation and improve moisture. 

Now that many vitamin C serums have picked up the use of sea buckthorn, however, is there still a place for Dr Althea’s serum in 2026? Let’s put it to the test to see if it still ticks boxes and gives real results. 

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides – 63%): refreshing berry extract that is rich in vitamin A, C & E to deliver brightness, hydration, reduce scarring and dark spots. 

Centella asciatica leaf water: soothing and hydrating extract that helps improves skin redness and reduces inflammation.  

Niacinamide: brightening vitamin B3 that helps reduce dark spots and smooth uneven textures, whilst leaving skin with a radiant glow. 

Tranexamic acid: restorative and brightening agent that helps remove stubborn dark spots and scars, whilst helping improve skin circulation. 

Fig extract: refreshing and soothing fruit extract that helps boost skin cell healing and balance oily skin. 

Sodium hyaluronate: plumping and hydrating molecule that helps draw moisture into skin cells and improve fine lines. 

Panthenol: hydrating and soothing vitamin B5 that helps improve skin strength and re-balance and protect sensitive skin. 

Adenosine: revitalizing molecule that helps stimulate cell energy and boost collagen production for smoother and more youthful skin. 

Vitamin C (pure): plumping and healing antioxidant that helps protect the skin barrier, improve fine lines and induces a gentle radiance.  

Bifida ferment lysate: rich, probiotic mixture that helps soften skin, reduce redness and irritation and re-build skin structure for a healthy glow. 

Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10): potent antioxidant that helps restore cellular energy, protect against UV radiation and refresh cell metabolism for renewed skin energy. 

This gentle vitamin C serum is designed to be soft and refreshing for a variety of skin types. It is generally safe for sensitive skin, but if you do tend to react to serums you can check out the Dr Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum, instead.

Otherwise, this serum is ideal for those with fine lines, dark spots and uneven skin textures.

I love a good vitamin C serum. The gentle glow and life it brings to your skin is unparalleled and a compulsory part of my self-care routine in the PM. This sensitive vitamin C serum slid seamlessly into my PM routine and was genuinely one of the gentlest vitamin C products I've tried so far.

There's none of the usual vitamin C ‘burn’ or redness, and instead the serum comes with a variety of hydrating, lightweight ingredients that helps nourish and soften skin texture. It dramatically improved fading of stubborn dark spots and excitingly shows off the sheer power of purified sea buckthorn extract on its own.

In just two weeks, it helped smooth out stubborn skin marks, improved my general glow and boosted fine lines around my eyes for improved hydration and nourishment.

It is a genuinely gentle serum, which makes it suitable for a variety of skin types (especially if you aren't a fan of burns or tingling in your routine). It's also safe for oily and acne-prone skin, allowing you to enjoy that vitamin C radiance without concern.

So, does the Dr Althea Vitamin C Boosting serum stand up against modern vitamin C serums? In short, it really does. It's a gentle, simple formula that is well designed for a variety of skin types (oily, acne-prone, sensitive, dry) and gives you the rich benefit of vitamin C without any of the irritation.

There's plenty of new vitamin C serums on the market - but if you are after gentle formula and great results, I don't think there's a rival just yet.

Want to explore the best of K-Beauty? Check out the amazing range of Korean beauty available on Arktastic! We stock only the best, so that you can tighten up your routine and keep the glow.

Want to learn more about your favourite K-Beauty? Check out our guide to the origins of Dr Althea or check out our guide to the best of vitamin C serums in K-Beauty.

Is Dr Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum good for sensitive skin? 
Yes, unlike stronger and irritating vitamin C serums, Dr Althea’s formula focuses on hydration and soothing elements to bring out the best of sea buckthorn extract without the usual vitamin C burn. 

What does Dr Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum do? 
Rich in a variety of skin-healing vitamins, this rich and hydrating serum helps improve uneven skin textures, reduce appearance of dark spots, clear fine lines and help strengthen the skin barrier for a healthy, refreshed glow. 

Can Dr Althea Vitamin C serum help with acne scars? 
It can help fade post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation over time when used consistently in your skincare routine. It’s best used in an AM routine, as it also helps deliver protection to the skin from UV radiation. 

How Often should I use Dr Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum? 
Most users can use the serum once daily with nil irritation and to get maximum effect. More sensitive skin users can use 2-3x weekly (every other day), or extremely sensitive skincare users should look into the Dr Althea Gentle Vitamin C serum for that extra element of care. 

What Skin Type is the Dr Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum for? 
Most very popular K-Beauty skincare products are designed for a variety of skincare types, and this serum is not different. It’s hydrating and compatible with oily skin, acne-prone skin, fine lines and mature skin and dry skin types. 

Can I use Dr Althea Vitamin C serum with Retinol? 
Yes, but to limit irritation it’s best to use the vitamin C serum in the AM and the retinol in the PM routine to maximize effect of both (without risking skin biome integrity). 

How long does it take to see results with Dr Althea Vitamin C serum? 
Many users quickly notice changes to glow and skin hydration in the first few days, however stubborn dark spots and uneven textures can take up to 6 weeks to improve and 12 weeks to fade well.