Vitamin C & Polyglutamic Acid Advanced Renewal Facial Serum 30ml: Brightening and hydrating serum
Dr. Botanicals is the award-winning botanical skincare brand from London. Ethically sourced plant ingredients, cruelty-free formulations, crafted with the UK's botanical heritage in mind.
Why you'll love it
Polyglutamic Acid holds substantially more water than hyaluronic acid can
Vitamin C sits second in the formula, immediately after water
Skin looks brighter and more even with consistent morning use
Fine lines look plumped, with the effect lasting longer than a hyaluronic serum
Allantoin soothes, so a brightening serum does not sensitize
Weightless and oil-free, so it layers under anything
A stable Vitamin C that does not sting or turn brown in the bottle
What it is
A brightening serum that pairs a well-chosen Vitamin C with Polyglutamic Acid - a humectant most people have not heard of and which outperforms the one everybody has.
Polyglutamic Acid is a peptide derived from fermented soy. Its distinguishing property is water-holding capacity: it binds several times more water than hyaluronic acid, and it forms a light film at the surface that slows evaporation. In practice that means the plumping effect lasts longer through the day rather than fading by mid-morning, which is the usual complaint about hyaluronic acid used alone.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate sits second in the formula - one of the gentlest and most stable forms of Vitamin C, chosen because it does not sting, does not oxidize within weeks and can therefore be used daily.
Key ingredients
Polyglutamic Acid
A peptide derived from fermented soy that binds several times more water than hyaluronic acid and forms a light film slowing evaporation.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)
One of the gentlest and most stable forms of Vitamin C, second in the formula. It brightens the look of dull, uneven skin and rarely stings.
Allantoin
A soothing, skin-conditioning ingredient that keeps skin calm through a brightening routine.
Glycerin & Propanediol
Two humectants that hydrate and carry the actives, keeping the texture weightless.
Who it's for
This serum is for anyone whose skin looks dull and feels dehydrated, and particularly for anyone who has found hyaluronic acid serums wear off by mid-morning.
The oil-free texture suits all skin types including oily and combination. Because it contains Vitamin C, daily SPF matters - sun exposure undoes brightening work faster than any product builds it.
What to expect
Skin feels hydrated within seconds and looks plumper, with the effect holding noticeably longer through the day than a hyaluronic-only serum. Brightening is gradual: improved radiance within three to four weeks, with tone looking more even between six and eight weeks.
How to use
Apply three to four drops to clean, slightly damp skin every morning.
Slightly damp skin gives the humectants water to draw on. Press over the face and neck, allow to absorb, then follow with your moisturizer to seal the hydration in. Always finish with SPF. Can also be used in the evening.
Product attributes
Brand: Dr. Botanicals
Product name: Advanced Facial Serum with 3% Vitamin C & Polyglutamic Acid 30ml
Product type: Brightening and hydrating serum
Size: 30ml
Cruelty-free: Yes
Is it vegan: Yes
Contains SPF: No
Key actives: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Polyglutamic Acid
Supporting ingredients: Allantoin, Glycerin and Propanediol
Primary concerns: Dullness, uneven tone, dehydration and fine lines
Suitable for: All skin types, including oily and sensitive
Texture: Weightless, oil-free serum
Finish: Invisible and non-tacky
Routine position: After cleansing, before moisturizer
Recommended use: Every morning, or twice daily
Application areas: Face and neck
Frequently asked questions
What is Polyglutamic Acid?
A peptide derived from fermented soy. It binds several times more water than hyaluronic acid and forms a light film that slows evaporation.
Is it better than hyaluronic acid?
For duration, yes - the plumping effect holds longer through the day. Many formulas use both, since they work at slightly different levels.
Should I apply it to damp skin?
Yes. Humectants need water to draw on, so apply within a minute of cleansing.
Will it sting?
It shouldn't. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is one of the gentlest stabilized forms of Vitamin C.
Do I need SPF?
Yes. Sun exposure undoes brightening work faster than any product builds it.
Do I need a moisturizer on top?
Yes. Humectants pull water into the surface; a moisturizer stops it evaporating.
Can I use it with Retinol?
Yes. Use this in the morning and your Retinol in the evening.
Is it vegan?
Yes. All the ingredients in this formula are plant-derived, fermented or synthetic.
Morning or evening?
Morning is best for the Vitamin C, though it works either way.
Caution:
This is a cosmetic product for external use only, and all results will be temporary; individual results may vary. Carry out a patch test before application, and do not apply to broken, damaged, or sunburnt skin. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. If redness, irritation, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare practitioner. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new skin treatment, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. Do not ingest. Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, and keep out of the reach of children.
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