Name: C15+Ferulic Derma Bright Serum
Brand: SkinQ Rx

Indication

Tan correction, hyperpigmentation, dullness on wheatish-to-dark Indian skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI). Indicated as Step 2 in the Pigmentation Protocol — AM only — applied each morning after cleansing. The antioxidant correction layer that intercepts UV-driven melanogenesis before exposure begins.

Composition

Active	Form / Type	Purity	Function
L-Ascorbic Acid	Pure Vitamin C	99.9%	Tyrosinase inhibition; tan reduction; UV antioxidant
Ferulic Acid	Plant phenolic	99.5%	Doubles antioxidant potency; stabilises L-Ascorbic Acid
Indian Gooseberry / Emblica	Phyllanthus Emblica	—	Botanical Vitamin C amplifier; PIH on darker skin
Niacinamide	Vitamin B3	99.4%	Melanosome transfer block; barrier reinforcement
Sodium Hyaluronate	Dual MW HA	95.04%	Hydration carrier; +59% moisture at 28 days

No mineral oil, no alcohol, no artificial fragrance.

Mechanism of Action

A dual antioxidant system validated for wheatish-to-dark Indian skin — Vitamin C 15% stabilised by Ferulic Acid, paired with tyrosinase inhibitors and barrier actives that build cumulative correction without irritation.

L-Ascorbic Acid (99.9%) — gold-standard Vitamin C, directly inhibits tyrosinase, suppresses melanin synthesis, neutralises UV-triggered free radicals. Drives the −16.6% tan reduction and +2% L* brightening at 28 days.

Ferulic Acid (99.5%) — doubles antioxidant potency by scavenging superoxide, hydroxyl, and singlet oxygen species. Physically stabilises L-Ascorbic Acid in formulation, extending shelf-life and skin-contact efficacy.

Emblica + Niacinamide (99.4%) — second-stage correction. Emblica documented for efficacy on Indian/darker Fitzpatrick skin tones. Niacinamide blocks melanosome transfer downstream of tyrosinase inhibition.

Sodium Hyaluronate (95.04%) — moisture delivery system. Critical in brightening protocol because dehydrated skin increases TEM and reduces active penetration. Drives +59% hydration at 28 days.

Dosage & Administration

Apply in the morning only — Vitamin C is optimised for AM use to intercept UV and free radical damage throughout the day.
Apply to clean, dry skin after Skin Balance Gentle Cleanser. Dispense 3–4 drops, press evenly across face, neck, and décolletage.
Allow 60–90 seconds for full absorption — should feel dry to touch before next step.
Follow immediately with Photo Defense SPF50+ — mandatory, not optional.

Frequency

AM Daily. No rest days needed. Daily use is required for the cumulative 28-day correction measured in the study. Inconsistent application reduces results.

Protocol Position

Step 1Cleanse

Step 2 AMThis Product

Step 3 PMAHA Serum

Step 4 · 2× wkMask

Step 2 AM in the Pigmentation Protocol. Vitamin C is AM-only; AHA correction (Derma Bright AHA Serum) runs PM. AM/PM split avoids interaction between ascorbic acid and AHA at lower pH.

Onset Expectation

4–6 weeks for visible de-tan. Melanin correction is cumulative. Study measured at 28 days with consistent daily use. Set patient expectation accordingly. Skipping SPF or inconsistent use significantly reduces results.

Mandatory AM SPF

Photo Defense SPF50+ is non-negotiable. Vitamin C and brightening actives increase photosensitivity. Skipping SPF while using this serum will counteract correction and may worsen tan rebound. Always complete the AM stack: Serum → SPF.

Clinical Evidence

N=34 · IN-VIVO · Wheatish–dark Indian skin · Colorimeter · Mexameter · Corneometer · Profilometry · 28-day study

−16.6%

Tan reduction (ΔE*) · Colorimeter · 28 days

+2%

Brightening (L*) · Colorimeter · 28 days

+59%

Hydration · Corneometer · 28 days

+29.4%

Smoothness · Profilometry · 28 days

0 AE

Across all 34 subjects

View full clinical study: 28-Day Brightening & Tan Reduction Study →

Adverse Events

0 AE reported across 34 subjects. No sensitisation or irritation observed despite high-dose Vitamin C content.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight — Vitamin C oxidises on light exposure. Tightly close cap after use to limit air exposure. Use within 3 months of opening for optimal efficacy. Do not freeze.

C15+FerulicDerma Bright Serum

Pair with these products

Prescribe the Pigmentation Protocol

C15+Ferulic
Derma Bright Serum