Being 25, and living in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where the daily rush between home, work, and endless traffic leaves my skin battling dust, humidity, and that stubborn post-acne dullness, I’ve always been picky about my vitamin C serum. My combination-sensitive skin—oily T-zone from the heat, dry cheeks from air-conditioned offices, and dark spots that linger like uninvited guests—has seen its share of disappointments. Then I came across the PHD Beauty 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum. What convinced me to order it? First, the fact that it’s dermatologically approved by global experts, including Dr. Anupriya Goel, right on the product page. Second, the brand name—Proven Honest Derma Beauty—struck a chord. As a woman who values honesty in skincare, I was drawn to how openly they share every ingredient, pH level, and study result. They don’t just promise—they prove. After using it daily for over a month, I can say they’ve lived up to their name. Here’s my full, real experience as a busy woman in Lucknow.
PHD Beauty 10% Vitamin C
Brightening Serum
From Proven Honest Derma Beauty (PHD), this serum is crafted with
input from dermatologists like Dr. Anupriya Goel to gently tackle dullness,
dark spots, and uneven tone. The star is 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable,
skin-friendly vitamin C serum that
doesn’t oxidise quickly, paired with ferulic acid for enhanced stability and
antioxidant protection. It also includes coenzyme Q10 to repair daily damage,
2% niacinamide to control oil and refine pores, 2% N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG)
for hydration and spot fading, Tasmanian pepper extract to calm redness, and
allantoin for barrier support.
Fragrance-free, with a pH of 3–4, dermatologically tested, and Indian
FDA-approved, it’s lightweight, absorbs fast, and is perfect for women juggling
busy mornings in humid, polluted cities. The 30 ml bottle is practical and
efficient for real-life routines.
Price?
At ₹629 (after 10% off the MRP of ₹699) on phdbeauty.com, it’s
genuinely affordable for working women. You’ll find it on Amazon.in or Flipkart
at similar prices, sometimes lower during sales. Compared to imported serums
over ₹1,000, this is a steal. Bundle discounts—20% off on two, 32% on three or
more—make it even better. At roughly ₹20 per use, it’s value that fits a
sensible budget.
Packaging and Buying
Experience
I ordered straight from the product page on the official website—drawn
in by the transparent ingredient list, pH details, and the 4-week consumer
study. Payment via UPI was instant, and since my order crossed ₹500, shipping
was free. It shipped within two business days and reached Lucknow in four
business days via standard courier. The package arrived in perfect condition: a
simple, recyclable outer box with just enough padding. Inside, the tinted
maroon glass bottle with a precise dropper was intact—no leaks, no damage. The
dark glass prevents oxidation, and the dropper gives exactly 2–3 drops. For a
non-metro city like ours, the delivery was prompt and reliable—everything
arrived ready to use, no fuss.
My Likes About Product
This serum checks every box for a busy woman’s routine. The stable 10%
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid + ferulic ensures lasting potency. Soothing actives—2%
niacinamide, 2% NAG, Tasmanian pepper, allantoin—keep irritation away, even on
sensitive days. It’s fragrance-free, pH 3–4, derm-tested, Indian FDA-approved.
It hydrates without greasiness, layers perfectly under sunscreen or makeup, and
the 30 ml lasts 4–5 weeks. Their 4-week study showed 98% instant glow, 97% spot
reduction—and I felt that. The tinted glass + dropper keeps it fresh, and
bundle discounts + ~₹20 per use make it a smart, honest investment.
My Use Experience
With my combination-sensitive skin, I started cautiously—patch test on
the jawline for two days, no reaction. Now, every morning after cleansing, I
apply 2–3 drops, pat gently across my face and neck, wait 30 seconds, then
layer moisturiser and SPF 50. The watery-gel texture glides on smoothly,
absorbs in under a minute, and leaves a subtle dewy glow—never heavy, even in
Lucknow’s humidity.
Week One: Hydration
kicked in, dullness faded, skin felt plumper after long workdays. Week two:
texture improved, pores looked refined, redness calmed from stress or heat. By
week four: dark spots softened, tone evened out, foundation went on smoother—I
even skipped concealer some days. No dryness, no flaking—it actually
strengthened my barrier. Side effects? Only mild purging—two tiny bumps in week
one that cleared fast. Zero irritation, stinging, burning, or sensitivity. It
doesn’t pill under makeup, doesn’t feel tacky in heat, and works beautifully
with SPF. My skin feels protected, balanced, and genuinely brighter—like I’ve
had a good night’s sleep.
●
How Many Days One Bottle Lasts for Me
Using 2–3 drops daily on my face and neck, one 30 ml bottle lasted me
exactly 38 days—that’s 5 weeks and 3 days of consistent morning use. I tracked
it closely, and even with occasional extra drops on stubborn spots, it never
ran out early. At this rate, it’s perfect for a monthly skincare budget.
●
Is This a Value Product?
Absolutely. For under ₹700, you get a stable, multi-benefit formula
backed by science and real results. It’s ~₹20 per use, lasts nearly 40 days,
and delivers on glow, spot reduction, and hydration—without the premium price
tag.
My Recommendation
If you’re a woman in Lucknow or any Indian city juggling work, family,
and skincare, and want a gentle, effective vitamin C serum that lives up to its
name, this is it. Perfect for combination-sensitive skin, beginners, or anyone
who values honesty and results. Skip if you want ultra-high potency or thick
texture. I rate it 4.5/5—could use a pump, but it’s reliable, transparent, and
results-driven. Pair with SPF, stay consistent, and watch the glow build.