How long will it take to see visible results from A-LUMINATE Brightening Serum™?

Clinical studies demonstrate that visible improvements can begin to appear within 4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use, with 86% of participants reporting brighter, more radiant skin at this timeframe. By 8 weeks, 86% of study participants experienced a noticeable reduction in the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, with 90% reporting improved overall skin appearance. Continued improvement was observed through 12 weeks of use. However, individual results will vary depending on the severity and type of your pigmentation concerns, your skin type, genetic factors, and your overall skincare regimen including sun protection compliance. For optimal results, we recommend consistent use for a minimum of 12 weeks whilst maintaining diligent daily broad-spectrum sun protection. Those with deeper, more stubborn, or hormonally-influenced pigmentation such as melasma may require longer treatment periods to achieve their desired results.

Should I use A-LUMINATE Brightening Serum™ all over my face or just on dark spots as a targeted treatment?

This serum is specifically designed to be applied to the entire face rather than used as a spot treatment, and this comprehensive application method is essential for achieving optimal results. Applying it uniformly across the whole face helps create an even, luminous complexion whilst the proprietary PATH-3 Technology works preventatively to protect against new pigmentation forming across all areas of the skin, not just where existing spots are visible. This whole-face approach is more effective than spot-treating individual areas because pigmentation concerns often extend beyond what's immediately visible to the naked eye—there may be underlying pigmentation that hasn't yet surfaced, and treating the entire face addresses both current and emerging concerns. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is specifically designed for comfortable full-face application and can also be used on other areas prone to pigmentation such as the neck, décolleté, and hands. For targeted concerns in specific areas, consistent full-face application will still deliver the corrective benefits you're seeking whilst promoting overall skin health, evenness, and radiance.

Can I use A-LUMINATE Brightening Serum™ alongside retinol or other active ingredients in my skincare routine?

Yes, A-LUMINATE can be safely and effectively incorporated into a regimen that includes retinol and other active ingredients. In fact, combining this serum with retinol can provide complementary benefits, as retinol supports cellular turnover and collagen production whilst A-LUMINATE addresses pigmentation through different mechanisms including melanin transfer inhibition and antioxidant protection. When layering multiple active products, apply A-LUMINATE after cleansing and any lightweight water-based serums, but before heavier treatments, oils, or moisturisers. If using retinol in the same routine, apply A-LUMINATE first, allow it to absorb, then follow with your retinol product. If you're new to using multiple actives together or have sensitive skin, consider introducing them gradually—perhaps using retinol in the evening only and A-LUMINATE twice daily, or alternating evenings if your skin requires a gentler approach initially. The non-irritating, hydroquinone-free formula makes it an excellent companion to other professional-grade treatments. Our skincare experts are available to provide personalised guidance on optimal product layering and routine customisation for your specific concerns and skin type.

Is daily sunscreen really necessary when using this brightening serum, and what SPF level should I use?

Absolutely—daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is not just recommended but absolutely essential and non-negotiable when addressing any form of hyperpigmentation. UV exposure is the primary environmental trigger for melanin production and can completely undermine and reverse the benefits of even the most advanced, clinically proven brightening treatments. Without adequate sun protection, new pigmentation will continue to form whilst you're working to fade existing discolouration, creating a frustrating and counterproductive cycle that prevents you from achieving your desired results. The clinical studies for A-LUMINATE included participants who used daily sunscreen as part of their regimen, which was integral to achieving the impressive 86% improvement rates demonstrated. We strongly recommend applying a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen such as Alastin's HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 or SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 every single morning as the final step in your skincare routine, regardless of weather conditions or whether you plan to spend time outdoors. Reapply every two hours if you're spending extended time outdoors, and consider additional protective measures such as wide-brimmed hats and seeking shade during peak UV hours.

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Alastin

Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum™ 29ml

Q: Can I use this serum if I have sensitive skin or am prone to irritation from brightening products?

Yes, A-LUMINATE Brightening Serum™ is specifically formulated to be non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. Unlike traditional brightening treatments that may contain harsh ingredients like hydroquinone, high concentrations of acids, or aggressive exfoliants, this formula utilises advanced encapsulated delivery systems and clinically proven yet gentle ingredients. The 12-week clinical study showed zero irritation amongst all participants, demonstrating its excellent tolerability profile. The formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free from common irritants including fragrances, parabens, sulphates, and harsh alcohols. The absence of hydroquinone and retinol makes it particularly suitable for those who cannot tolerate these more aggressive brightening agents. However, as with any new skincare product, we recommend performing a patch test before full facial application, particularly if you have a history of reactive skin, known sensitivities, or conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

Skin Types - All Skin Types, Mature, Normal, Sun Damaged, Combination, Dry, Oily, and Sensitive

£165.00

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Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum
Product Overview

Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum is a clinically proven, professional-grade antioxidant treatment that helps neutralise free radical damage whilst supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion through a stable, non-irritating, encapsulated form of Vitamin C. This advanced serum is formulated with Sodium Ascorbate delivered via a proprietary liposomal system, offering markedly greater stability and absorption than traditional L-Ascorbic Acid formulations. Alongside this novel Vitamin C complex sit 14 additional antioxidants, including Ergothioneine, Ectoin, Green Tea Extract, Lactoferrin, Physalis Angulata Extract, and Pomegranate, working together to help diminish the visible signs of environmental damage, including dullness, uneven tone, fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this physician-dispensed serum is designed to complement a daily skincare regimen as well as in-office treatments. Clinical studies demonstrate that C-Radical Defense helps reduce the effects of free radicals in the skin by up to 74%, with visible improvements in texture, tone, and luminosity reported in as little as 8 weeks, building further over a 12-week period of consistent use.

Key Benefits at a Glance:
Immediate Benefits:

Antioxidant defence — A stabilised, encapsulated Vitamin C complex begins neutralising free radicals from the first application
Lightweight hydration — Squalane and Betaine help support moisture levels without heaviness
Non-stinging formula — A balanced pH of 5.0 makes this suitable for daily use, including on sensitive or reactive skin
Smooth application — A silky serum texture absorbs quickly without residue

Long-Term Benefits:

With continued use, C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum helps to progressively brighten the look of dull, uneven-toned skin whilst supporting the skin's ability to conserve elastin. Clinical studies demonstrate that consistent use helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage, whilst refining overall skin texture and reducing the visible look of redness and brown spots.

The 15-antioxidant complex supports the skin's natural defences against environmental stressors such as UV exposure, blue light, and pollution, helping to slow the visible signs of premature ageing and making this serum an essential daily-defence step in any comprehensive skincare regimen.

How will it feel on my Skin?

This lightweight serum features a silky, fast-absorbing texture that glides easily across the skin without leaving any greasy or tacky residue. Thanks to its balanced pH of 5.0, the formula delivers antioxidant benefits without the stinging or irritation often associated with lower-pH Vitamin C serums. The serum layers comfortably under moisturiser and sunscreen, making it well suited to a daily morning routine, though it can also be incorporated into an evening regimen for additional antioxidant support.

Who is it Suitable For?

All skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin
Those concerned with dullness, uneven tone, or early signs of environmental damage
Individuals seeking a stable, non-irritating Vitamin C serum
Those looking to support skin health before and after professional treatments
Anyone wanting daily protection against UV, blue light, and pollution-driven free radical damage

Why choose C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum?

This physician-dispensed serum offers a genuine step forward in daily antioxidant protection, delivering the efficacy of a highly stable, encapsulated Vitamin C without the irritation often associated with traditional low-pH formulations. Backed by clinical data showing up to a 74% reduction in the effects of free radicals, alongside visible improvements in tone, texture, and radiance, C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum is available now from Skintique, an authorised UK Alastin stockist.

In this formula

The ingredients doing the work

NiacinamideThe multi-tasking miracle Vitamin CThe brightening powerhouse SqualaneThe skin-identical oil Tranexamic AcidThe pigmentation fighter

More Information

Size: 1.0 Fl. Oz. / 29.6 mL

Texture: Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that layers seamlessly beneath moisturiser and sunscreen

Skin Type Suitability: All skin types, including sensitive skin

Clinical Testing: 12-week clinical study demonstrating up to a 74% reduction in the effects of free radicals in the skin, with visible improvements in texture, tone, luminosity, fine lines, wrinkles and photodamage from as early as 8 weeks

Free-From Claims: Paraben-free, Sulphate-free, free from harsh alcohols and common allergens

Directions

Application: After cleansing, dispense 3–4 drops of serum into the palm of your hand. Apply evenly to the entire face, neck and décolletage, gently pressing and smoothing over the skin until fully absorbed.

Frequency: Once daily for optimal results

Timing: AM application (can also be incorporated into an evening regimen for additional antioxidant support)

Layering: Apply after cleansing, before moisturiser. Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher (such as HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen or SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen). Can be used alongside retinoids, peptides and hydrating actives, though it's best applied separately from other high-strength acids to minimise the risk of irritation.

Expert Tips: Avoid getting product in the eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. For optimal results, use consistently as part of a comprehensive brightening regimen that includes daily broad-spectrum sun protection, as UV exposure is a primary trigger for melanin production. This serum is designed for full-face application rather than spot treatment to promote overall skin evenness and prevent new pigmentation from forming.

Ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Squalane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Tranexamic Acid, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Lactoferrin, Plankton Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Pentasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Acetylhydroxyprolyl Dipeptide-12, Hexapeptide-11, Hexapeptide-12, Pentasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Dipeptide-51, Diglucosyl Gallic Acid, Phospholipids, Fructose, Betaine, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Lecithin, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Tin Oxide, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).

Please note: Formulations are updated periodically by manufacturers without notice. Therefore, the ingredient lists on this website may differ from the product packaging depending on the time and country of purchase. Please refer to your product packaging for accurate ingredient lists. A patch test before use must be carried out for suitability.

FAQ

How long will it take to see visible results from C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum?

Clinical studies demonstrate that C-Radical Defense helps reduce the effects of free radicals in the skin by up to 74%, with visible improvements in texture, tone, and luminosity beginning to appear within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use. Longer-term benefits, including visible firming and a reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation, typically develop over 8 to 12 weeks of continued use. However, individual results will vary depending on your skin type, the severity of your concerns, and your overall skincare regimen, including sun protection compliance. For optimal results, we recommend consistent daily use for a minimum of 12 weeks alongside diligent broad-spectrum sun protection.

Can I use this serum if I have sensitive skin or am prone to irritation from vitamin C products?

Yes, C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum is formulated to be well tolerated across all skin types, including sensitive skin. Unlike many vitamin C serums that rely on low-pH L-Ascorbic Acid and can cause stinging or irritation, this formula is built around an encapsulated form of Sodium Ascorbate, delivered via a stable liposomal system to minimise the irritation often associated with traditional vitamin C formulations. If you are new to vitamin C, we recommend introducing it gradually, beginning with alternate-day use before building up to a daily routine. As with any new skincare product, a patch test is recommended before full facial application, particularly if you have a history of reactive skin, known sensitivities, or conditions such as rosacea.

Should I use C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum all over my face or just on specific areas of concern?

This serum is designed to be applied to the entire face rather than used as a targeted spot treatment. Applying it uniformly across the whole face allows the 15-antioxidant complex to provide comprehensive protection against environmental stressors such as UV exposure, blue light, and pollution, wherever they occur, rather than defending only the areas where dullness or discolouration are currently visible. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is well suited to comfortable full-face application and can also be extended to other exposed areas prone to environmental damage, such as the neck and décolletage.

Can I use C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum alongside retinol or other active ingredients in my skincare routine?

Yes, C-Radical Defense can be incorporated into a routine that includes retinoids, peptides, and hydrating actives. As an antioxidant-focused serum, it is best applied in the morning, where it helps neutralise free radical damage accumulated throughout the day, whilst retinoids are typically reserved for evening use. We recommend applying it separately from other high-strength acids to minimise the risk of irritation. If you're new to combining multiple actives or have sensitive skin, our skincare experts are available to provide personalised guidance on layering and routine building for your specific needs.

Is daily sunscreen really necessary when using this antioxidant serum, and what SPF level should I use?

Yes, daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is essential alongside this serum. C-Radical Defense works to neutralise the free radicals generated by UV exposure, but it does not replace the direct protective barrier that sunscreen provides against UV radiation itself. Vitamin C and sunscreen work synergistically, with antioxidants helping to mop up the free radicals that still form despite sun protection. We recommend applying C-Radical Defense in the morning after cleansing, followed by a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen such as Alastin's HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 or SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 as the final step in your routine, regardless of weather conditions.

I'm pregnant or breastfeeding—is C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum safe to use during this time?

We recommend speaking to us before using this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please email hello@skintique.co.uk or book a consultation and our team will give you personalised advice.

Delivery

All orders are sent via a tracked service and you will be emailed a tracking number once dispatched.

Express delivery is available for some brands at an extra cost with a cut off time of 2pm and subject to stock.

Express delivery and high-value orders over £100 are sent with a Tracked 24 signed for delivery.

Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 working days and is estimated to be delivered after dispatch within 2-4 working days for standard shipping and 1-3 working days on an express service. Subject to stock availablity.

Cut-off for standard shipping orders is 3:30 pm (2:00pm Fridays) subject to stock.

Orders placed after 2pm on Fridays will not be dispatched until the following Monday subject to the above schedule.

Please see our full Shipping policy
Please see our full Returns policy.

Clinically proven pigmentation reduction — Helps minimise the appearance of all forms of unwanted discolouration including dark spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and brown patches, with 86% of clinical study participants experiencing visible improvement in dark spots and discolouration after 8 weeks of consistent use, resulting in a more even, balanced complexion.
Prevents pigmentation recurrence with PATH-3 Technology — Proprietary PATH-3 Technology works beyond surface correction to help minimise the recurrence of pigmentation and protect against future damage with continued use, offering a preventative approach that addresses the root causes of hyperpigmentation rather than simply masking existing concerns.
Reduces accompanying redness and inflammation — Improves the appearance of redness that often accompanies hyperpigmentation through anti-inflammatory ingredients including niacinamide and lactoferrin, promoting a more balanced, even-toned complexion whilst supporting overall skin health and comfort.
Enhances skin brightness and luminosity — Delivers visible radiance with 86% of clinical study participants reporting brighter, more radiant skin after just 4 weeks of use, achieved through a combination of active brightening ingredients and optical brighteners that provide both immediate and progressive luminosity.
Non-irritating daily formula suitable for sensitive skin — Hydroquinone and retinol-free formulation designed for twice-daily use on all skin types including sensitive skin, with 12-week clinical studies demonstrating zero irritation, making it a safe and effective long-term solution for pigmentation concerns without the harsh side effects associated with traditional brightening treatments.

The efficacy of C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum lies in its sophisticated multi-modal approach to neutralising oxidative stress at various stages of environmental damage. The formulation is built around a stabilised, encapsulated form of Sodium Ascorbate, which overcomes the instability that typically limits traditional L-Ascorbic Acid, allowing the ingredient to absorb into the skin 20 times more efficiently and remain active within the formulation for longer. Once delivered into the skin, Sodium Ascorbate helps inhibit tyrosinase activity, the key enzyme responsible for melanin production, whilst simultaneously supporting the skin's collagen synthesis pathways. Clinical studies demonstrate that this scientifically validated approach helps reduce the effects of free radicals in the skin by up to 74%, with visible improvements in texture, tone, and luminosity reported within 8 weeks and continued benefit through 12 weeks of consistent use.

The serum's broader 15-antioxidant complex represents a layered defence system, addressing the multiple environmental pathways that drive premature ageing rather than relying on a single active alone. Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) and Ergothioneine work to neutralise free radicals whilst supporting the skin's own cellular energy reserves, and Ectoin forms a protective shield around skin cells, helping to defend against UV radiation, blue light, and pollution-induced damage by stabilising cell membranes under environmental stress. Green Tea Extract further scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) whilst helping to up-regulate the skin's own antioxidant enzyme systems, building longer-term cellular resilience rather than offering protection in the moment alone.

The synergistic combination of ingredients creates a comprehensive defence system against oxidative triggers whilst supporting the skin's natural repair and renewal processes. Physalis Angulata Extract works as an anti-inflammatory, aiding the skin's ability to repair collagen and amplifying its natural defence against free radical damage, whilst Carnosine inhibits glycation, the process by which sugar molecules bind to collagen and cause it to stiffen and lose elasticity over time. Lactoferrin provides additional protection by helping to reduce excess iron accumulation in the skin, a lesser-known but significant driver of oxidative stress, whilst Centella Asiatica helps calm visible redness and supports the skin's natural repair process. Together, these mechanisms work to progressively brighten the complexion, refine texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage, delivering both daily protective benefit and long-term corrective results supported by clinical evidence.