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Pai Skincare UK
  • Vegan
  • Powered By Green Chemistry
  • Cruelty Free
BRIGHTEN
Pai Labs Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Pai Labs Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Pai Labs booster drops
Pai Labs Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Pai Labs Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster
Pai Labs booster drops

Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster

£19.00
10ml / 0.3 fl.oz

Concentrated Vitamin C booster that won't irritate even the most sensitive skin.

Benefits:

  • Brightens
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Protects

GUIDE TO LAYERING:

Step 1: Cleanser
Middlemist Seven Cream Cleanser

Middlemist Seven™ Cream Cleanser

£34.00
/ 150ml / 5.0 fl.oz
Step 2: Booster
Pai Labs Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster

Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster

£19.00
/ 10ml / 0.3 fl.oz
Step 3: Moisturiser
Pai Skincare C-2 Believe Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser

C-2 Believe™ Brightening Vitamin C Moisturiser

£49.00
/ 50ml / 1.7 fl.oz

Add full routine - save 10%

Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster

£19.00
Why You'll Love It

A FORCE OF NATURE TO BRIGHTEN DULL SKIN

Supercharge your skincare with this concentrated 20% Vitamin C booster, designed to brighten, even out skin tone and defend against daily environmental damage. Our oil-soluble formula uses Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, a stabilised form of Vitamin C sourced from corn that's inherently stable. No pH manipulation, no stabiliser cocktails. It's as potent at the last drop as the first.

Because it's oil-soluble, it has a natural affinity for your skin's lipid structures, absorbing more effectively than traditional water-soluble Vitamin C. Once inside skin cells, it slowly converts to active ascorbic acid, providing sustained antioxidant protection throughout the day rather than a brief spike that fades within hours.

The result? One of the highest concentrations on the market, with zero pH-related irritation. Mix 1–2 drops into your existing moisturiser, serum or face oil to step up your routine. Your skin, your call.

The base isn't just a carrier either. Prickly pear seed oil brings exceptionally high Vitamin E and linoleic acid for barrier support, blueberry seed oil adds omega fatty acids and extra antioxidant protection, and sunflower seed oil rounds it out with phytosterols to help keep skin hydrated and happy.

Fragrance-free, essential oil-free and 96-hour patch tested for sensitive skin.

  • Recommended for

    All skin types

  • Routine

    Day

Pai Skincare UK
Key ingredients

  • Vitamin C

    Antioxidant Vitamin C - AKA Ascorbic Acid - is well known for its skin-brightening benefits. We source ours from corn, which is then stabilised in a high percentage that slowly releases on the skin for maximum results.

Full Ingredients

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil* (sunflower oil), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Coconut Alkanes, Opuntia Ficus-indica Seed Oil (prickly pear seed oil), Heptyl Undecylenate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil (bilberry), Tocopherol* (vitamin e).

63.8% Organic (of total, minus water and minerals) / 100% natural origin.

*Organic

Pai Skincare UK
How to Use

Add 1–2 drops into your moisturiser, serum or face oil, blend together, and apply as normal. That's it. Two drops, one seriously bright upgrade to whatever you're already using.

Best used in the morning, when your skin can make the most of the all-day antioxidant protection against UV and environmental stress. You can use it in the evening too, but daytime is where this booster really earns its keep.

Want to go neat? Apply 1–2 drops directly to dry, cleansed skin, then layer the rest of your routine on top.

If your skin runs extra sensitive, start with 1 drop blended into your product of choice. Build up gradually as your skin settles in. Because this is oil-soluble vitamin C (no acid pH involved), it's far gentler than traditional vitamin C serums, but there's no harm in easing in.

Pairs beautifully with C-2 Believe Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser for a full brightening routine.

Recycling

Say no to landfill! Let's recycle everything! - Sarah

Unscrew the dropper and remove it from the bottle. Gently pull the glass pipette out of the dropper. After rinsing, place the glass bottle and pipette into your household recycling. Place the dropper and rubber bulb into your Pai mailer for return delivery to us.

All Pai boxes, cartons, sleeves and inserts can be recycled with your household paper recycling.

The majority of your Pai packaging can be recycled at home, but some components need specialist recycling. We've partnered with a specialist programme to make this as easy as possible for our UK customers.

Keep your Pai mailer box (it can be flat packed for easy storage). Fill it with the packaging elements you can't recycle at home, and clearly label the box RECYCLING. Create your free returns label and drop it off at the post office.

Please note we are unable to accept glass or non-Pai packaging. Glass bottles can be separated and placed into your household recycling.

If you are in the UK and unsure what your local services accept, visit recyclenow.com.

Sarah Brown, Pai Founder

"Vitamin C is one of skincare’s greatest glow-givers – so why should sensitive skin miss out? This powerhouse protects from free radicals as well as improving the appearance of dark spots - hello, brighter skin. Add in its ability to promote collagen production and enhance skin texture and you’ll see why it’s a must-have."

SARAH BROWN
FOUNDER, PAI SKINCARE

Frequently Asked Questions

What skin concerns is this booster best for, and who should choose it over other Pai brightening products?

This booster is designed for dull, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It delivers a concentrated 20% dose of a single active, so it's ideal if you want to add targeted brightening power to products you already love.

If you'd prefer an all-in-one moisturiser with vitamin C built in, C-2 Believe is the easier route. For overnight brightening, Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil works while you sleep. And for targeted dark spots specifically, Fade Forward is your best bet.

How do I use this booster?

Add 1 to 2 drops into your daily moisturiser, serum, or face oil and apply as normal. It's best used in the daytime for antioxidant protection against UV and environmental damage, but works in the evening too. It's compatible with all Pai moisturisers and other skincare brands.

Is this suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, and this is one of its biggest advantages. Because ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate doesn't require acid stabilisation, there's zero pH-related irritation, even at a 20% concentration. It's been independently 96-hour patch tested on sensitive skin, and the formula is fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and non-comedogenic.

Can I use this during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes. This booster is confirmed safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, no essential oils, and no ingredients flagged for use during pregnancy.

Can I use this booster alongside other actives like retinoid, niacinamide, or AHAs?

Yes. Because this is oil-soluble and pH-neutral, it doesn't clash with other actives the way water-soluble vitamin C can. You can mix it into your moisturiser alongside niacinamide without issue, and it pairs well with Pai's Retinoid 0.3% Booster if you use vitamin C in the morning and retinoid in the evening. If you use AHAs or exfoliants, just apply them at a different step rather than mixing directly.

Why is this only 10ml?

Because you only need 1 to 2 drops per use, 10ml goes a long way. The booster format is designed to be highly concentrated rather than diluted into a larger bottle, so every drop delivers the full 20% vitamin C dose directly where your skin needs it.

How long before I see results from this vitamin C booster?

Antioxidant protection starts immediately with each application, since the slow-release mechanism provides sustained free radical defence throughout the day. For visible brightening and more even tone, published research on the active ingredient showed measurable suppression of pigmentation within 3 weeks. Wrinkle reduction was significant after 8 weeks in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials across 69 subjects using lower concentrations (1 to 3%) than this booster's 20%.

What do the supporting oils in the formula actually do?

Prickly pear seed oil delivers exceptionally high vitamin E (around 150% more than argan oil) plus linoleic acid to support your skin's ceramide production and barrier function. Blueberry seed oil adds omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids alongside anthocyanin antioxidants for a secondary layer of free radical protection. These aren't inert carriers; they actively enhance the formula's performance.

What certifications does this product have?

It's COSMOS Organic certified, Vegan Society certified, and Leaping Bunny cruelty-free. It's also free from parabens, silicones, sulfates, alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, and gluten. Pai is a certified B Corp as we try to be ethical about everything!

How does the slow-release mechanism work?

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is a prodrug, meaning it only becomes active vitamin C once it's inside your skin cells. After penetrating through the stratum corneum, intracellular esterases gradually cleave the molecule to release free ascorbic acid over hours, providing sustained antioxidant protection rather than the brief spike-and-decline of water-soluble forms. This slow conversion also activates Nrf2, your skin's master antioxidant regulator, which boosts your cells' own defence systems beyond what the vitamin C molecule alone provides.

What clinical evidence supports this ingredient for brightening?

A clinical study on 22 subjects found that topical ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate suppressed UVB-induced skin pigmentation after just 3 weeks, with the mechanism attributed to its reduction of reactive oxygen species that trigger melanocyte activation (Ochiai et al., 2006). Cell culture studies confirmed it inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that drives melanin production, at concentrations as low as 0.02%, working dose-dependently to suppress melanin synthesis. This booster delivers 20% concentration, far above the levels shown to be effective in published research.

What makes this Vitamin C booster different from other Vitamin C serums?

Most vitamin C serums use water-soluble L-ascorbic acid, which degrades quickly after opening and requires low pH levels that sting sensitive skin. This booster uses ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, an oil-soluble form that's inherently stable with no pH manipulation needed, so potency is guaranteed from the first drop to the last. Published research confirms skin cells absorb approximately 10x the concentration versus equivalent L-ascorbic acid, and the active remains in cells 40 to 80x longer.

Overall rating: 4.837104 / 5 from 221 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This Stabilised Vitamin C 20% Brightening Booster is a highly concentrated, all-natural formula designed for sensitive skin. It offers significant brightening benefits, improves skin tone, and provides a healthy glow. The lightweight oil formula is fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.

Summary topics

  • Vitamin C Effectiveness (6%): Customers expressed appreciation for the vitamin C, stating it is the best they have ever used.
  • Oil Formula (6%): Customers loved this vitamin C oil for its lightweight formula and ability to keep fine lines at bay.
  • Skin Feel (16%): Based on a significant number of customers, this product makes their skin feel amazing and nourished.
  • Skin Look (11%): Customers keep praising how this product makes their skin look healthier, fresher, and glowing.
  • Product Booster (14%): It was noted by customers that this booster is great, brilliant, and the best they have used.

Review topics: ["smell","weight","results","issues","feels","improvement","skin","price","texture","looks","glow","booster","oil","irritation","spots","serum","bottle","complexion","formula","difference","face","amount","breakouts","vitamin c","consistency","redness","compliments","use","light","hydration"].

Review highlights

  • "I have had no reaction and my skin definitely looks brighter with a subtle glow." — Gail G.
  • "My skin looks healthier and brighter and a little goes a long way." — Kate S.
  • "Just a few drops of this and my skin feels more balanced and ready to deal with the cold dry air of winter." — Bpie

Reviews

Lovely

"Feels lovely on the skin combined with another facial oil"

— Fiona D. (5/5)

It is very good

"My skin looks much better now"

— Maria R. (4/5)

Vit C booster

"Happy with the serum, a little goes a long way. Too soon to see any results yet"

— Chantelle K. (4/5)

Radient & bright

"I've not had the chance to use my brightening booster yet."

— Joan H. (5/5)

Have not used it long

"Have not used it long enough, but so far my skin feels soft."

— Darja K. (5/5)

Excellent

"I can a difference"

— ORIT M. (5/5)

Great with C2 Believe

"Works well with the C2 Believe in boosting the smoothness of the moisturiser and aiding glow"

— Georgina J. (5/5)

Vitamin c booster

"This works great for brightening. Works well together with other boosters and regular moisturizer."

— Martha F. (5/5)

Gentle and I think effective

"Hasn’t made my mildly sensitive skin react, I think it has helped with brightening and I’ve been using in combination with the peptides booster in the evening. Anything to stave off the pregnancy related glow-down!"

— Sophie G. (5/5)

Love it

"Perfect to mix up my skincare routine"

— Nancy H. (5/5)

Q&A

Will this Vitamin C booster break down SPF? Asking as oil tends to do that and do not want to waste product!
Hi Kirsten, Our Vitamin C Booster will not break down SPF. Rather, Vitamin C is great teamed with SPF during the day as it further protects the skin from free radicals from UV rays. Alternatively, you can apply the Booster on to the skin first and allow it to absorb and then follow with applying SPF on top. Pai Customer Experience Team
Hi there! Am 42 years old would like you to recommend me a suitable face oil or serum am looking for a natural skin-brightening properties help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars, unveiling a luminous and balanced complexion. Thank you
Hi Rasmi, Thank you for getting in touch. You can use Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C booster as an overnight treatment a few times a week. You can add in [Vitamin C Booster](https://www.paiskincare.com/products/vitamin-c-booster) to The Anthemis Moisturiser on the other nights and repeat this step for the daytime too. We also have C-2 Believe Moisturiser that you can add Vitamin C booster to. Customer Experience Team Member
Hi there, can you use this at the same time as the SALICYLIC ACID CLARIFYING BOOSTER? Thanks so much!
Hi Colette, Thank you for getting in touch. You can use both boosters but I would suggest using Salicyclic Acid Booster at night and Vitamin C Booster for the day. You may also like to add Vitamin C booster to your Rosehip Oil in the evening. Remember to use your SPF if using Salicylic Acid Booster.
I was to purchase this but studies I've read suggest that L'ascorbic acid is much more effective than "ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE", although less stable. What is the evidence that suggest that ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE is effective?
Hi Mihir! Thanks for your question. Ascorbic Acid is an unstable form of vitamin C and needs to be stabilized by other ingredients in the formulation which can increase the risk of skin irritation. It also does not penetrate the skin well, so you can never be sure what level of Vitamin C your skin is actually getting in any single application. We use Ascorbyl Tetroisopalmitate which remains stable on your skin so you receive a guaranteed dosage in every application. It's slow-releasing throughout the day which is more suitable for sensitive skin and provides better antioxidant support to prevent free radical damage over the course of a day. We hope this helps but please [contact us directly](https://support.paiskincare.com/hc/en-gb/requests/new) if you have any further questions. Pai Customer Experience Team
Is it suitable for eczema?
Hi Isabelle! Our Vitamin C Booster has been independently patch-tested to ensure suitability for Eczema-prone and sensitive skin. Customer Experience Team
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