FAQs
Q1. What does iS Clinical Brightening Serum do, and how is it different from a general Vitamin C serum?
A1. The Brightening Serum is specifically formulated for hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and enlarged pores — going beyond the antioxidant protection of a standard vitamin C serum by including melanin-inhibiting actives that target dark spots at the cellular level. It also improves overall surface radiance without the instability or irritation issues common to high-concentration ascorbic acid products.
Q2. Is it suitable for oily skin in hot, humid conditions?
A2. Yes — the lightweight serum texture absorbs quickly without residue and doesn't interfere with sunscreen or makeup. In hot weather, it can be applied alone after cleansing and before SPF without a separate moisturiser for oily skin types. Dry skin types should layer a richer moisturiser over the top.
Q3. Where does it fit in a skincare routine?
A3. Apply 3–4 drops to clean, dry skin before moisturiser and before SPF 50+ in the morning. It can be used morning and evening. If you're also using iS Clinical Active Serum (an exfoliating acid), apply the Brightening Serum in the morning and Active Serum in the evening — avoid layering multiple actives at the same time until your skin has adjusted to each.
Q4. How long before I see visible results on dark spots?
A4. Overall radiance typically improves within 2–3 weeks. Visible fading of post-acne marks and sun spots takes 6–8 weeks of daily use. Older, deeper pigmentation (long-standing sun damage, hormonal spots) can take 3 months — but the rate of progress is substantially faster when paired with consistent SPF 50+ use every morning, which prevents UV from actively driving new melanin production.
Q5. Can I use it with retinol?
A5. Use them at different times of day — Brightening Serum in the morning (paired with SPF), retinol at night. There's no need to separate them by days; the day/night split is sufficient. Layering both products simultaneously, especially for someone new to actives, increases the risk of barrier disruption without meaningfully improving results.
Q6. Who should avoid this serum?
A6. Patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before first use on the face if you have reactive skin. Avoid on actively inflamed, broken, or eczema-affected skin — restore the barrier first. Consult your OB-GYN before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as a standard precaution with melanin-inhibiting active formulations.