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SkinBetter Science

Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum.

SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
Serums

About this product

A lightweight antioxidant serum containing vitamin C derivative (THD ascorbate), vitamin E, and 17-19 additional antioxidants designed to defend skin from environmental damage, support collagen, and improve texture and tone.

Serums

The Guru Index verdict

86%

Approved

Approved · 86%
Guru Certified
Broad expert consensus
8Reviewers
7Approved
1Mixed
0Skip
#7 in Serums

What the gurus are saying

The gurus who reviewed it praise this serum as a rich, creamy alternative to traditional vitamin C that works especially well for those with sensitive skin or rosacea who struggle with pure ascorbic acid. The THD ascorbate form is gentler on reactive skin while still offering collagen support and brightening benefits, backed by clinical studies on the exact formula. The main trade-off is price (at around $165-170, it's a significant investment) and the tinted formula may not suit very fair skin tones, though one pump covers the face and a little goes a long way.
Synthesized from 8 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

Vitamin CNiacinamideHyaluronic acidCeramidesPeptidesFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chlorogenic Acids, Niacinamide, Lauryl Lactate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Allyl Ester, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ergothioneine, Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/​Root Extract, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Carnosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Ubiquinone, Plankton Extract, Micrococcus Lysate, Arginine, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Bisabolol

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Approved
"Another high-end favorite is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced. In addition to vitamin C, it has 18 other antioxidants in it. So it has amazing free radical fighting power."
All 2 takes from Dr. Mamina
What Skincare Products Are Actually Worth Your Money | Where to Splurge vs Save
"Another high-end favorite is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced. In addition to vitamin C, it has 18 other antioxidants in it. So it has amazing free radical fighting power."
Skincare for Your 30’s | Dermatologist-Recommended Steps
"I'm also a big fan of the SkinBetter Alto Advanced."
Approved
"My favorite here is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum. The Advanced one has a little bit more antioxidants. It comes out of the bottle just a little bit darker because it contains this powerful antioxidant blend. I treat a lot of rosacea patients and I do a lot of pulse style laser, which is a laser that helps with the rosacea redness. All of my pulse style laser patients are encouraged to start vitamin C and sunscreen, and very often I hear 'I cannot tolerate vitamin C,' and I have them start SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced and they do just fine. So it's really not that you can't tolerate the ingredient, you just haven't found the right type. The SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced is an advanced serum that offers comprehensive antioxidant protection by defending the skin from both external environmental stressors but also internal oxidative damage. Unlike traditional vitamin C serums, this one has 19 antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and their proprietary botanical blend to help brighten skin, reduce oxidative damage, reduce the redness in their clinical studies, and ultimately improve the overall texture of the skin. The key ingredient is the Alo PQQ, which is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes the free radicals from external processes. The vitamin C in here is tetrahexylascorbate."
All 3 takes from Dr. Aleksandra Brown
Skincare in Your 40s: A Dermatologist’s Guide to Healthy, Glowing Skin
"If your skin is super sensitive like you have rosacea, look for SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum. This advanced serum offers comprehensive antioxidant protection by defending the skin from both external environmental stressors but also internal oxidative damage. Unlike traditional vitamin C serums, this formula contains 19 powerful antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and a proprietary botanical blend to brighten and reduce redness and improve overall skin texture. The key ingredients are L-PQQ, a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from internal processes, and vitamin C in the form of THD or tetra hexyl decyl ascorbate. This type of vitamin C tends to be less irritating on really sensitive rosacea skin compared to your traditional ascorbic acid type of vitamin C. The serum also contains plankton extract and micrococcus lysate to help repair photodamage and promote skin recovery, niacinamide to support skin hydration and improve clarity, and licorice extract which will naturally brighten your skin."
Best Vitamin C Serums for Every Skin Type | Dermatologist Recommended
"My favorite here is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum. The Advanced one has a little bit more antioxidants. It comes out of the bottle just a little bit darker because it contains this powerful antioxidant blend. I treat a lot of rosacea patients and I do a lot of pulse style laser, which is a laser that helps with the rosacea redness. All of my pulse style laser patients are encouraged to start vitamin C and sunscreen, and very often I hear 'I cannot tolerate vitamin C,' and I have them start SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced and they do just fine. So it's really not that you can't tolerate the ingredient, you just haven't found the right type. The SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced is an advanced serum that offers comprehensive antioxidant protection by defending the skin from both external environmental stressors but also internal oxidative damage. Unlike traditional vitamin C serums, this one has 19 antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and their proprietary botanical blend to help brighten skin, reduce oxidative damage, reduce the redness in their clinical studies, and ultimately improve the overall texture of the skin. The key ingredient is the Alo PQQ, which is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes the free radicals from external processes. The vitamin C in here is tetrahexylascorbate."
Dermatologist’s 2024 Skincare Empties: Dr. Aleksandra Brown’s Favorites
"The other vitamin C I finished this year is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum. This is really nice. They do have the regular Alto and then Alto Advanced. It is tinted, it's very tinted so I don't know that if you have super fair skin that you would love the look of this but honestly blends in really nice. You use very little of it. One pump is really all you need to cover your entire face. If you're going to use neck and chest you can use a second pump. Vitamin C can be used morning and evening. This tends to be a little bit pricier so if you're on a budget maybe opt for the other one."
Approved
"SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum is a really luxurious, rich and nourishing antioxidant serum that is creamy and hydrating. I honestly really love this for my sensitive skin and rosacea patients and friends. Even though C through L leg is my holy grail, there's some people that just can't tolerate the pure vitamin C, and for those individuals this is kind of like my alternative that I really highly recommend. It doesn't have as many studies, but certainly it's up there when it comes to the amount of clinical studies that do exist regarding vitamin C and antioxidant benefits. The benefit of this antioxidant serum is to support collagen, reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and skin tone, and also helps to calm and support the skin barrier. In addition to lipid soluble C and vitamin E, there are 17 additional antioxidants that work together along with green tea and coenzyme Q10. It's just a lovely creamy serum. I honestly really love using it in the winter time when my skin may not always handle the pure vitamin C as well due to the acidity of that serum, but I highly recommend it for anyone that has super sensitive skin."
All 3 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu
Best Splurge-Worthy products of 2023 from a Dermatologist | Dr. Jenny Liu
"I am like obsessed with this form of vitamin C serum and literally if I could pick two vitamin C serums in different formulas to use for the rest of my life, the watery one that contains pure vitamin C would be one, and then this one from SkinBetter Alto Defense would be my choice for lipid soluble vitamin C, which is the star ingredient in this product. In addition to lipid soluble vitamin C, it also contains vitamin E along with 17 additional antioxidants derived from berries, plants, coenzyme Q10, lots of different things that really work synergistically to not only defend your skin against environmental aggressors but also helps to brighten by supporting collagen synthesis and overall improve uneven skin texture and skin tone. I absolutely love the rich creamy texture that the serum has and is really lovely for those with dry skin or to use in the winter time or those with sensitive skin and have a hard time tolerating traditional pure vitamin C serum and a watery serum. This is one I highly highly recommend checking out."
Vitamin C serums and moisturizers for sensitive skin | Dr. Jenny Liu
"The SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum retails for $165. It contains the lipid soluble THD ascorbate along with vitamin E and 17 additional other antioxidants, for example polyphenols from green tea, turmeric, coenzyme Q10, superoxide dismutase, which are antioxidants that our skin makes naturally as well as additional ones that are plant derived. It also contains licorice and peptides that can be soothing and peptides that can help to support the skin barrier. What I love about this serum is the texture and lack of weird odor. It's really just the texture and spreadability. I take two pumps which is actually not a lot and it just spreads so nicely on my skin and I'm able to cover my face and neck. It's rich and soothing and hydrating. There's actually quite a bit of publications around the efficacy of this product and I've been loving it myself. I really have been enjoying it."
Holiday Gift ideas from a dermatologist | Dr. Jenny Liu
"SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum is a really luxurious, rich and nourishing antioxidant serum that is creamy and hydrating. I honestly really love this for my sensitive skin and rosacea patients and friends. Even though C through L leg is my holy grail, there's some people that just can't tolerate the pure vitamin C, and for those individuals this is kind of like my alternative that I really highly recommend. It doesn't have as many studies, but certainly it's up there when it comes to the amount of clinical studies that do exist regarding vitamin C and antioxidant benefits. The benefit of this antioxidant serum is to support collagen, reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and skin tone, and also helps to calm and support the skin barrier. In addition to lipid soluble C and vitamin E, there are 17 additional antioxidants that work together along with green tea and coenzyme Q10. It's just a lovely creamy serum. I honestly really love using it in the winter time when my skin may not always handle the pure vitamin C as well due to the acidity of that serum, but I highly recommend it for anyone that has super sensitive skin."
Approved
"This is an absolute Holy Grail product for me and probably one of my top three products of all time that I use every single day. This has THD ascorbate vitamin E but also 17 other antioxidants. I really think of this as more than just a vitamin C because it really takes kind of a holistic approach to treating your skin. In addition to vitamin C and E, it also has this patented antioxidant called LL-PQQ which helps your body fight free radical production as well as reactive oxidative species from the sun. It also has plankton extract which contains an enzyme that helps to repair existing DNA damage, ergothionine which is an antioxidant, babol for calming soothing effects, niacinamide which is another antioxidant as well as a brightener, licorice extract which is a brightener for dark spots, and tri-floro acetal tripeptide 2 which is a peptide that helps to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and firmness. So it really is like a vitamin C plus product. This definitely comes with a heftier price tag."
Top Pick: vitamin c serum
All 2 takes from Tea with MD
Dermatologist Explains: Vitamin C 101 | Dr. Joyce Park
"This is an absolute Holy Grail product for me and probably one of my top three products of all time that I use every single day. This has THD ascorbate vitamin E but also 17 other antioxidants. I really think of this as more than just a vitamin C because it really takes kind of a holistic approach to treating your skin. In addition to vitamin C and E, it also has this patented antioxidant called LL-PQQ which helps your body fight free radical production as well as reactive oxidative species from the sun. It also has plankton extract which contains an enzyme that helps to repair existing DNA damage, ergothionine which is an antioxidant, babol for calming soothing effects, niacinamide which is another antioxidant as well as a brightener, licorice extract which is a brightener for dark spots, and tri-floro acetal tripeptide 2 which is a peptide that helps to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and firmness. So it really is like a vitamin C plus product. This definitely comes with a heftier price tag."
Ultimate Summer Skincare Transition Guide | Dr. Joyce Park
"The skinbetter science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum has THD ascorbate, which is a very nonirritating lipid soluble form of vitamin C and this is my personal favorite. It goes on like a lightweight serum so it's hydrating enough that I don't have to use an additional serum or moisturizer in the morning."
Approved
"This is hands down the most expensive product on the list at 170 bucks. It is really nice, it's just an antioxidant serum. In this one we've got superoxide dismutase, we've got ceramides, fatty acids, vitamin E, and hob esters. It's really nice with no scent to it."
Approved
"My absolute favorite vitamin C product that utilizes a vitamin C derivative is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum. The reason I love this antioxidant serum so much and why I think it's sort of worth that higher price point is because this not only includes that vitamin C derivative THD ascorbate but also so many other incredible antioxidants. I also really appreciate that SkinBetter has done some clinical studies on this exact product to show that it helps with skin integrity as well as discoloration. This is a very creamy yet lightweight serum and I find that it plays well with a lot of other skincare products and builds well in a routine."
All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis
Hyperpigmentation Morning Skincare Routine with Hydroquinone | Dr. Sam Ellis
"This is like prestige antioxidant skincare. The texture is super nice, it comes out as a lightweight serum but it's not as watery as some of the ascorbic acid-based serums. Vitamin C is helpful for helping you produce collagen and it also slows the breakdown of collagen. When it comes to addressing melasma and hyperpigmentation, it also inhibits an enzyme in your skin called tyrosinase, and tyrosinase is what makes melanin, the pigment in your skin. So when you slow that process down or reduce it, you're able to get your pigmentation under better control."
Best Vitamin C for Sensitive Skin | No More Irritation! | Dr. Sam Ellis
"My absolute favorite vitamin C product that utilizes a vitamin C derivative is the SkinBetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum. The reason I love this antioxidant serum so much and why I think it's sort of worth that higher price point is because this not only includes that vitamin C derivative THD ascorbate but also so many other incredible antioxidants. I also really appreciate that SkinBetter has done some clinical studies on this exact product to show that it helps with skin integrity as well as discoloration. This is a very creamy yet lightweight serum and I find that it plays well with a lot of other skincare products and builds well in a routine."
~Mixed
"Skin Better Science has their Alto defense serum, it's the red one. I have the blue one. It has tetrahexaldate and vitamin E but it's 200 bucks. I use it twice a day and it's also my moisturizer. I use four drops of this all over my face, extra for under my eyes. If you have a lot on your chest you can use it on your chest as well."
Approved
"The alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum is a nice antioxidant serum with 19 antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenol-rich superantioxidant extracts of acai, turmeric, cocoa, green tea, grape seed, Mediterranean olive blend, coffee, saffron, superoxide dismutase, and licorice extract which also helps with brightening your skin. You can apply this to damp skin in the morning after you cleanse, and bring it down to the neck, chest, and decollete area to help fight free radical damage and photoaging effects where you get red, whites, and browns and wrinkling. It's a lightweight, liquidy serum that you can apply with a pea-size amount using circular motions or tapping."
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All 2 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
Dermatologist Recommended Summer Skincare Routine: How to Glow Up Your Skin This Summer!
"SkinBetter Science Alto, this has 19 antioxidants. It does have vitamin C but other things like coffee in it and this is my favorite antioxidant serum. It is a higher price point like Skinceutical C E Ferulic, but it's backed by a lot of science. SkinBetter Science is also backed by a lot of science. They work with dermatologists who run clinical trials on behalf of them and so I really believe in this brand. A little goes a long way with this product, it's just money in terms of protecting your skin."
Dermatologist Compares: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet vs Alto- how to use them in your routine!
"The alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum is a nice antioxidant serum with 19 antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenol-rich superantioxidant extracts of acai, turmeric, cocoa, green tea, grape seed, Mediterranean olive blend, coffee, saffron, superoxide dismutase, and licorice extract which also helps with brightening your skin. You can apply this to damp skin in the morning after you cleanse, and bring it down to the neck, chest, and decollete area to help fight free radical damage and photoaging effects where you get red, whites, and browns and wrinkling. It's a lightweight, liquidy serum that you can apply with a pea-size amount using circular motions or tapping."
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