2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
Dr.Althea
ABC Glow Whipped Serum
face serum
Dr.Althea
ABC Glow Whipped Serum
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
41%
Combination (dry)
41%
Balanced
68%
Combination (oily)
98%
Oily
98%
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17
Ingredients
4
Benefits
1
Actives
This Dr.Althea ABC Glow Whipped Serum is a hydrating face serum that helps smooth, soften, and give dull-looking skin a fresh, healthy glow. Its light, whipped texture brings together collagen water, bakuchiol, and moisture-loving glycerin to leave skin feeling plump and comfortably hydrated. Allantoin adds a soothing touch, making this an easy serum to slot into your routine when skin is looking a little tired or lackluster.
Key Insights
Benefits
4
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing
Active Ingredients
1
Bakuchiol
Full Ingredients
17 total
About ABC Glow Whipped Serum
Overview
ABC Glow Whipped Serum is a watery-light serum from Dr.Althea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 17 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Butylene Glycol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
What the formula does
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol and Glycerin.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and brightening and tone. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
What is not in it
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No fragrance or declared allergens
- No essential oils
- No drying alcohol
- Silicone-free
- No microplastics
- Strong humectant content for hydration
- No common irritants flagged in the list
- No recognised malassezia (fungal acne) triggers
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
May suit
- Balanced skin
Less suitable for
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Hydration 7 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Anti-Aging 3 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
-
Soothing 3 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
Anti-Aging
Hydration
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Hydration
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Hydration
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Soothing
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructan is a homopolymer of fructose
Hydration
Soothing
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glucose
Hydration
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bakuchiol (babchi seed extract) is a plant-based retinol alternative that softens wrinkles and fades dark spots with less irritation. IUPAC name: 4-[(1E,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl]phenol
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
High
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
None
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
None
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
None
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Low
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
None
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (1)
- Bakuchiol · under 1%
Supporting ingredients (16)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Collagen Water
Propanediol
1,2-hexanediol
Sodium C12-14 Sec-pareth-8 Carboxylate
Aqua
Hydroxyacetophenone
Ethylhexylglycerin
Butylene Glycol
Disodium Edta
Glycerin
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
ZEA Mays Kernel Extract
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
Allantoin
Fructan
Glucose
What is and is not in it
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Free from
- Fragrance-free
- Essential-oil-free
- No drying alcohol
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Microplastic-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Oil-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
- AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
- BHA (salicylic acid)
- PHAs (gluconolactone)
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Treat" step.
- Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
- Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 17 ingredients on the label.
6
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
6
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
4
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
2
Antioxidant
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
2
Occlusive
Forms a film that slows water loss
2
Plant extract
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
1
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
1
Soothing
Calms visible redness and irritation
1
Emollient
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
1
Chelator
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
1
Preservative
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
1
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 30–80%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Collagen Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillate obtained from Collagen.
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Solvent
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
4 scientific references
- PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
- SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
- Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-carboxymethyl-.omega.-hydroxy-, C12-14-isoalkyl ethers, sodium salts (7 mol EO average molar ratio)
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Water
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Antioxidant
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
Anti-Aging
Hydration
4 scientific references
- Journal of Oleo Science, February 2019, pages 183-191
- Applied Environmental Microbiology, June 2018, ePublication
- Journal of Biosciences, May-June 2004, pages 345-353
- Scientific Reports, April 2021, pages 1–7
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Hydration
5 scientific references
- PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
- Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
- Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
- Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Hydration
5 scientific references
- CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
- US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
- International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
- Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
- Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Chelator
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
- Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
- International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
- British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Plant extract
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Coptis Japonica Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Coptis japonica, Ranunculaceae
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Plant extract, Texture agent
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Zea Mays Kernel Extract is an extract of the kernels of the Corn, Zea mays L., Poaceae
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water is the aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the whole plant of the Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhmanoides L, Elagnaceae
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Occlusive, Soothing
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Soothing
8 scientific references
- Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
- Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
- European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
- Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
- International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
- Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
- https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
15
Fructan
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructan is a homopolymer of fructose
Hydration
Soothing
7 scientific references
- PersonalCareCouniclorg, Accessed January 2023, ePublication
- SpecialChem (supplier info), Accessed January 2023, ePublication
- Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, September 2022, pages 1, 373-1, 381
- Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, January 2021, pages 769-784
- Polish Journal of Chemical Technology, 2019, pages 44-49
- PLOS One, July 2016, pages 1-24
- Proceedings of the SCSK (Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea) Conference, 2003, pages 700-718
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glucose
Hydration
4 scientific references
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, March 2020, pages 1–13
- Foods, March 2019, pages 1–27
- Nature Medicine, May 2018, pages 617–627
- Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, September 2003, pages 1, 224–1, 228
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Emollient, Active, Antioxidant, Preservative
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bakuchiol (babchi seed extract) is a plant-based retinol alternative that softens wrinkles and fades dark spots with less irritation. IUPAC name: 4-[(1E,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl]phenol
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
14 scientific references
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, July 2020, pages 1-12
- Pharmacological Research, March 2019, pages 208-213
- British Journal of Dermatology, February 2019, pages 253-254
- Oncotarget, March 2016, pages 14, 616-14, 627
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2014, pages 221-230
- Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2010, pages 1504-1506
- The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2010, pages 105-114
- Pharmacognosy Review, January-June 2010, pages 68-76
- British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 (randomized trial vs retinol: bjd.16918)
- Phytochemistry Reviews, 2024 (review: s11101-024-09926-y)
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026 (review: ics.70116)
- PubMed 41151326, 2025 (bakuchiol against MRSA)
- PubMed 38199573, 2024 (antiviral targets PHB2, VDAC1, VDAC2)
- PubMed 37857572, 2023 (C. elegans lifespan and amyloid-beta)
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in ABC Glow Whipped Serum?
COLLAGEN WATER, PROPANEDIOL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SODIUM C12-14 SEC-PARETH-8 CARBOXYLATE, AQUA, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DISODIUM EDTA, GLYCERIN, COPTIS JAPONICA ROOT EXTRACT, ZEA MAYS KERNEL EXTRACT, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES WATER, ALLANTOIN, FRUCTAN, GLUCOSE, BAKUCHIOL.
What are the active ingredients in ABC Glow Whipped Serum?
BAKUCHIOL.
How do I use ABC Glow Whipped Serum?
After cleansing, pump an appropriate amount into hands, onto an applicator or onto face. Gently apply along the skin until fully absorbed.
What skin types is ABC Glow Whipped Serum good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is ABC Glow Whipped Serum good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Is ABC Glow Whipped Serum fungal acne safe?
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Can I use ABC Glow Whipped Serum while pregnant?
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Is ABC Glow Whipped Serum fragrance free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
Does ABC Glow Whipped Serum contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is ABC Glow Whipped Serum silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does ABC Glow Whipped Serum contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is ABC Glow Whipped Serum paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with ABC Glow Whipped Serum?
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
When should I apply ABC Glow Whipped Serum?
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
How many ingredients does ABC Glow Whipped Serum have?
It lists 17 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.
Who makes ABC Glow Whipped Serum?
Dr.Althea.
Brand
Dr.Althea