Are you noticing that your skin looks dull, uneven, or just lacks its healthy glow? You’re not alone. Many of us have searched for the right fix, only to be overwhelmed by advice about layering actives and chasing high-percentage ingredients. The truth is, active ingredients are essential for results—but the key is choosing the right type, at the right strength, and in a form your skin can actually tolerate.
While potent synthetic actives—like high-dose ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or strong exfoliating acids—might promise dramatic improvements, they often come with a risk of irritation, redness or flakiness, especially if your skin barrier is already stressed. Instead of relying on these harsh options, we believe in harnessing nature’s most effective active ingredients. By using botanical sources such as Kakadu Plum, Bearberry, and Emu Apple, our Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum delivers real results: brighter, more even skin, plus powerful antioxidant protection, all with a lower risk of sensitivity.
Why Natural Ingredients Win
Aggressive percentages of synthetic Vitamin C (such as ascorbic acid) or harsh exfoliating acids (like glycolic or lactic acid) are often marketed as a fast track to brighter, clearer skin. While they can deliver visible results in the short term, their potency comes with a catch: these ingredients can easily overwhelm your skin, especially if you’re already dealing with a compromised barrier.
When used in high concentrations, synthetic Vitamin C can cause stinging, redness, peeling, and increased sensitivity. This is particularly true for anyone whose skin is prone to dryness, irritation, or who has previously overused actives. Harsh acids work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, but if used too frequently or in high strengths, they can strip away essential oils and weaken the protective barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out. The result? Skin that feels tight, looks red, flakes easily, and is more reactive to environmental stressors.
On the other hand, the Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum takes a gentler but equally effective approach. Instead of relying on synthetic forms of Vitamin C or strong acids, it harnesses the power of plant-based ingredients like Kakadu Plum (nature’s richest source of Vitamin C), Bearberry (a natural lightener), and Emu Apple (anti-inflammatory and reparative). These botanicals work synergistically to brighten skin tone, even out pigmentation, and defend against free radicals—without the risk of damaging your skin barrier.
By choosing a serum formulated with naturally derived actives and antioxidants, you’re giving your skin the chance to repair, renew and glow in a way that feels comfortable and sustainable. This means you’re less likely to face side effects such as prolonged redness or flaking—and more likely to enjoy consistently radiant and resilient skin over the long term.
Our Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum is our top pick for radiant and protected skin. This award winning serum is packed full of nature's best illuminating and anti-oxidant ingredients, with a few stand out heros.
Kakadu Plum: The Vitamin C Powerhouse
Kakadu Plum is the star of this serum for a reason. Did you know it contains up to 100 times more Vitamin C than an orange? This isn’t just a marketing claim—research has shown that the Vitamin C content in Kakadu Plum is one of the highest recorded in any natural source. This potent concentration means it’s highly effective at supporting collagen production, which leads to firmer, smoother skin over time.
Vitamin C from Kakadu Plum also helps to fade acne scarring and reduce the appearance of dark spots, giving your complexion a more even tone and brighter look. But the benefits don’t stop there: Kakadu Plum is also packed with antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals—those unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and stress. By protecting your skin from these daily environmental aggressors, Kakadu Plum helps to slow down visible signs of ageing and keeps your skin looking healthy and resilient.
Bearberry: Nature’s Brightener
Next up is Bearberry extract, a natural source of arbutin. Arbutin is a gentle yet effective compound that works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for melanin production in the skin. By slowing down the formation of melanin—the pigment that gives skin its colour—arbutin helps to fade existing pigmentation and dark spots, while also preventing new ones from developing.
This makes Bearberry extract particularly valuable for anyone struggling with hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or lingering marks from acne. Unlike some harsher lightening agents, arbutin from Bearberry offers these brightening benefits without causing irritation, making it suitable for regular use on most skin types. If stubborn marks or uneven tone are your main concerns, Bearberry extract can truly make a noticeable difference in achieving a clearer, more luminous complexion.
Emu Apple: Anti-Inflammatory & Reparative
Australian native Emu Apple rounds out the trio of hero ingredients. This unique botanical is packed with a variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants, but what really sets it apart is its impressive anti-inflammatory properties. Emu Apple helps to calm redness, soothe irritation, and support the skin’s natural repair processes—making it especially beneficial for skin that’s feeling stressed or reactive.
In addition to its soothing effects, Emu Apple is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help combat free radical damage, which can accelerate the signs of ageing. By protecting your skin from environmental stressors and encouraging repair, Emu Apple helps maintain firmness and elasticity, keeping your complexion looking fresh, plump, and resilient as you age. It’s an excellent ingredient for promoting overall skin health and radiance.
Supporting Ingredients
Pineapple and Cranberry Enzymes:
These natural fruit enzymes act as gentle exfoliators by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface. Unlike physical scrubs, which can be harsh or abrasive, pineapple and cranberry enzymes work without friction, making the exfoliation process much kinder to your skin. Regular use helps to reveal a smoother, softer texture and promotes a healthy, natural glow. This enzymatic action also helps to clear pores and can even enhance the absorption of the serum’s other active ingredients.
Rose Hydrosol:
Sourced from the steam distillation of rose petals, rose hydrosol offers more than just a beautiful scent. It’s renowned for its soothing and calming properties, making it ideal for reducing redness and irritation. On top of that, rose hydrosol provides lightweight hydration that refreshes the skin without leaving any residue or heaviness. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for daily use, helping to keep your complexion balanced and comfortable.
Glycerin:
Glycerin is a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture from the environment and deeper layers of the skin. By helping to lock in hydration, glycerin ensures your skin stays soft, plump, and comfortable throughout the day or night. This long-lasting moisture support also helps to strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resilient to dryness, sensitivity, and environmental stressors. Glycerin’s effectiveness and compatibility with all skin types make it a staple in high-quality skincare formulations.
Will It Irritate My Skin?
Irritation is one of the most common concerns when it comes to Vitamin C serums, particularly those that contain ascorbic acid—the synthetic form of Vitamin C. Ascorbic acid, especially at high concentrations, can cause stinging, redness, and even peeling, making it challenging for many people to use consistently, especially if their skin is sensitive or their barrier is already compromised.
The Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum takes a different approach. By using natural sources of Vitamin C—such as Kakadu Plum—it delivers all the brightening and antioxidant benefits you expect from a Vitamin C serum, but in a form that is much less likely to provoke irritation. This makes it a gentler option for most skin types, including those who have found traditional Vitamin C serums too harsh in the past.
Another benefit is versatility. Because this serum avoids highly reactive synthetic Vitamin C, it can be used alongside other active ingredients like Bakuchiol or Retinol (though not in the same routine), allowing you to build a more comprehensive skincare regimen without overloading your skin.
It’s important to note, however, that the serum does include gentle fruit enzymes from pineapple and cranberry. These enzymes provide a mild exfoliating effect, which helps smooth and brighten the skin but may still cause sensitivity for some people—especially those prone to irritation or with conditions like eczema or rosacea. For this reason, it’s always wise to perform a patch test before introducing the serum into your regular routine. Start by applying a small amount on your inner forearm or behind your ear and observe for any adverse reaction over 24 hours. If your skin feels comfortable after this test, you can gradually incorporate the serum into your nightly routine.
How To Use For Best Results
When: For optimal results, apply the serum in the evening as part of your nightly skincare routine. Using it at night allows your skin to absorb the active ingredients without interference from environmental stressors like sunlight or pollution, giving the botanicals time to work their magic while you sleep.
How: After thoroughly cleansing your skin, dispense 2–6 drops of the serum into your palm. Gently massage it onto your face, neck, and décolletage using upward, sweeping motions. This technique not only helps with absorption but also encourages healthy circulation for a natural glow. Follow with your favourite oil or moisturiser to lock in hydration and further support skin repair overnight.
Tip: Due to the presence of potent natural actives and gentle fruit enzymes, you may experience a slight tingling sensation when applying the serum—this is normal and usually short-lived. However, if the tingling feels uncomfortable or lasts longer than five minutes, rinse the product off with cool water and apply a calming moisturiser. This approach helps you enjoy the benefits while respecting your skin’s limits.
Pairing: The Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum is formulated to complement other active ingredients in your broader routine, such as Bakuchiol or Retinol. For best results use in conjunction with one of our Bakuchiol products such as Aeon Azure. If you have particularly sensitive skin or feel like you may be overloading it, try using them on a different night or in the morning. This strategy maximises results while minimising the risk of irritation or sensitivity.
By following these steps, you’ll help ensure your skin receives the full spectrum of brightening and revitalising benefits this serum has to offer.
This serum is ideal for:
- Normal/combination skin
- Oily/acne-prone skin
- Anyone wanting brighter, more even-toned skin without harsh chemicals
Why Choose Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Serum?
The Vanessa Megan Super C + Bearberry Illuminating Face Serum stands out as a thoughtful choice for anyone seeking radiant, healthy skin. Crafted with 100% natural and organic ingredients, this serum is free from synthetic Vitamin C, significantly reducing the risk of irritation commonly associated with traditional formulas. It is expertly designed to tackle dullness, uneven tone, pigmentation, and the first signs of ageing, making it ideal for a wide range of skin concerns. Proudly Australian-made and cruelty-free, its commitment to quality and ethical standards is clear. With consistently glowing feedback from users—boasting a 4.9 out of 5 rating—this serum has earned its place as a favourite among those who value gentle yet effective skincare.
So, if you’re tired of harsh actives but still want radiant skin, this serum offers a thoughtful blend of botanical powerhouses. With regular use, expect smoother texture, improved luminosity and a healthier-looking complexion—naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this serum with Retinol or Bakuchiol?
Yes! They can be used in conjunction with each other. If just starting out or if you have sensitive skin, use them in separate routines (e.g., serum in the morning or alternate evenings).
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
If you have particularly sensitive skin we don’t recommended this serum due to enzyme content. Try our Nature’s Elixir Oil or Collagen Boosting Gel instead. Always patch test new products.
How long until I see results?
Most users begin to notice a brighter, more radiant complexion and an improvement in skin texture within just a few weeks of regular use. The natural actives in the Super C + Bearberry Serum start working quickly to boost luminosity and even out skin tone, with many people seeing subtle changes after the first fortnight. For concerns like dark spots, pigmentation, or acne scarring, more significant results tend to develop over four to eight weeks, as the skin’s renewal process gradually fades discolouration and smooths rough patches. Consistency is key—using the serum nightly as part of your routine will help ensure you achieve and maintain the best possible outcome for your skin.