Every NuFountain formula is compounded by hand in small batches only after you place your order. Nothing sits on a shelf for months slowly degrading. This matters most for unstable actives like L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C), which begins to oxidize the moment it is mixed and exposed to air, light, and time.

Because each order is compounded fresh, we make your formula and dispatch it within 1 to 2 business days. You will receive tracking as soon as your order is on its way.

Pure L-Ascorbic Acid is the most researched, most effective form of Vitamin C, but it is also the least stable. Mass-produced serums are often manufactured six to nine months before they reach you, losing potency the entire time. Compounding on demand means the active is at peak strength when it first touches your skin. You can read more on The Research.

Refrigeration is optional but recommended, especially for our L-Ascorbic Acid serums. A cool, dark environment slows oxidation and extends the active life of the formula. At minimum, keep your bottle tightly capped and away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Full detail is on our Shipping, Storage & Freshness page.

The PAO is how long a product stays at its best once opened. Because our formulas skip the heavy synthetic stabilizers used to give mass-market products multi-year shelf lives, our PAO is intentionally shorter. That is the signature of fresh, clean formulation, not a flaw. Use your serum within the window noted on the product for best results.

A faint shift toward pale gold over time is normal oxidation for L-Ascorbic Acid and does not make the product unsafe, though potency gradually declines. A deep orange or brown color means the active has largely oxidized and it is time to replace it. Storing cool and capped keeps it clear and potent longer.

The simple rule is cleanse, prep, treat, hydrate, then protect. For a full step-by-step and sample routines by goal, see Build Your Routine.

A few combinations work against each other. Copper peptides (V12 FORGE) should not be layered with L-Ascorbic Acid or strong acids in the same routine. Our retinoid (V15 SHIFT) should not be combined with leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliants (V20 PEEL, V17 QUELL) at the same time. When in doubt, alternate morning and evening, or alternate nights. The full layering map is on Build Your Routine and Product Synergy.

Retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy, so we do not recommend V15 SHIFT if you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive. V02 BLUR was formulated with Bakuchiol as a plant-based, retinol-free alternative that many people prefer during this time. This is general information, not medical advice. Always confirm your routine with your physician.

Yes. With any new active skincare, apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear for a few days before using it on your face. Introduce one new active at a time so you can tell how your skin responds.

Start low and build up. Leave-on acid treatments like V20 PEEL are best one to three nights a week. Introduce the retinoid slowly and scale back if you notice irritation. Daily-safe steps like hydration and non-acidic Vitamin C derivatives can be used morning and night.

Yes. Every formula is fragrance-free and essential-oil-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, with no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, or PEGs. See the full list of what we leave out on The Blacklist, and what goes in on Our Ingredients.

Never. NuFountain is cruelty-free, and no formula or ingredient is ever tested on animals.

Enjoy free shipping on orders over $60. Standard shipping rates apply below that threshold and are shown at checkout.

Not at this time. We ship within the United States only. Because our formulas are liquids, current shipping regulations prevent us from sending them internationally.

Because every formula is made fresh to order, we cannot accept returns of opened product for safety and hygiene reasons, and you never need to ship a used bottle back to us. We still stand behind every batch. If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, we will replace it or refund it in full. And if you are not satisfied with a purchase, contact us within 30 days and we will make it right with a one-time replacement or store credit.

We are happy to help. Reach us any time through our Contact page.