C20 BARE is our most streamlined intervention for severe photo-aging and dullness. Because high-strength Vitamin C is notoriously difficult to stabilize, legacy brands typically load their serums with complex chemical stabilizers, thick polymers, and heavy occlusives. We bypassed this completely. Relying on an advanced green-chemistry transit system and a strictly minimal matrix, we created a hyper-clean environment for pure 20% L-Ascorbic Acid to thrive. This delivers the maximum clinical brightening dose with zero interference, absorbing rapidly without leaving a single trace of sticky or greasy film.

To keep high-strength Vitamin C stable, brands are often forced into formulation compromises. They either trap the acid in heavy, waterless silicone suspensions that feel like gritty sand on the face, or they rely on barrier-destroying denatured alcohols to force fast absorption. Legacy water-based formulas frequently rely on sticky glycols and cheap synthetic antioxidants that carry the offensive "hot dog water" scent, suffocate the pores, and pill (roll up into tiny flakes or balls) under makeup.

We Do Things Differently

We engineer C20 BARE for absolute clinical purity and flawless sensory elegance. Relying on a radically minimal matrix and utilizing an advanced transit system of DMI and Propanediol, we completely bypass the need for gritty silicones, waterless oil bases, and barrier-stripping alcohols. The result is an odorless, 20% clinical acid that glides on like water, sinks in rapidly, leaving the skin dry to the touch in under two minutes, and leaves your face feeling entirely bare, breathable, and perfectly primed for seamless sunscreen and makeup application without a single flake of pilling.

The Core Active

20% Pure L-Ascorbic Acid: Formulated at the absolute 20% limit because dermatological data proves that going higher yields no additional collagen stimulation but exponentially increases the risk of severe barrier damage.

The Advanced Transit & Base Matrix

Propanediol & Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI): A targeted green-chemistry solvent network that drives the massive active payload deep into the tissue without barrier-stripping alcohols.

Betaine: A specialized osmolyte that manages intracellular water balance to actively prevent dehydration in a high-strength acid environment.

Broad-Spectrum Bio-Preservative & Sodium Phytate: Clean, broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservatives and chelating agents that perfectly stabilize the formula and prevent metal-ion oxidation without leaving sticky residues.

Formula Metrics

• Freshness: Compounded Fresh on Day 0 (Made-to-Order for peak biological potency)
• pH Level: 3 - 3.4 (Optimized for maximum L-AA active delivery)
• Texture: Water-light, rapidly absorbing serum
• Base Matrix: 100% Water-Based & Silicone-Free
• Scent & Color: Odorless / Crystal Clear
• Skin Compatibility: Formulated strictly for purists and users seeking unadulterated, high-potency brightening
• Regimen Placement: Step 2: AM Active Treatment

Our Purity Standard

• Oil, Silicone & PEG Free: A 100% breathable, water-light matrix
• Non-Comedogenic: Clinically proven not to clog pores
• Sensory Guarantee: Zero sticky, tacky, or greasy residue (Zero "grit")
• Fragrance & Essential Oil Free: Zero volatile masking scents
• No Dyes or Drying Alcohols: No artificial colorants or barrier-damaging astringents
• Paraben, Sulfate & Phthalate Free: Zero harsh stripping agents or endocrine disruptors
• Gluten-Free: Safe for highly reactive and celiac-sensitive skin types
• Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Never tested on animals, zero animal-derived ingredients
• Made in America: Compounded fresh in Lakewood, Colorado

Product Specifications

• Size: 1.0 fl oz / 30 mL
• Packaging: UV-Protective Light-Blocking Amber Glass Dropper Bottle
• Safety: For external use only. A patch test before daily use is highly recommended for all active acids.

When to use

Apply 4-6 drops (up to a half dropper) every morning to clean, dry skin. (Note: Because this is a maximum-strength 20% acid, a slight, temporary tingling sensation upon application is a normal sign of the active acid at work).

The Perfect Pair

Start your morning off by cleansing your skin with a face wash like P01 WASH. After waiting 1 to 2 minutes for full absorption, use a hydration product like H03 PLUMP to lock in hydration and protect the barrier. Follow with an SPF 30 or above sunscreen.

Storage & Freshness

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dark place. For maximum freshness and to protect the active acid from premature oxidation, refrigeration is highly recommended. (Note: Pure L-Ascorbic Acid naturally oxidizes over time, especially when exposed to air. A slight champagne tint is normal, but discard if the serum turns dark brown).

The Golden Rule (Sun Protection)

While brightening agents and antioxidants powerfully shield the skin and fade existing dark spots, they are not a substitute for sunscreen. To protect your newly brightened skin and prevent hyperpigmentation from returning, finishing your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is absolutely non-negotiable.

• Aqua (Water): Purified Base Matrix
• L-Ascorbic Acid: Pure Vitamin C Bio-Active Brightener
• Propanediol: Plant-Derived Hydrating Bio-Solvent
• Dimethyl Isosorbide: Advanced Penetration Enhancer
• Phenoxyethanol: Broad-Spectrum Preservative
• Betaine: Intracellular Moisture Manager
• Allantoin: Tissue Repair Accelerator & Soothing Agent
• Ferulic Acid: Antioxidant Network Stabilizer
• Sodium Phytate: Chelating Agent & Formula Stabilizer
• Ethylhexylglycerin: Preservative Booster & Skin Conditioner