All vitamin C serums made with L-ascorbic acid have a few quirks. They're sensitive to air. They have a low pH that can cause tingling. They change color over time.
None of this is unique to Maelove. It's just the tradeoff that comes with using the most researched, most effective form of vitamin C.
The good news: once you know how to work with these quirks, you can get the full benefit of the serum without the frustration. This guide will walk you through everything.
How to use it
How many drops?
There's no single right answer, but a good starting point is roughly a half dropper full for face and neck. Some people need a little more, some need less. As long as you're covering the area without pooling or dripping, you're using the right amount.
Apply on dry skin (if you have sensitive skin)
After cleansing, wait until your skin is dry before applying Glow Maker. Damp skin pulls active ingredients in faster, which sounds like a good thing but actually increases the chance of irritation, especially with low-pH products like vitamin C serums.
Where it goes in your routine
Glow Maker should be one of the first things on your skin after cleansing. The general rule for layering skincare is thinnest to thickest in texture:
If you're using a prescription product, ask your dermatologist where it fits.
Morning, night, or both?
Both or either is fine. Vitamin C works during the day as an antioxidant that complements your sunscreen, and at night it brightens skin and supports collagen production while your skin repairs itself. If you have time, use both morning and night. If not, use when it's convenient for you.
Always follow with moisturizer
Glow Maker is oil-free, which means it doesn't seal in moisture on its own. Always follow with a cream or facial oil to lock everything in. This is especially important if you have dry skin.
Keeping it fresh
Why vitamin C is sensitive
L-ascorbic acid (the specific type of vitamin C used in Glow Maker) is the most studied and effective form of vitamin C in skincare. It's also the most delicate. When exposed to air, light, and heat over time, it begins to oxidize — meaning the active vitamin C slowly converts into less effective compounds. The serum darkens as this happens.
This is true of every L-ascorbic acid serum on the market, including ones that cost five times more than Glow Maker. It's the cost of using the form of vitamin C that actually works.
Oxidized vitamin C serum is not harmful to your skin. It just means that it's less potent than when it's brand new.
A simple solution that makes a big difference
Refrigerate it (or at least keep it cool and dark).
Opened Glow Maker stays fresh for about 2 months at room temperature. Refrigerated, it lasts roughly twice as long.
If a fridge isn't practical, a cool, dark drawer is the next best thing. Avoid windowsills or anywhere that gets sunlight.
What color changes mean
The color of Glow Maker can vary slightly between batches because we use natural extracts, which have natural color variation. Fresh Glow Maker can range from nearly clear to a light champagne color.
Here's a chart that shows what's normal vs. what means it's time for a fresh bottle:
What if it arrived already darker than expected?
If your Glow Maker arrived looking darker than shade 3, just reply to your order confirmation email or contact our team and we'll send you a new bottle. No questions asked.
If you experience sensitivity
Vitamin C serums are acidic by design — Glow Maker has a pH below 3.5, which is necessary for the vitamin C to actually absorb into your skin. (At higher pH levels, vitamin C just sits on the surface without doing much.)
This acidity is what could cause tingling sensation when first applied. For most people, the tingling fades within a minute or two. For some, especially those new to acidic skincare, it can be more noticeable.
If you have very sensitive skin, make sure your skin is dry before applying. Wet skin amplifies the absorption of acidic products, which .
Prep your skin with an alpha hydroxy acid cleanser. Using a cleanser that contains AHAs (like our Refresher face wash) gradually acclimates your skin to acidic products and can reduce sensitivity over time.
A small amount of citrus extract is included in Glow Maker — it adds micro-nutrients that complement the vitamin C and gives the serum a clean, natural scent. Because it's used in small quantities, it shouldn't cause sensitivity. However, if you have a known citrus allergy, this product may not be the right choice for you.
Other common questions
— Team Maelove