This Serum Claims To Tackle Dull Skin and Visible Pores – Here’s What an Aesthetic Doctor Thinks After 3 Weeks

When it comes to brightening skincare, few ingredients are as hyped as vitamin C and niacinamide. But while they’re both loved for improving skin tone and texture, pairing them together in one formula has long sparked debate – is it skincare synergy or a recipe for irritation?

We asked aesthetic doctor Dr Sy Li Lin to test drive the But Better Brighter Beginnings Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum for three weeks. This unique dual-chamber treatment promises to tackle everything from dark spots and dullness to fine lines and a weakened barrier.

Read on for her expert take.

Meet the Expert

Dr Sy Li Lin is a practising aesthetic doctor at Fundamental Aesthetic Medical Clinic. At 38 years old, she brings over a decade of medical experience and a deep understanding of skin health, gained from both clinical and personal perspectives.

With combination-oily skin, Dr Sy often deals with enlarged pores and fine lines, and like many of us, she’s always on the lookout for a product that can deliver visible results without causing irritation.

Interestingly, she hadn’t used vitamin C or niacinamide serums regularly in her routine prior to this trial, making her experience with But Better’s serum a fresh and unbiased one.

But Better Brighter Beginnings Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum: First Impressions

Unlike most single-chamber brightening serums, But Better’s formula features a dual-chamber pump that houses two potent serums: one rich in vitamin C and the other in niacinamide.

Upon application, the two blend into a lightweight treatment designed to visibly improve dullness, pigmentation, and even signs of ageing.

Dr Sy was immediately impressed by the packaging. She also noted the serum’s “nice scent” and described its texture as “lightweight” and “comfortable on the skin,” which made it pleasant to apply daily.

Is Vitamin C and Niacinamide a Match Made in Skincare Heaven?

Formulating vitamin C and niacinamide together used to raise eyebrows in the skincare community, but modern research has largely debunked concerns about their compatibility. In fact, Dr Sy confirms that these two actives can work beautifully in tandem.

“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps with brightening, collagen synthesis, and protecting against environmental damage,” she explains. “Niacinamide helps with reducing inflammation, minimising pores, balancing oil, and strengthening the skin barrier.”

Used together, they offer a comprehensive approach to dullness and discolouration. “They may improve skin tone and texture, reduce hyperpigmentation more effectively, and provide both antioxidant and barrier-repairing benefits,” says Dr Sy.

A Serum That Does More Than Just Brighten

Besides the dual vitamin and niacinamide boost, the formula includes skin-soothing ingredients like purslane extract and tangerine peel, which Dr Sy notes provide additional benefits.

“Tangerine peel is an antioxidant that refreshes and brightens skin,” she says. “Purslane extract is a soothing plant extract that hydrates and fights free radicals.”

“Purslane is rich in antioxidants like vitamin A, C, and E, glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids,” she elaborates. “It helps soothe irritated or inflamed skin, and may support wound healing and anti-ageing due to cell-regenerative properties.”

Tangerine peel, on the other hand, “contains flavonoids and vitamin C, with a mild brightening effect due to natural AHAs and essential oils. It may support collagen synthesis and help with hyperpigmentation.”

Together, these ingredients create a layered brightening and antioxidant experience suitable even for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

But Better Brighter Beginnings Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum Review: Results after 21 days

After three weeks of daily use, Dr Sy observed visible improvements to her skin. She noticed a “brighter complexion,” “smoother texture,” and even “firmer skin.”

She rated the serum 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a “dual action, effective serum for brightening.”

Who It’s Best for and When To Be Cautious

Dr Sy believes this product can serve as both a preventive and corrective step in a skincare routine.

“As a preventive, it offers antioxidant protection and helps prevent premature ageing by reducing oxidative damage,” she says. “Correctively, it brightens skin, reduces existing hyperpigmentation and dullness, and stimulates collagen to help smooth fine lines.”

She recommends the serum for those dealing with “dull skin” and “hyperpigmentation,” and even notes that it can “complement medical aesthetic procedures.”

However, she cautions against using it on very sensitive, rosacea-prone, or barrier-damaged skin, as the L-ascorbic acid content may cause stinging or irritation. “Vitamin C can worsen irritation if your skin barrier is already inflamed or dry,” she warns.

She also advises against layering it with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or AHAs/BHAs, as these combinations may reduce efficacy or increase skin sensitivity.

Final Verdict

For anyone looking to simplify their routine without sacrificing performance, the But Better Brighter Beginnings Vitamin C + Niacinamide Dual Serum offers an elegant solution.

“Dual-action brightening. Generally well-tolerated by various skin types, including sensitive skin,” Dr Sy concludes.

Whether you’re hoping to prevent future damage or correct existing pigmentation, this power-packed serum might just be the one to brighten up your skin and skincare shelf.

Where to Purchase

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*Limited to one claim per person.

For a limited time, enjoy this exclusive bundled offer:

• With a minimum spend of S$60, receive a FREE Vitamin C Refreshing Cleanser (worth S$42).
• Only applicable to the first 50 redemptions.

This article is brought to you by But Better.