Tidy Pores Vitamin C Serum
Sensitive Brightening & Defense + Stabilized Vitamin C Serum · 50 ML
Your daily multitasking antioxidant + stabilized Vitamin C serum with 10 actives for hydration, brightening, and full-spectrum antioxidant + anti-glycation support. Formulated for optimal tolerance in all types of sensitive, rosacea-prone, atopic, and blemish-prone skin.
Who It's For
Designed for:
- Sensitive skin that reacts to conventional vitamin C, brightening, or antioxidant formulas
- Blemish-prone skin that breaks out or purges with traditional vitamin C and brightening treatments
- Deeper skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from conventional formulas
- Reducing the appearance of blemishes, post-acne marks, and uneven tone
- Routines built around prescription actives that require a compatible, non-irritating antioxidant & brightening formula
- Anyone seeking antioxidant, anti-glycation, tone, and lipid peroxidation support in a single formula
What Makes It Different
Most brightening and antioxidant serums rely on a narrow set of ingredients, often centered around vitamin C alone. This can leave key parts of the visible discoloration pathway under-supported, while offering limited antioxidant coverage against the broader range of reactive species generated by daily environmental stress.
Traditional vitamin C and antioxidant formulas also often depend on low pH systems, drying alcohols, butylene glycol, propylene glycol, penetration enhancers, or heavy silicone solvent systems that can sting, irritate, feel sticky, or contribute to congestion and reactivity in sensitive, reactive, and blemish-prone skin.
Tidy Pores was designed differently. Instead of over-relying on one hero antioxidant, Tidy Pores combines 10 targeted actives in a featherlight, silky, hydrating base to support a fuller spectrum of antioxidant defense, visible brightening, tone refinement, and blemish-prone skin concerns. It delivers advanced brightening and antioxidant support while avoiding the common drawbacks of traditional vitamin C serums: low-pH sting, barrier stress, tacky residue, heavy silicones, and unnecessary irritation.
Layering & Compatibility Guide
With other actives: We recommend using Tidy Pores in the morning and other actives like azelaic acid, retinoids, or exfoliants at night. If your skin is sensitive or adjusting to a topical retinoid or treatment, start Tidy Pores every other morning and increase as tolerated.
Azelaic Acid: If applying both in the AM, azelaic acid should be applied on bare, dry skin followed by Tidy Pores.
Tretinoin or Retinoids: Designed to layer within retinoid routines. Tidy Pores in the morning, tretinoin at night, Super Sensa after both.
Isotretinoin: During isotretinoin, prioritize barrier support during the initial adjustment period. Introduce Tidy Pores once your skin feels stable, and always check with your healthcare provider. Post-isotretinoin users should start every other morning and layer Super Sensa afterward.
Hypochlorous acid: Hypochlorous acid neutralizes antioxidants. If you use it, spray on clean skin and let it dry completely before applying Tidy Pores. Do not apply hypochlorous acid after applying Tidy Pores.
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidant that will negatively impact the antioxidants in Tidy Pores if applied at the same time. For leave-on benzoyl peroxide, apply Tidy Pores in the AM and benzoyl peroxide at night. Wash-off benzoyl peroxide formula or short-contact therapy will not affect Tidy Pores efficacy.
How To Use
AM: Apply on 2-3 pumps on face, neck, and chest on clean damp skin. Follow immediately with your other products while skin is still damp.
Tip: We always recommend a gentle AM cleanse with Mellow Jelly Micellar Cleansing Gel to remove oxidized sebum, skincare residue, and dead skin cells.
Key Actives & Ingredients
Key ingredients:
5% Acetamidoethoxyethanol · 2% Betaine · 2% Glyceryl Glucoside · 0.5% Phloretin · 0.5% Silymarin · 0.5% Glycyrrhetinic Acid · 0.5% Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract · 0.2% Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane · 0.1% Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate · 0.05% Lipochroman® (Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol)
Full ingredients:
Water/Aqua, Acetamidoethoxyethanol, Propanediol*, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Betaine, Glyceryl Glucoside, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phloretin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Tocopherol**, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Lactic Acid***, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol.
*Biotech corn-derived. **Natural vitamin E mixed tocopherols. ***<0.1%, pH adjuster only, does not exfoliate.
pH: 4.3–4.5
Testing & Safety
Every Authentic Ego formula is tested before it ships:
- Preservative efficacy (challenge) testing — confirms the formula resists microbial growth over its shelf life
- Microbiological testing — verifies each batch is free of contamination
- Batch testing — every production lot checked against spec
- Stability testing — confirms the formula holds up through temperature, light, and time
- HRIPT — human repeat insult patch testing under dermatologist supervision on all leave-on products, screening for irritation and sensitization
See our Reactive Fit Framework page for full details on our commitment to formulating for sensitive skin
Fungal Acne Compatible
Rosacea & Eczema Compatible
Rx Active Compatible
Niacinamide-Free
Silicone-Free
L-Ascorbic acid free
Butylene & Propylene Glycol-Free
Phenoxyethanol-free
Fatty-alcohol-free
10-active antioxidant complex
Multi-pathway antioxidant defense
Skin compatible pH
Designed for sensitive skin
Stabilized vitamin C
Gentle brightening, zero sting
Allergy tested
HRIPT: 50 subjects, 4 weeks, 0 reactions
More Actives. Fewer Steps.
Tidy Pores is a featherlight daily treatment serum designed to brighten uneven tone, improve the look of post-acne marks, hydrate, and provide broad-spectrum antioxidant support without the low-pH sting of traditional vitamin C formulas.
Instead of relying on a single hero antioxidant, it combines 10 targeted actives, including stabilized Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phloretin, Silymarin, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Acetamidoethoxyethanol, and Lipochroman®, to support visible tone, hydration, and defense against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
Formulated at a skin-friendly pH, its silky, water-based formula was developed specifically for sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone, atopic, blemish-prone, and melanated skin and layers easily with SPF, makeup, and active-treatment routines.
KEY ACTIVES
0.1% Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Stabilized vitamin C derivative selected for pigment support without the low-pH sting of traditional L-ascorbic acid formulas. It supports a brighter, more even complexion while remaining compatible with sensitive & reactive routines.
0.05% Lipochroman
Lipochroman® is one of the most powerful antioxidants in skincare, neutralizing all three major classes of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon-based free radicals. It directly addresses lipid peroxidation, a key driver of barrier breakdown, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and visible signs of environmental stress in blemish-prone, hormonal, and sensitive skin.
0.5% Phloretin
Flavonoid antioxidant that defends against glycation and oxidative stress, two processes associated with visible dullness, uneven tone, and collagen degradation. Its antioxidant activity also helps reduce the impact of environmental stressors that can contribute to premature visible aging.
5% Acetamidoethoxyethanol
A novel humectant that delivers up to 30 hours of continuous hydration, plumping the skin by reinforcing the skin's water reservoir without occlusion or stickiness.
0.5% Silymarin & Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Helps calm stressed & hormonal skin while supporting the appearance of redness, post-acne marks, and uneven pigmentation. Together, they provide complementary antioxidant and soothing support for skin prone to inflammation-related discoloration.
0.1% Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Stabilized vitamin C derivative selected for pigment support without the low-pH sting of traditional L-ascorbic acid formulas. It supports a brighter, more even complexion while remaining compatible with sensitive & reactive routines.
0.05% Lipochroman
Lipochroman® is one of the most powerful antioxidants in skincare, neutralizing all three major classes of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon-based free radicals. It directly addresses lipid peroxidation, a key driver of barrier breakdown, post-inflammatory pigmentation, and visible signs of environmental stress in blemish-prone, hormonal, and sensitive skin.
0.5% Phloretin
Flavonoid antioxidant that defends against glycation and oxidative stress, two processes associated with visible dullness, uneven tone, and collagen degradation. Its antioxidant activity also helps reduce the impact of environmental stressors that can contribute to premature visible aging.
5% Acetamidoethoxyethanol
A novel humectant that delivers up to 30 hours of continuous hydration, plumping the skin by reinforcing the skin's water reservoir without occlusion or stickiness.
0.5% Silymarin & Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Helps calm stressed & hormonal skin while supporting the appearance of redness, post-acne marks, and uneven pigmentation. Together, they provide complementary antioxidant and soothing support for skin prone to inflammation-related discoloration.
Formulated by a cosmetic chemist with sensitive skin
I created Tidy Pores because sensitive, blemish-prone, and melanated skin deserves an antioxidant serum that doesn’t cause irritation, stinging or flare-ups. We use a micro-dose of an ultra-stable, gentle vitamin C derivative, paired with actives that protect against lipid peroxidation, glycation, pollution, and free radicals—it truly is an all-in-one A.M. serum!
— Christina, Founder & Cosmetic Chemist
FAQ
Fungal Acne & Acne compatibility
Every Authentic Ego formula is screened through our proprietary Reactive Fit Framework™ which evaluates ingredients across five distinct pathways.
We do not rely on outdated comedogenicity ratings derived from 1970's animal tests. Our malassezia compatibility is determined by objective parameters that identify ingredients potentially capable of feeding malassezia yeast.
Rosacea- & eczema-prone skin
We exceed the Rosacea Society and National Eczema Organization's formulation guidelines for all our products. We exclude all essential oils, fragrances, sensitizing preservatives like phenoxyethanol, and niacinamide, butylene and propylene glycols, alcohol, and cross-reactive whole plant extracts in every formulation.
Individuals with active rosacea or eczema flares are always recommended to patch test products before proceeding to full-face application. Never apply products on broken skin.
You can read more on our ingredient philosophy here.
Melanated skin safety
Tidy Pores was specifically formulated to support post-acne marks and even out skin tone across all Fitzpatrick types, with active selection, pH and concentrations chosen to avoid the paradoxical hyperpigmentation that conventional brightening formulas can trigger in melanated skin.
Daily SPF use is always recommended alongside treatment to protect healing skin from further pigment activation.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Tidy Pores does not contain any ingredients explicitly contraindicated in pregnancy. However, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, before starting the use of any new product, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Azelaic acid, Actives, & Retinoid compatibility
Our stabilized, skin-friendly pH formula is designed for compatibility with azelaic acid, exfoliants, retinoids, peptides, and most acne treatments. We recommend using Tidy Pores in the AM and your prescription actives in the evening.
Prescription actives applied in the AM should be applied on bare skin, with Tidy Pores layered on afterwards.
Tidy Pores is designed to layer within tretinoin routines. Standard use: Tidy Pores in the morning, tretinoin at night, Super Sensa after both. Reduce tretinoin frequency if your skin becomes dry, tight, or reactive.
Benzoyl peroxide compatibility
Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidant that will negatively impact the antioxidants in Tidy Pores if you apply them at the same time. If you use a leave-on Benzoyl Peroxide product, we recommend applying Tidy Pores in the AM and your benzoyl peroxide treatment at night. Wash-off Benzoyl Peroxide formulas will not affect Tidy Pores efficacy.
Will it pill under SPF or makeup?
The formula is water-based and silicone-free. Apply a thin layer, then layer moisturizer and SPF immediately.
Pilling may be caused by over-application or letting products fully dry between layers.
How is this different from a traditional vitamin C serum?
Tidy Pores uses a stabilized non-irritating vitamin C derivative plus 9 other actives to brighten, hydrate and protect the skin from environmental stress and lipid peroxidation in one step.
Rather than targeting one narrow point in the pigmentation pathway, Tidy Pores is formulated to support the broader visible biology behind uneven tone, post-blemish marks, dullness, and oxidative stress.
THE REACTIVE FIT FRAMEWORK™
Learn the science behind how we formulate differently
THE REACTIVE FIT™ CORE ROUTINE
Three steps. One framework. Better together.
Cleanse, defend, recover. Three formulas built as one routine, so skin stays calm and hydrated alongside your actives.
I have eczema and acne prone skin, and this is the best vitamin C product I've ever used. The consitency and gentleness makes it easy to incorportate into my routine!
My absolute fav, saved my inflamed hormonal acne ❤️❤️❤️
I’m really enjoying this product. I’ve tried a lot of skincare in my time I use to work in the industry for 2 large beauty brands and this company is new to me. I found out about them through using the skincare app “skin sort” so I put my skin type in a my previous skin routine and Authentic Ego came up as an 100% skincare match. And the fact that it’s make for acne prone skin of an age I love as I do still struggle with hormonal breakouts every now and then m. But as you can see by the picture my skin was looking pretty good (no filter or make up was on) and when I was a teenager I had horrible acne it affected my confidence so much, I chose to go on Roaccutane through my doctors it worked amazing for me. So if this sounds like your skin or you’ve had similar issues this product it’s definitely worth a try. 💋
Best Vitamin C serum out there!!! I have combination skin, and usually most products tend to break me out. Not this one, it makes my face feel more hydrated, and it’s lightweight. Overall my skin loves this product, my rating is a 10/10.
Gentle, refreshing serum that my skin loves
Love the texture and finish of this product, haven’t really been consistent enough to notice a big difference in my skin. I love that its very hydrating for a malassezia folliculitis safe product . I use it in the morning under spf.
My favorite Vitamin C serum! Loves how it dries down on the skin. I usually apply this after cleaning and applying a watery toner. After I wait for it to dry I’ll apply a hydrating serum, my moisturizer and then sunscreen
TLDR; GET THIS! My skin type was formerly super oily +acne prone and became super dehydrated, prone to fungal acne, but still slightly oily after acne laser treatments I had performed. With how sensitive my skin is and how easily things can break me out, I was hesitant to try this brand. I’m so freaking glad that I did. This product encompasses multiple $120+ products into one. Within seconds, my skin felt..different. Almost..rebalanced? It was an incredible feeling and I cannot recommend it enough. Finally a Vitamin C that works with sensitive/acne prone skin! I am a huge skincare girlie this has replaced almost every other product I used before. I now currently use Tidy Pores, Rx Taz, Malezia’s MCT, hyaluronic cleanser, and urea moisturizer. I cannot wait for Alter Ego’s moisturizer to come back in stock because if it’s as good as Tidy Pores (which I assume it will be) it will be incredible.
It's nice! I do find that I get some stinging/redness but am acclimating to it since it's my first time using vitamin C
Best vitamin C serum out there. I have extremely sensitive reactive eczema prone skin and this serum not only caused zero irritation my skin texture and tone has never been better. Highly recommend!
This is actual perfection. If i had to choose only one step from my skincare routine, it would have to be this.
I use it at night before my moisturizer and in the morning before my spf.
Acne fading serum options have been very limited for me as someone with fungal acne prone skin. The last good one I used was from Good Molecules who unfortunately changed formulations where it is no longer FA safe; so when I heard of this new brand (Authentic Ego) launching this product with a uniquely different set of ingredients and ethos I have yet to come across, I was so excited. I ordered this last year and it's a really nice product. I enjoy the feel of it with how nicely and easily it spreads across my skin. After using it for several months, it really did help fade my hyperpigmentation AND it feels really moisturizing which is helpful in the colder months when living in a drier climate. However, I have to go on a break from this product whenever it's summer because it's overly moisturizing for my skin where that in combination with moisturizer (not from AE) can clog my skin. Would definitely repurchase :)
I’m loving the Tidy Pores Serum so far! It’s been a great addition to my skincare routine, and I’m really happy with how my skin has been responding. Definitely excited to keep using it!
I've been using this and the moisturizer since June. I normally break out from Vitamin C and anything hydrating, but so far this has been great- no irritation! My skin seems less reactive, hydrated, and brighter.
Very nice all in one serum! I like how everything is in one formula. Goes on smooth, packaging is beautiful. Fairly priced.
Nice texture. Stay beautiful as you've always been. It helps me feel that I'm keeping my pores clean. I do notice a difference when using it. I really appreciate the fact that it's full of antioxidants, and it still doesn't irritate my skin, which is amazing.
I've been using Tidy Pores every single days for over two years and I will NEVER stop using it. I couldn't be without it. It is efficacious and the formula is exquisite. It layers perfectly with every other serum, toner, moisturizer I have, and is a dream to apply. I genuinely recommend this product to anyone, at any age, with any skin type. The ingredients and delivery system are science-backed, and it's obvious that Christina truly cares about her creations. 11/10!
This is a one and done serum for me. I use it in the daytime, under my SPF. It’s gentle but effective and causes no irritation or stinging. My teen has also been using it daily and it’s working well for their redness and acne.
This is the only vitamin c that has worked for my sensitive skin!
Full of nice antioxidant,I wish they make it for dry skin too.
Works great but does not look good under makeup
Hi Laura! Thanks so much for your review! If you are having issues with pilling, we recommend a few things- always apply on damp skin and apply your Super Sensa moisturizer immediately afterwards. There is no need to wait for it to dry between layers. You may allso want to experiment with applying slightly less product. A thick application in combination with Super Sensa can lead to pilling and balling on the skin when other products are applied on top <3 Thank you again for your purchase and being a loyal customer! with gratitude, Christina Founder AE
Pretty good overall, probalbly buy it again. If possible, better packaging that able to see how much I have left and better mateiral would be good.
So far so good! It hasn't been long enough to see big benefits, but my skin hasn't reacted or gotten mad, which is a success. It spreads nicely over damp skin - one pump seems to be enough. If it continues to be great I'll definitely repurchase.
One of the most innovative serums I have tried. And it has helped fade my PIH. Love it!
I’ve been looking for a vitamin c serum that is well formulated (stable), hydrating, and effective. I’ve found that with tidy pores, it’s already doing a fantastic job at reducing some PIH from hormonal acne I have. It does not pill under my sunscreen (I do wait a few minutes after applying to continue my routine) and I generally tolerate it well. I’m pretty impressed with this brand, I like the novel ingredients (looking at you, acetamidoethoxyethanol) and I hope they always stick to quality and evidence-based best practice.
So ive been using Tidy Pores for the Last 9 days every other day to get my skin used to it slowly-so far so good .. i like the texture & feel of the serum, it glides on face/neck nicely.. for reference, ive been dealing with a damaged skin barrier for around 7 months ..been using Super Sensa for 3 months which has helped me alot.. Tidy Pores was my next go to product as my skin barrier is still healing .. it has not irritated my skin.. i actually see some brightness back in my skin already .. i will come back to update .. gave 4 stars cuz i need more time using it to see more results