Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

Published on Apr 13, 2021

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There absolutely needs to be a word for "I bought it because I liked the label." I don't think there's any feeling quite like that on Earth, and it's even better when it pays off—unlike those several bottles of wine I purchased solely because the label was nice. My label spontaneity was tempted when I saw Dermadoctor on a shelf while looking for a Vitamin C Serum, and the lavender-on-royal-purple color scheme called my name over and over again, louder every single time. So I picked up the brand's Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E, smacked it on my face, and you would think that I had just told Spotify to play Jessie Ware, because I was saying "I love you" to this serum. The combination of ascorbic acid, kakadu fruit extract, and ferulic acid all came together to give me a glow. But it wasn't until after weeks of use that I knew this was a long-term love affair. Of course, being the unbelievably curious and open-minded person I am, I was dying to know more about the brand, so I reached out to Dermadoctor founder Audrey Kunin, MD, to find out more.

Dermadoctor

Founded: By Audrey Kunin, MD, in 1998

Based in: Kansas City, Missouri

Pricing: $$–$$$

Best Known for: Clinical skincare created by a dermatologist dedicated to targeting specific skin problems.

Most Popular Product: Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E, KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub for Dry, Rough, Bumpy Skin with 10% AHAs + PHAs 

Fun Fact: The Dr. Audrey logo is a cross between Bewitched and The Nanny. People have frequently mistaken Dr. Audrey for Fran Drescher in the past, so that gives it even more special meaning.

Other Brands You’ll Love: SkinCeuticals, Murad, Dr. Lancer

Kunin started Dermadoctor initially as an e-commerce platform for consumers to purchase hard-to-find dermatologically approved products, but found after a year that there were several subcategories of skincare that weren't being treated or served. "As my background is in chemistry and compounding, I recognized that I would be able to create formulations that would aid in common skin issues," she explains. " It took me approximately four years. and I launched with just a handful of products that included treatments for a variety of concerns ranging from keratosis pilaris, which affects half the world’s population, to underarm skin discoloration with a brightening antiperspirant, as well as a redness-reducing cream for sensitive and rosacea-prone individuals."

The brand is a true innovator—it was one of the first companies to focus on keratosis pilaris with a patented treatment, to address underarm discoloration with a brightening antiperspirant, and to create the category of the dual physical and chemical exfoliating scrub. If you're an ingredients geek or want products that are both efficacious and clinically proven to work, Dermadoctor is perfect for you. "It is our innovation that gives us our competitive edge against the beauty corporations of the world," says Kunin.

Read on for some of the best, must-try products from Dermadoctor.

01 of 11

Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E $95.00

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There's a reason I think about this vitamin C in my sleep—it feels likes it's helping you achieve your dream face. Not only is it anti-aging, but the vitamin C—both in ascorbic acid form and from the kakadu fruit extract—can help with inflammation and dark spots. Ferulic acid also makes the serum shelf-stable, no need to run to the fridge for this one. It's also full of delicious antioxidants to also be effective in the long-run—and only using 5 drops in every daily application means a little bit can go a long, long way.

02 of 11

KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub for Dry, Rough, Bumpy Skin with 10% AHAs + PHAs

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub for Dry, Rough, Bumpy Skin with 10% AHAs + PHAs $32.00

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There's a reason this is a cult favorite: "The product addresses concerns below the neck, particularly keratosis pilaris, better known as chicken skin, which affects over half of the adult U.S. population," Kunin explains. This scrub combines the best parts of a chemical peel with microdermabrasion, all in one easy application. AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs all work together to provide different forms of chemical exfoliation, while botanicals like evening primrose and black currant seed help to restore the skin's barrier. It's like scrubbing your way to new skin.

03 of 11

Lucky Bamboo Jukyeom 9x Water Gel

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Lucky Bamboo Jukyeom 9x Water Gel $54.00

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For those who need a lighter moisturizer—whether it's seasonal or you just like a gentler touch—this is the moisturizer for you. This lightweight moisturizer uses purple roasted bamboo salt crystals called Jukyeom 9x that are full of antioxidants and minerals to both soothe and hydrate skin.

04 of 11

Kakadu C Eye Soufflé

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Kakadu C Eye Soufflé $68.00

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Not all eye creams are built the same, and this eye cream is no exception. Containing stabilized vitamin C, kakadu plum, potent antioxidants, caffeine, and tripeptide technology, this eye cream is both lightweight and heavy in moisture—perfect for creating an ageless appearance.

05 of 11

Wrinkle Revenge Ultimate Hyaluronic Serum

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Wrinkle Revenge Ultimate Hyaluronic Serum $68.00

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They might rename the phrase to "the best revenge is best-served liquid" after this product—it really will give you a revenge face. (If Princess Diana can have a Revenge Dress and Khlóe Kardashian can have a Revenge Body, you absolutely can have a revenge face.) This serum takes hydration seriously, using three different forms of hyaluronic acid to keep the face looking supple and uplifted.

06 of 11

Total Nonscents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Total Nonscents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant $30.00

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As someone whose goal in life is to smell like "sexy nothing," this fragrance-free deodorant caught my eye. Promising to brighten and help the appearance of the underarm skin, this deodorant is also designed to both prevent odor and wetness. The goal of smelling like sexy nothing is still attainable.

07 of 11

Lucky Bamboo Fermented Wasabi Pressed Serum

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Lucky Bamboo Fermented Wasabi Pressed Serum $65.00

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Pressed serums are a booming trend, as is probiotic skincare—so it's no surprise that Kunin combined the best of the two for this serum. Fermented wasabi is full of probiotics and delicious anti-aging properties to help the skin's clarity and defeat irritability. Wasabi: great on sushi, great for your face.

08 of 11

KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin $38.00

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My love for body creams will never die, and this "double-duty" body lotion is calling my name. Not only is it fragrance-free (a necessity for me with all skincare), but this works double time to both improve the appearance of dry skin using humectant urea and to treat rough keratosis pilaris bumps with glycolic acid. The skin on your body deserves the same amount of TLC that the skin on your face does, and this looks like the double-header of your dreams.

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Kakadu C Brightening Daily Cleanser with Vitamins C, A & AHAs

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Kakadu C Brightening Daily Cleanser with Vitamins C, A & AHAs $38.00

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For the person who needs their skincare to check off several boxes, this product not only cleanses but tones and removes makeup. It somehow manages to rejuvenate and brighten skin while removing all the gross debris and anything that might be getting in the way of your skin's health and wellness. It's soap-free but full of recognizable ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin C, and aloe vera. Your skin will love it.

10 of 11

Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cream

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Calm Cool & Corrected Tranquility Cream $85.00

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Is winter making your skin dry, flaky, and parched? Is it both red in appearance and in the warmth of the touch? Try this moisturizer—seriously, it will work harder than ever to soothe your skin and calm redness and is great for sensitive skin. For my friends who are naturally "rosy-cheeked", I'm both very jealous of you but also giving this the highest recommendation for your skin type.

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Ain't Misbehavin' Intensive 10% Sulfur Acne Mask & Emergency Spot Treatment

Kakadu Vitamin C serum review

DERMADoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Intensive 10% Sulfur Acne Mask & Emergency Spot Treatment $48.00

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Don't let the sulfur label frighten you—this is a deeply effective acne and spot treatment, and sulfur is what makes it so powerful. Whether you struggle with allover acne, or a bump here or there, this will clarify your skin and also help to prevent the development of new blackheads and pimples.

How do you use Kakadu C serum?

Suggested Use Apply five drops to clean, dry face each morning. Gently smooth over skin until absorbed.

Which brand is best for vitamin C serum?

Healthline's picks for the best vitamin C serums.
Pixi Vitamin-C Serum..
Murad Environmental Shield Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum..
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster..
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum..
Sunday Riley C.E.O. ... .
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Serum..
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic..
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum..

Which vitamin C is best for anti aging?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. ... .
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum. ... .
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum. ... .
Mad Hippie Vitamin C. ... .
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Anti-Aging Collagen Booster. ... .
Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster With Pure Vitamin C 10% ... .
Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate..

Which vitamin C serum is best for mature skin?

Best for Mature Skin: TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum This best-selling serum from TruSkin is formulated specifically for mature complexions, with a high concentration of active ingredients. It blends vitamins C and E with hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil to combat dullness, address discoloration, and restore firmness.