Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum Review: Vitamin C serums are the heart of many skincare routines, promising to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and deliver a radiant glow. Enter the Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum, a product that claims to pack the perfect punch of potent antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. But here’s the catch—not every skin reacts the same way. In my journey with this serum, I discovered the importance of knowing your skin and the necessity of patch testing. Let’s dive deep into what this serum offers, my experience with it, and what you should consider before trying it.

About Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum
As per the official website, the Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum is formulated with 15% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable and effective form of Vitamin C. It is enriched with Japanese Mandarin and Kakadu Plum to enhance its brightening and antioxidant properties.
Key Features:
- Concentration: Contains 15% Vitamin C for maximum effectiveness.
- Enriched Ingredients: Includes Kakadu Plum and Japanese Mandarin to boost efficacy.
- Hydrating Additives: Features Betaine and Aloe Vera for hydration.
- Skin Compatibility: Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.
It is designed to brighten dull skin, reduce pigmentation, and combat environmental stressors, making it suitable for all skin types—at least in theory.
How to Use Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum
- Cleanse: Start with a freshly cleansed and toned face.
- Dispense: Take 2-3 drops of serum into your palm.
- Apply: Gently pat the serum onto your face and neck.
- Follow-Up: Use a moisturizer and always finish with sunscreen during the day.
- Frequency: Use it in your morning routine for the best results.
Price
- USD: $15
- Euros: €13.5
- AED: Approx. AED 55
- INR: ₹550
Plum ensures affordability, making this a budget-friendly option for those wanting to incorporate Vitamin C into their skincare routine.
My Experience with Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum
Packaging
The serum comes in a sturdy amber glass bottle with a dropper for precise application. The dark bottle helps protect the Vitamin C from light, preserving its potency. While the packaging is sleek and functional, I found the dropper slightly tricky, as it dispensed more product than needed at times.
Fragrance and Texture
The serum is fragrance-free, which is a huge plus for sensitive noses. It has a lightweight, slightly watery texture that spreads easily and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue.
Usability
On application, the serum felt light and hydrating. However, after a few uses, I noticed that my skin started to feel slightly irritated, particularly around my cheeks.
Results
- Initial Week: My skin appeared brighter, and the serum gave a noticeable glow.
- Second Week: Breakouts started to emerge on my cheeks and forehead. I reduced the frequency of use, but the irritation persisted.
- Third Week: I had to discontinue use entirely and focus on calming my skin with niacinamide and barrier-repair creams.
Why It Didn’t Work for Me
The 15% concentration of Vitamin C, while effective for some, was too potent for my sensitive skin. Despite the hydrating ingredients, the formula didn’t prevent the irritation and breakouts I experienced.

The Ingredients: What’s Inside?
- Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (15%): A stable form of Vitamin C that helps brighten the skin and combat pigmentation.
- Kakadu Plum: A rich source of Vitamin C to enhance radiance.
- Japanese Mandarin: Boosts the efficacy of Vitamin C.
- Betaine and Aloe Vera: Hydrate and soothe the skin.
- No Artificial Fragrances: Suitable for those sensitive to perfumes.
Pros
- Contains a high concentration of Vitamin C for visible results.
- Enriched with natural extracts like Kakadu Plum and Japanese Mandarin.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Lightweight, non-sticky formula.
- Fragrance-free and cruelty-free.
Cons
- The 15% Vitamin C concentration may be too strong for sensitive skin.
- Can cause irritation and breakouts without proper skin preparation.
- Requires consistent use of sunscreen for effectiveness.
- Packaging can sometimes dispense more product than needed.
- Not ideal for beginners to Vitamin C.

Advises for Using Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum
- Patch Test: Always do a patch test before using it on your face, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
- Start Slowly: Begin with 2-3 uses per week and gradually increase frequency.
- Hydration is Key: Pair with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- SPF is Non-Negotiable: Sunscreen is a must when using Vitamin C.
- Know Your Skin: If you’re new to active ingredients, start with a lower concentration of Vitamin C.
Rating
- Effectiveness: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) – Effective for some but not for sensitive skin types like mine.
- Packaging: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Functional and protective.
- Value for Money: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Affordable for its claims.
- Overall: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Conclusion
The Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum is a well-formulated product for those with resilient skin looking to brighten their complexion and reduce dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin or are new to active ingredients, this serum might be too intense. My experience highlighted the importance of understanding your skin’s needs and patch-testing new products.
While the product has its merits, it wasn’t the right fit for me. I experienced breakouts and irritation, which required niacinamide and barrier-repair creams to heal. This doesn’t mean the serum is inherently bad—it simply underscores that one size doesn’t fit all in skincare.
For those who can tolerate it, the Plum 15% Vitamin C Serum could be a game-changer. But for sensitive-skinned individuals like me, it’s better to start with a lower concentration and gradually build up.