Vitamin C + Calcium Complex

BiON Vitamin C + Calcium Complex is an antioxidant-rich serum for anti-aging, cancer prevention.

Vitamin C is essential for natural collagen production to help fight wrinkles and to ensure evenness of the skin’s tone and texture.

• Stabilized formulation using Ferulic Acid
• 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

Who it's for

This is a preventative antioxidant serum aimed at people concerned with photo-aging, sun damage, fine lines/wrinkles, uneven tone/texture, and free radical damage — essentially anyone wanting an anti-aging, brightening vitamin C treatment. It's also positioned with an added benefit of skin cancer protection support via its topical calcium complex, so it may appeal especially to those focused on long-term photoprotection and mature or photo-damaged skin.

How to use it correctly

1. Cleanse and dry the skin first.
2. Apply sparingly, once a day (it's a concentrated 15% vitamin C formula, so a little goes a long way).
3. Since it has a low pH (3.2) typical of L-ascorbic acid formulas, it's commonly used in the morning under sunscreen for added antioxidant/UV-damage protection, though the brand doesn't specify AM vs PM — some estheticians note dry skin can use it as a serum step, while oilier skin can use it more like a lightweight moisturizer layer under SPF.

Key ingredients & what they do

• L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15% – the most researched, potent form of vitamin C; provides antioxidant protection, stimulates collagen production, and helps fade discoloration/even out tone.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate & Ascorbyl Palmitate – additional, gentler forms of vitamin C that support and stabilize the ascorbic acid's effects.
• Calcium Carbonate/Calcium Lactate – the "calcium complex" ingredient; topical calcium helps regulate cell turnover and is noted for supporting skin's natural defense mechanisms against environmental stress.
• Ferulic Acid – a well-known antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and enhances its effectiveness and longevity.
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) – antioxidant that works synergistically with vitamin C and ferulic acid (a classic combination for boosting free-radical protection).
• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract – additional antioxidant support.
• Royal Jelly – a nourishing, hydrating ingredient often included for its vitamin/amino acid content (note: this is an animal/bee-derived ingredient — see vegan note below).
• Beta-Glucan (Oat) – soothing and hydrating, helps support the skin barrier.
• Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) – supports cellular energy processes in the skin.
• Squalane, Glycerin, Olive & Safflower Oils – emollients/humectants for hydration and skin barrier support.

Layering with retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids

• Retinol: Since this product is already a vitamin C treatment, you don't need a separate vitamin C step — the more relevant question is combining it with retinol. The classic, widely-used approach is: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night. Layering both in the same application isn't recommended, since vitamin C works best at a low, acidic pH and retinol needs a more neutral pH to convert effectively — using them at different times of day avoids this conflict and reduces irritation risk.
• Vitamin C: This is your vitamin C step — no need to add another vitamin C product on top in the same routine.
• Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA): Because this serum already has a very low pH (3.2) and 15% L-ascorbic acid (which itself behaves somewhat like an acid on the skin), layering additional exfoliating acids at the same time can increase risk of irritation, redness, or a compromised barrier — especially for sensitive skin. It's generally safer to alternate: use this vitamin C serum one session and your exfoliating acid another (e.g., vitamin C in the AM, acid exfoliant in the PM on non-consecutive or alternating nights), rather than applying both back-to-back.

Fragrance-free / cruelty-free / vegan

• Fragrance-free: Yes — BiON Research products are free of synthetic fragrances. That said, one esthetician review of this exact product mentions a light floral/citrus scent that dissipates quickly, which likely comes from the natural plant extracts/oils rather than added synthetic fragrance.
• Cruelty-free: Yes — BiON products are cruelty-free, and none of their ingredients are tested on animals.
• Vegan: No, this specific product is not vegan — it contains Royal Jelly, which is a bee-derived (animal) ingredient. If vegan status is important to you, this particular formula wouldn't qualify, even though the brand cruelty-free.

1 fl oz