The active is 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, a vitamin C derivative rather than L-ascorbic acid. Derivatives are more stable and gentler, but they must convert to active vitamin C in the skin, and the evidence that they do so usefully is weaker than for the pure form.
For a dose-sensitive active, concentration matters, and Bliss does not disclose it here. Without a number, you cannot compare this to other serums or know whether it reaches a useful level.
The added palmitoyl tripeptide-5 is a real peptide, but topical peptide evidence is thin, and a single peptide in a mixed serum is a supporting claim, not a treatment. Treat this as a comfortable starter, not a strong corrective.
| Key active | 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (percentage not disclosed) |
| Texture | Lightweight gel |
| Best for | Sensitive skin; vitamin C beginners |
| Approximate price | $22–$28 |
It is a reasonable, gentle starting point. 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is a stable derivative that does not need a stinging low pH, and it will not oxidize on you the way real vitamin C does.
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 adds a peptide, and squalane, hyaluronic acid, green tea and licorice round it out sensibly.
Widely available at drugstores for around $25, which makes it easy to try.
Bliss does not tell you the concentration. For an active where dose matters, that is a real gap — you cannot compare it to anything.
It is a derivative, not L-ascorbic acid, with the weaker evidence that implies. The name says "Vitamin C" and does not clarify.
The peptide is unlikely to do much. Topical peptide evidence is thin across the board, and a single peptide in a mid-price serum is a supporting claim, not a treatment.
The citrus scent is strong — several reviewers find it artificial.
Water (Aqua) (Eau), Glycerin, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Squalane, Tocopherol, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Japonica Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Malt Extract/Soybean Flour/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Bisabolol, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogenated Farnesene, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate, Glyceryl Stearate, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Silica, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hexylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene
1. 3-O-ethyl-l-ascorbic acid: Characterisation and investigation of single solvent systems for delivery to the skin (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpx.2019.100025) — Characterizes 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid as a stable vitamin C derivative developed because L-ascorbic acid readily oxidizes in air, reports its pKa of ~7.72 (so it does not require a low/stinging pH), and demonstrates skin penetration. 2. Lipid-Based Gels for Delivery of 3-O-Ethyl L-Ascorbic acid in Topical Applications (https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/9/1187) — Explains that the ethyl group on 3-O-ethyl L-ascorbic acid protects the molecule from ionization and thus from the rapid oxidation seen with plain vitamin C, and confirms the derivative retains antioxidant activity in skin. 3. Proteomic analysis of the combined effects of cannabigerol and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid on kinase-dependent signalling in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-78859-5) — Describes 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid as a stable, lipophilic derivative of the antioxidant vitamin C with the capacity to penetrate skin, supporting the claim that it is a stable vitamin C alternative. 4. Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective (https://bi.tbzmed.ac.ir/Article/bi-30071) — Reviews palmitoylated cosmetic anti-wrinkle peptides and notes a surprising absence of clinical studies for them, supporting the page's point that a palmitoyl tripeptide carries weaker (largely non-clinical) evidence.