• Vitamin C MDT5 serum
  • Boosts collagen
  • Corrects discoloration
  • Light citrus serum

What it is

The flagship serum from Somme Institute, a dermatological research lab that spent over a decade building MDT5, a system that carries vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E deep into skin. The crown of their skin ritual, with a light citrus scent and a silky texture.

What it does

Illuminates and corrects discoloration with citrus-derived vitamin C that helps boost collagen production and correct sun-damaged, discolored skin. The MDT5 vitamin blend nourishes developing skin cells with the nutrients they need to thrive, for healthier, more luminous-looking skin.

Who it's for

Anyone addressing discoloration, sun damage, or early signs of aging. Works on all skin types, tones, and ages.

How to use

How much: Two to three pumps, morning and night.

1. After cleansing, apply 2 to 3 pumps of this potent serum all over your face, neck, and chest, using light upward strokes.
2. Follow with A-Bomb. For the brand's strongest results, apply after Transport Glycolic Acid Pads.
3. Finish with a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen in the morning.

Where it fits: After Transport Pads, before A-Bomb, in the Somme sequence.

Inside the formula

Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate

A stabilized form of vitamin C for antioxidant support

Retinyl palmitate/carrot polypeptide

Vitamin A, delivered by the MDT5 system to support tone and texture

Tocopherol

Vitamin E that helps protect and condition skin

Niacinamide

Vitamin B3 that evens out skin tone

Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel extract

A citrus botanical that adds antioxidant support

Full ingredient list
Water/Aqua/Eau, SD Alcohol 40, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate/Carrot Polypeptide, Tocopherol, Niacinamide

Why we stock it

We stock this because it is the product Somme built its name on: a vitamin C serum with a delivery system designed by research dermatologists. If you try one thing from this line, it is this.

The Nexus standard

Vetted before it lists

Every brand on our shelf is screened before it can sell here. Fewer than you'd think make it through.

Direct from the maker

We work directly with independent brands and skip the retail markup, so you pay less for the same products.

30-day returns

Changed your mind? Returns are easy within 30 days on unopened products. Secure checkout, always.

About the brand

Somme Institute

Dermatologist-developed, vitamin-powered skincare

Somme Institute was founded on a simple belief: skincare companies should deliver on the claims they promise. They assembled a team of research dermatologists, tested nearly every product and ingredient on the market using UV photography and more than 5,000 subjects over eight years, and developed MDT5, a patented delivery system that gets vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E where they actually need to go.

We stock Somme Institute because their vitamin-delivery technology is backed by real clinical testing, and the before-and-afters are hard to argue with.

Shop all Somme Institute

Skincare questions, answered

Where does this go in my routine?

Thinnest to thickest: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, then SPF in the morning. This product's How to use section above tells you its exact step.

When will I see results?

Give it 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use — that's one full skin cycle. Hydration shows up in days; tone and texture take weeks. If your skin reacts badly (stinging, new breakouts that don't settle within a week), stop using it.

I have sensitive skin. Will this irritate me?

Patch test first: a dab behind your ear or along your jawline, wait 24 hours. Fragrance-free formulas are the safest bet for reactive skin — check the highlights on this page.