Dr Barbara Sturm is an established, well respected, global brand with a range of excellent products within the skin care sector. 

Kalōnology on the other hand is a fairly new, independent brand based out of the UK who has placed a strong emphasis on bioactive formulations which are based on ethically sourced ingredients.

These carefully selected ingredients are 100% natural, sustainably sourced and scientifically proven to work.

Their packaging is also highly advanced, refill and recirculate ready meaning the brand is truly a zero impact proposition. 

The Two products considered here are similar in terms of what they are designed to achieve and share similar ingredients - although there are certain distinct differences which we will outline below.

Value for money:

Dr Barbara Sturm: The Good Vitamin C Serum - GBP 110 for 30ml (03/2023) is expensive considering the simple packaging which exposes the ingredients to atmospheric conditions and thus exposes the formula to a greater risk of oxidation. Also, the ingredient lineup does contain a mild irritant which is an inorganic compound. 

Kalōnology: Advanced Vitamin C Serum - GBP 45.50 for 30ml, once the first refill is consumed, the price goes down to GBP 31.00 for the next refill cartridge (03/2023) which slips into replace the spent cartridge.

This represents amazing value for money - especially considering Kalōnology's 100% natural, active ingredient lineup.

Also, Kalōnology's packaging is airless, double walled and protects sensitive ingredients for much longer - it's the ultimate ultra low impact solution. 

Ingredients: 

Dr Barbara Sturm

Aqua/Water/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Ascorbyl Glucoside , Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract Sodium Hyaluronate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable GlyceridesPotassium Cetyl Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Sodium Sulfite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium Gum, Tocopherol

Kalōnology Responsible Skin Care

Isotonic Seawater, Porphyra, Laminaria & Fucus Algae Extracts, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cocos Nucifera (Virgin Coconut Oil), Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit), Citrus Medica (Lemon), Salvia Sclarea (Sage), Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary), Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang), Amyris Balsamifera, Vanilla Tahitiensis, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Esters), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Ferulic Acid, L-Ergothioneine, Xanthan Gum, Chondrus Crispus (Seaweed Polysaccharide Gel), Honeysuckle Extract, Astaxanthin and Tocopherol (Vitamin E Oil).

Links to Kalōnology's ingredient lineup which is backed by scientific evidence of efficacy are below. 

The ingredient lineup is similar.

Both Company's use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate but Kalōnology also uses another form of stable Vitamin C, being Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. Dr Barbara Sturm uses Ascorbic Acid which is an excellent choice but has a limited shelf life, especially in the simple (open to atmospheric conditions) packaging - the product will have a tendency to oxidise quickly. 

Both have hydration in the form of Sodium Hyaluronate but Kalōnology include hydrators across the weight spectrum (offering a complete hydration experience) 

Kalōnology has a 100% natural ingredient and preservation system which when used with their technologically advanced refill and recirculate ready packaging, means bioactive ingredients remain bioactive for much longer - they are able to fulfil their intended use in the best possible way, without oxidising on the client's shelf. 

Third Party Ingredient rating:

Paula's Choice offers a popular service for rating ingredients and based on this resource, one can see that Dr Barbara Sturm's Vitamin C Serum contains ingredients which mainly fall within the Good to Best category but that Sodium Sulfite for example is not a natural compound and is considered a skin irritant.

Kalonology's Vitamin C Serum include ingredients which are 100% natural and fall either in the Good or Best category, as determined by Paula's Choice and their panel of experts.  

More on Kalōnology's Advanced Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid: 

Kalōnology's Advanced Vitamin C Serum is formulated with the highest concentration of stable, effective Vitamin C, at 11% weight.

This serum is not only a highly effective skin tone brightener, but also a non-irritating moisturiser for the ultimate skin care experience.

In addition to Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, we also include Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (1%) - another stable form of Vitamin C that actively increases skin hydration and acts as a powerful antioxidant, resulting in firmer, brighter and healthier looking skin.

To ensure the ultimate balance in effective hydration, we also include Hyaluronic Acid (2%), Sodium Hyaluronate, and Vitamin E. Astaxanthin is added at optimum concentration for its ultra-effective antioxidant and DNA repairing properties.

Advanced Vitamin C Serum is also infused with powerful marine and botanical extracts, making it one of the best vitamin c serums available in the UK today. With a light, non-oily consistency that is easily absorbed, this serum is the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine.

Kalōnology's Advanced Vitamin C serum brings luminosity to the skin, reduces melanin synthesis and regulates oil production. L-Fucose strengthens the connective tissue matrix and stimulates collagen synthesis.

It tightens, brightens and evens out skin tone from the first application.

The serum is a highly effective hydrator and will not leave any sticky or greasy residue - a perfect base for all skin colours - also, it will not leave white streaks on darker tones either!

Perfect for all skin types.

Kalōnology's products are only available online at www.kalonology.com. They are offering a 20% introductory discount on your first purchase - simply add GETLESS20% during checkout while stocks last - they ship worldwide!

Scientific Evidence in support of the statements above (all are freely available on the various website links below) 

1. Anti-aging properties: Galasso, C., et al. (2019). "Chondrus crispus: A source of sulfated polysaccharides with interesting biological properties." In Mar Drugs. 

2. Moisturizing: Lee, J., et al. (2017). "Evaluation of moisturizing efficacy of algae extracts and polysaccharide using human skin model." In J Cosmet Dermatol. 

3. Skin-firming: Harnedy, P. A., et al. (2015). "Chondrus crispus—A source of bioactive compounds and functional ingredients." In Mar Drugs. 

4. Glycation-blocking: Ryu, B., et al. (2018). "Inhibitory effect of porphyra-334 derived from Porphyra yezoensis on advanced glycation end products-induced skin aging." In J Agric Food Chem. 

5. Anti-inflammatory: Ganesan, P., et al. (2017). "Immunomodulatory effects of marine polysaccharides: A review." In Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 

6. UV damage repair: Wang, L., et al. (2015). "Photoprotective and antioxidant effects of sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae." In Int J Biol Macromol. 

7. Anti-wrinkle: Kim, M., et al. (2018). "Antioxidant and anti-aging activities of polysaccharides isolated from marine algae Gelidium amansii." In Int J Biol Macromol.

8. Skin elasticity: Seo, J. Y., et al. (2017). "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a food supplement containing sebum-controlling and anti-aging ingredients in healthy Korean women." In J Cosmet Dermatol. 

9. Cellular DNA repair: Kim, J., et al. (2019). "The antioxidant and DNA repair effects of polyphenolic compounds from seaweed." In Trends Food Sci Technol.

10. Oxygenation: Robins, M. M., et al. (2019). "The effects of perfluorodecalin on oxygen delivery and tissue oxygenation in a rodent model of acute hemorrhagic shock." In J Trauma Acute Care Surg.