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ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum
ACURE

ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum

Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-oxidation
Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Ubiquinone + 4 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (ubiquinone) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - haematococcus pluvialis extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Haematococcus pluvialis extractKey activeEffect: MediumGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin~2.8–4.2%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~1.4–2.1%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~6.1–9.2%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~4.1–6.2%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~1.9–2.9%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.3–0.75%
Anti-aging
Butyrospermum parkii butter, Ubiquinone + 2 more
May help
What the product description says
“ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum boosts skin's glow.”
Source: Ulta

This product contains ubiquinone. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~6.1–9.2%
UbiquinoneEffect: LowCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~1.4–2.1%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~1.9–2.9%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.3–0.75%
Moisturizing
Helianthus annuus seed oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 3 more
Works
What the product description says
“Benefits Intensely brightens and boosts skin's glow The shapeshifting sold to serum texture intensely moisturizes High antioxidant content fends off free radicals Key Ingredients Astaxanthin fends off free radicals Vitamin C brightens and boosts skin's glow CoQ10 moisturizes and rejuvenates Formulated Without Parabens Sulfates Petroleum Mineral Oil Formaldehyde Animal Products”
Source: Ulta

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: butyrospermum parkii butter, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~22–33%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~6.1–9.2%
Helianthus annuus seed ceraKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~5.1–7.6%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~4.1–6.2%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~1.4–2.1%
Evens skin tone
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate ~1.9–2.9%, below the ~4% it needs + 1 more
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum boosts skin's glow.”
Source: Ulta

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.~1.9–2.9%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.3–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Geranium maculatum oil + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.6%est.
Geranium maculatum oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–1.4%est.
Citrus aurantium amara peel oil—High~0.45–1.05%est.
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.3–0.75%est.
Aniba rosodora wood oilA fragrant plant oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~4.1–6.2%est.
Haematococcus pluvialis extractGreen algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthinMedium~2.8–4.2%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.Medium~1.9–2.9%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~6.1–9.2%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil
Dermadoctor Kakadu C High Potency Evening Oil
Higher efficacy · 91/10051% match
$28.93
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Helianthus annuus seed oil~22–33%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Butyrospermum parkii butter~6.1–9.2%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Helianthus annuus seed cera~5.1–7.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Helianthus annuus seed cera
Vitis vinifera seed oil~4.1–6.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Haematococcus pluvialis extract~2.8–4.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Green algae extract that might contain antioxidant astaxanthin

More about Haematococcus pluvialis extract
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~1.9–2.9%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Ubiquinone~1.4–2.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-aging

Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen

More about Ubiquinone
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~1.1–1.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Geranium maculatum oil~0.6–1.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Geranium maculatum oil
Citrus aurantium amara peel oil~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium amara peel oil
Ascorbic acid~0.3–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Aniba rosodora wood oil~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrant plant oil. Can be irritating

More about Aniba rosodora wood oil
Hasminum officinale (jasmine) oil
Not recognized
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Ingredient list view

Helianthus annuus seed oil, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Helianthus annuus seed cera, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Haematococcus pluvialis extract, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Ubiquinone, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Geranium maculatum oil, Citrus aurantium amara peel oil, Ascorbic acid, Aniba rosodora wood oil, Unknown, Citrus nobilis peel oil

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
ACUREBrightening Vitamin C Sunset SerumYOUR PRODUCTMaya ChiaThe Super Blend Pressed Serum Moisture ConcentrateDermadoctorKakadu C High Potency Evening OilMara BeautyChlorella + Reishi Sea Vitamin C Serum
Match—59%51%48%
Price——$28.93$52.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 73 of 72 of 7
Key difference—Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideIsosorbide Dicaprylate
Irritancy High High Medium High
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  2. 2
    Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
  3. 3
    Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Effective Inhibition of Skin Cancer, Tyrosinase, and Antioxidative Properties by Astaxanthin and Astaxanthin Esters from the Green Alga Haematococcus pluvialispubs.acs.org
  6. 6
    Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Toxicity and Efficacy of A New Astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis Extractjstage.jst.go.jp
ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum
ACUREBrightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.