Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Glycerin + 3 moreWorks well
“The lightweight-nature of this formula makes it suitable for most skin types, absorbing quickly to provide long-lasting hydration.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Evens skin toneSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingSide benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphateWorks well
“Discover Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate, a lightweight, vitamin C-rich layering serum that soothes, replenishes and balances skin with its complex blend of anti-oxidant, hydrating and conditioning ingredients.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphateWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
In addition, this product contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, BisabololMay help
This product contains antioxidants (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Boswellia carterii oil, Rosa damascena flower oil + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~3.9–5.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSodium ascorbyl phosphate~3.6–5.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphateNiacinamide~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePeg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilPhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitric acid~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidXanthan gum~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium gluconate~0.9–1.4%
Sodium dehydroacetate~0.3–0.6%
Bisabolol~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololPolysorbate 20~0.4–0.95%
Boswellia carterii oil~0.35–0.75%
Fusanus spicatus wood oil~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Rosa damascena flower oilBiosaccharide gum-1~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Sodium carrageenan~0.15–0.55%
Glyceryl caprylate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateSodium anisate~0.1–0.4%
Sodium levulinate~0.1–0.35%
Maris sal~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to thicken the product formulation and might help to add minerals to the surface of the skin. It is used in scrubs as a physical exfoliant. Can increase sensitivity to other ingredients if left on the skin or used in high concentration
More about Maris salLimonene~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCitronellol~0.05–0.15%
Farnesol~0.01–0.1%
Geraniol~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Niacinamide, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Phenoxyethanol, Citric acid, Xanthan gum, Sodium gluconate, Sodium dehydroacetate, Bisabolol, Polysorbate 20, Boswellia carterii oil, Fusanus spicatus wood oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Biosaccharide gum-1, Sodium carrageenan, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium anisate, Sodium levulinate, Maris sal, Limonene, Citronellol, Farnesol, Geraniol
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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.
| AesopLucent Facial ConcentrateYOUR PRODUCT | HydroPeptideFirma-Bright 20% Vitamin C Booster | hellobubbleDay Dream Serum | Bubble SkincareDay Dream Tone and Texture Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 97% | 97% | 97% |
| Price | ≈ $125.65 | $97.20≈ −$28.45 | $28.77≈ −$96.88 | $14.01≈ −$111.64 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Alpha-Arbutin | Alpha-Arbutin |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Dr. David Jack Good Morning Vitamin C SerumNEOGEN X SUR.MEDIC Real Vita C Serum
Product summary
"Aesop - Lucent Facial Concentrate" is effective for: Moisturizing, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.70% - 4.00%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Humectants (glycerin 3.90% - 5.90% and biosaccharide gum-1 0.20% - 0.75%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Aesop" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 85.00$ up to 125.00$ in the United States, for 179.76A$ in Australia and from 85.00£ up to 609.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsionssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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