Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum by Algenist
Works for
Evens skin tone3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, NiacinamideWorks well
“This Vitamin C derivative* helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and discoloration to reveal a brighter, more even, and radiant skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.
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-agingNiacinamide, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + 2 moreWorks well
“This Vitamin C derivative* helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and discoloration to reveal a brighter, more even, and radiant skin tone.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Ceramide np + 15 moreWorks well
“Why You'll Love It This powerful vegan formula combines patented Alguronic Acid®, our breakthrough anti-aging discovery, with nourishing Microalgae Oil, both naturally sourced and sustainably produced, and a potent Vitamin C derivative* to help visibly brighten skin, while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
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. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: chlorella protothecoides oil, cholesterol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, niacinamide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, phytosphingosine
Anti-blemishNiacinamide, PhytosphingosineWorks well
“Reduces appearance of spots and discoloration”
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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides + 1 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) 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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Parfum, CoumarinMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4.1–6.1%
- 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 GlycerinButylene glycol~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycol3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidPolymethylsilsesquioxane~2–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium citrate~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerNiacinamide~1.3–1.9%
- 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 NiacinamideEthoxydiglycol~1–1.5%
Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Compounds extracted from green algae that could help neutralize free radicals, but evidence of effectiveness in skincare products (topical applicaiton) is missing. Helps moisturize the skin by attracting water to its upper layer
More about Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharidesChlorella protothecoides oil~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
An emollient. Is unlikely to have additional benefits for the skin
More about Chlorella protothecoides oilVinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency
More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymerHydrolyzed collagen~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrolyzed collagenCeramide np~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npCeramide ap~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide apCeramide eop~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide eopPhytosphingosine~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineSodium lactate~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateCholesterol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPlantago lanceolata leaf extract~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties
More about Plantago lanceolata leaf extractPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Dictyopteris polypodioides extract~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPeg-12 dimethicone~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Peg-12 dimethiconeCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolXanthan gum~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumEthylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.4%
Hexylene glycol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolDisodium edta~0.1–0.3%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearatePolysorbate 60~0.1–0.35%
Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCarbomer~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerPolysorbate 20~0.05–0.25%
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine
More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtratePhenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolParfum~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCoumarin~0.01–0.05%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium citrate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Niacinamide, Ethoxydiglycol, Parachlorella beijerinckii exopolysaccharides, Chlorella protothecoides oil, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed collagen, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Phytosphingosine, Sodium lactate, Cholesterol, Plantago lanceolata leaf extract, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract, Citric acid, Peg-12 dimethicone, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Disodium edta, Sorbitan isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Coumarin
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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.
| AlgenistGenius Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum by AlgenistYOUR PRODUCT | Daughters of MalayPost-Breakout Recovery Serum | HydrinityRetaXome Daily Retinal Hydrator | ISNTREEHyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 82% | 81% |
| Price | $118.00 | — | $145.00+$27.00 | $13.71−$104.29 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 15 | 10 of 15 | 9 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | Alpha-Arbutin | Retinal | Retinol |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Apothaka Skincare Barrier Support SerumNo7 Menopause Skincare Instant Radiance Serum
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
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- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Microalgal polysaccharide compositionspatents.google.com
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