Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Exfoliation
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Key actives
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Anthony Vitamin C Facial Serum is enriched with stabilized vitamin C to protect skin against free radicals while supporting the natural production of collagen.
Source: Sephora
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains palmitoyl hexapeptide-12.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
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.
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Moisturizing
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, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.
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: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, pentylene glycol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, urea
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Derived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
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
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
A unique blend of polypeptides and AHAs retexturize, rejuvenate, and brighten while licorice root extract evens skin tone for a smooth, fresh complexion.
Source: Sephora
This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
A unique blend of polypeptides and AHAs retexturize, rejuvenate, and brighten while licorice root extract evens skin tone for a smooth, fresh complexion.
Source: Sephora
This product might help exfoliate the skin with urea, but This ingredient is not the most effective.
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 66/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Anthony High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum | Current | $45.00 | |
 Lab Series Skincare for Men Max LS Power V Lifting Serum | 87% | $59.00 | |
Paula's choice Peptide Booster | 86% | $15.60 | |
Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% | 80% | $11.00 | |
 GLAMGLOW SUPERSERUM™ 6-Acid Refining Treatment Serum | 80% | - | |
 skintific 2% SALICYLIC ACID ANTI ACNE SERUM | 79% | $45.00 |
Key Actives
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Potential irritants
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Comedogenic ingredients
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
Derived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
All ingredients
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Dissolves other ingredients. It does not have additional skin benefits compared to plain water
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency
Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation
Derived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Maris aqua, Sea water, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Rosa damascena extract, Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract, Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil, Sodium hyaluronate, Plankton extract, Butylene glycol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Xanthan gum, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Carrageenan, Hydrolyzed algin, Trehalose, Polysorbate 20, Triacetin, Polyquaternium-51, Sodium pca, Urea, Carbomer, Sodium lactate, Salicylic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl alcohol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edta, Benzoic acid, Propylene glycol, Benzethonium chloride, Dehydroacetic acid
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies
- Safety Assessment of Plant Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics
- Final report on the safety assessment of triacetin
- Topical urea in skincare: A review
- Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
- Beta Hydroxy Acids
- A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparations
- Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Study
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- 4 Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid