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Anthony High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum
Anthony

Anthony High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging
Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This state-of-the-art gel serum, designed to harness the antioxidant superpowers of vitamin C and synthesized with powerful polypeptides and AHAs, helps support the natural production of collagen and works to trigger your skin’s regeneration process, thus, helping your body repair damaged skin cells.”
Source: Anthony

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.

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12Key activeEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~2.7–4%
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~2–3%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.15–0.65%
Evens skin tone
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Add our High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum to your arsenal of must-have products to lighten, brighten, rejuvenate and even skin tone, while protecting against free radicals and environmental aggressors.”
Source: Anthony

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.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~1.4–2.1%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~0.15–0.65%
Salicylic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed 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)~0.1–0.45%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 + 14 more
Works well

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

Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~2.7–4%
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Hero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~2–3%
UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally 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~0.1–0.5%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.9–5.9%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%
Plankton extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.75%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.5%
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.6%
Hydrolyzed alginKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumDerived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.55%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.1–0.45%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.1–0.5%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~3.7–5.5%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.2–0.8%
Polyquaternium-51Effect: LowAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin~0.15–0.5%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.05–0.15%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.95–1.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Citrus aurantium amara flower extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower extractUsed as a fragrance for its citrus smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.6–1.35%est.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract—High~0.35–0.85%est.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil—High~0.35–0.85%est.
TriacetinUsed to dissolve other ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Salicylic acidUsed 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)High~0.1–0.45%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Benzethonium chloride—High~0.05–0.1%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~3.7–5.5%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.95–1.45%est.
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.75%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA 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 highMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulationMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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
Plankton extractCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.3–0.75%est.
CarrageenanHelps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation3/5~0.15–0.6%est.
Hydrolyzed alginDerived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.15–0.55%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Max LS Power V Lifting Serum
Lab Series Skincare for Men Max LS Power V Lifting Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10082% match
Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10080% match
$44.00
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.9–5.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Pentylene glycol~3.7–5.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12~2.7–4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizing

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~2–3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Maris aqua~1.4–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Sea water. Helps dissolve other ingredients in a product

More about Maris aqua
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.95–1.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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

More about Cucumis sativus fruit extract
Citrus aurantium amara flower extract~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance for its citrus smell. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower extract
Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Cymbopogon schoenanthus extract
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Plankton extract~0.3–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Plankton extract
Butylene glycol~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

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

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.15–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer
Carrageenan~0.15–0.6%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5

Helps thicken the product formula and create a nice product formulation

More about Carrageenan
Hydrolyzed algin~0.15–0.55%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Derived from brown algae. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed algin
Trehalose~0.15–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Polysorbate 20~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Triacetin~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used to dissolve other ingredients

More about Triacetin
Polyquaternium-51~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

More about Polyquaternium-51
Sodium pca~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Urea~0.1–0.5%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

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

More about Urea
Carbomer~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Sodium lactate~0.1–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Salicylic acid~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

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)

More about Salicylic acid
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Disodium edta~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Benzoic acid~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Propylene glycol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Benzethonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing
More about Benzethonium chloride
Dehydroacetic acid~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Maris aqua, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Citrus aurantium amara flower 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

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Anthony
$50.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 00:19 GMT
$50.00
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Ulta1 oz
$50.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 00:29 GMT
$89.00
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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
AnthonyHigh Performance Vitamin C Facial SerumYOUR PRODUCTLab Series Skincare for MenMax LS Power V Lifting SerumCliniqueFresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%UltraceuticalsNEW Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum
Match—82%80%75%
Price$50.00—$44.00−$6.00—
Shared key ingredients—8 of 105 of 105 of 10
Key difference—NiacinamideVitamin CRetinol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oilsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  5. 5
    Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studiesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Anthony High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum
AnthonyHigh Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum
Buy at Ulta$50.00$50.00as of 11/10 00:19 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Ulta$50.00$50.00as of 11/10 00:19 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.