Works for
MoisturizingOligopeptide-1, Glycerin + 2 moreWorks well
“The surface of skin is moisturized for an instant plumping and smoothing effect.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
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: oligopeptide-1
Anti-agingOligopeptide-1, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate + 1 moreMay help
“Diminishes wrinkles and fine lines.”
This product contains oligopeptide-1. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
Evens skin toneTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate ~1.3–2% + 1 moreUnder-dosed
“Daily use of Active Serum will produce a smoother, firmer complexion with brighter, more even skin tone, diminished fine lines and wrinkles, and reduced or eliminated sun/age spots and hyperpigmentation.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Oligopeptide-1~23–35%
- 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 Oligopeptide-1Water~13–20%
Glycerin~4.6–6.9%
- 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 GlycerinPolysorbate 20~3.7–5.5%
Xanthan gum~2.3–3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 ascorbateTocopheryl acetate~1–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateLactic acid~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about Phenoxyethanol1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.45%
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolIngredient list view
Oligopeptide-1, Water, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan gum, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tocopheryl acetate, Lactic acid, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Phenoxyethanol, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol
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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.
| AQ Skin SolutionsGF Active SerumYOUR PRODUCT | skinmadeHyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C serum | KYLIE SKINVitamin C Serum | HUMANANOPlacen Concentrated Serum Legend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 50% | 48% | 47% |
| Price | — | $24.37 | $35.80 | $28.70 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Ferulic Acid | Oligopeptide-4 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Environ Focus Care Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum SystemDr. Emi Arpa Absolut A Retinal Serum
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 6
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