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Barefaced Brightening Serum
Barefaced

Barefaced Brightening Serum

Efficacy87/100IrritancyLow·100% recommend (1 review)
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
Kojic acid, Alpha-arbutin + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Liquid Gold L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15% Brightens & defends Vitamin E Enhances antioxidant efficacy Kakadu Plum Extract Enhances radiance White Mulberry Extract Brightens & evens tone Turmeric Extract Fights premature aging & inflammation Avocado Extract Conditions & enhances radiance Brightening Serum Kojic Acid Minimizes dark spots Alpha-Arbutin Evens complexion Azelaic Acid Fights breakouts & boosts radiance Bearberry Leaf Extract Lightens dark spots Licorice Root Extract Brightens & soothes Sodium Hyaluronate Deeply hydrates”
Source: N/A

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid

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: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract.

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.

Kojic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating~4.3–6.4%
Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~2–3%
Azelaic acidKey activeEffect: HighIs produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals~0.5–1.15%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.6–1.35%
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~1.5–2.2%
Moisturizing
Sodium hyaluronate, Glycerin + 3 more
Works
What the product description says
“Liquid Gold L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15% Brightens & defends Vitamin E Enhances antioxidant efficacy Kakadu Plum Extract Enhances radiance White Mulberry Extract Brightens & evens tone Turmeric Extract Fights premature aging & inflammation Avocado Extract Conditions & enhances radiance Brightening Serum Kojic Acid Minimizes dark spots Alpha-Arbutin Evens complexion Azelaic Acid Fights breakouts & boosts radiance Bearberry Leaf Extract Lightens dark spots Licorice Root Extract Brightens & soothes Sodium Hyaluronate Deeply hydrates”
Source: N/A

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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).

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.1–1.7%
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~0.1–0.35%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~3.5–5.3%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.01–0.05%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Kojic acid, Azelaic acid + 4 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (azelaic acid, kojic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Kojic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating~4.3–6.4%
Azelaic acidKey activeEffect: HighIs produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals~0.5–1.15%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.6–1.35%
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~1.5–2.2%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.4–0.9%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.01–0.05%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Azelaic acid
Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: azelaic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Azelaic acidHeroEffect: HighIs produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals~0.5–1.15%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Tocopherol
May help

This product contains azelaic acid, kojic acid. These ingredients help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

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~1.5–2.2%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.01–0.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
11 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 11 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Kojic acidHelps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritatingHigh~4.3–6.4%est.
PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Sodium bisulfiteA preservativeHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~3.5–5.3%est.
Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~2–3%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~1.5–2.2%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~0.6–1.35%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.4–0.9%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA 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 determineMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.01–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Hypemium Double Serum
GalenicumDerma Hypemium Double Serum
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10080% match
$31.02
Anti Pigment Active Serum
Revuele Anti Pigment Active Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10079% match
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

1 of 1 community members would buy it again.

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What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Kojic acid~4.3–6.4%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and neutralize free radicals. Can be irritating

More about Kojic acid
Pentylene glycol~3.5–5.3%
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
Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract~2.6–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract
Alpha-arbutin~2–3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~1.5–2.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-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
Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract
Sodium hyaluronate~1.1–1.7%
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
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~0.6–1.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces rednessAntibacterial

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
Azelaic acid~0.5–1.15%
Hero · Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationExfoliation

Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals

More about Azelaic acid
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
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 filtrate
Pullulan~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sclerotium gum~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Lecithin~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
Sodium bisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative

More about Sodium bisulfite
Glycerin~0.1–0.35%
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Silica~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Propanediol~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Sodium benzoate~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium hydroxide~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Tocopherol~0.01–0.05%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Ingredient list view

Water, Kojic acid, Pentylene glycol, Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract, Alpha-arbutin, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Azelaic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Pullulan, Xanthan gum, Sclerotium gum, Lecithin, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Sodium bisulfite, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopherol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Barefaced
$128.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/14 09:06 GMT
$136.00
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Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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
BarefacedBrightening SerumYOUR PRODUCTGalenicumDermaHypemium Double SerumRevueleAnti Pigment Active SerumFace Reality SkincareglowTone Corrective Serum
Match—80%79%78%
Price$128.00$31.02−$96.98—$64.00−$64.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 64 of 64 of 6
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy Low Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Product summary

"Barefaced - Brightening Serum" is effective for: Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing and Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • Humectants (glycerin 0.10% - 0.35% and sodium hyaluronate 1.10% - 1.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

What our users say

Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
In terms of the smell, our users report that no smell.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    TOPICAL TREATMENT OF MELASMAncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color.europepmc.org
  3. 3
    Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studiesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
Barefaced Brightening Serum
BarefacedBrightening Serum
Buy at Barefaced$128.00$136.00as of 11/14 09:06 GMT

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

Buy at Barefaced$128.00$136.00as of 11/14 09:06 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.