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Beautycounter Counter+ No.1 Brightening Facial Oil
Beautycounter

Beautycounter Counter+ No.1 Brightening Facial Oil

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
12 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“In a 32-subject consumer-perception study, after 2 weeks of use. . 97% said skin felt immediately hydrated.”
Source: Sephora

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: argania spinosa kernel oil, glycine soja oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Rosa canina seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might have anti-oxidant properties. Might help reduce inflammation in skin and help against blemishes~39–59%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.35–0.85%
PhytosterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function~0.15–0.65%
Ribes nigrum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~2.9–4.4%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~3.9–5.8%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~1.5–2.3%
Limnanthes alba seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighThis oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient~1.9–2.8%
Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~4.8–7.2%
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating~0.4–0.9%
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.~2.4–3.6%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.45–1.05%
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~0.2–0.75%
Evens skin tone
1 ingredient credited for this claim
Weak support
What the product description says
“This face oil contains a proprietary blend of oils, including omega-rich marula oil to provide intense hydration and antioxidant vitamin C to visibly brighten and even skin tone for a naturally dewy appearance.”
Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateUnder-dosedEffect: HighBeing 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.~0.85–1.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 strong irritants: Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil + 6 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~1.1–1.7%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.95–1.45%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–1.05%est.
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.9%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Rosa canina seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might have anti-oxidant properties. Might help reduce inflammation in skin and help against blemishesMedium~39–59%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~4.8–7.2%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~3.9–5.8%est.
Ribes nigrum seed oilAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.Medium~2.9–4.4%est.
Sclerocarya birrea seed oilAn emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.Medium~2.4–3.6%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~1.5–2.3%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing 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.Medium~0.85–1.25%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.35–0.85%est.
PhytosterolsLipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier functionMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.35–0.85%est.
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Sunshine Vitamin C + Squalane Face & Body Oil
MILK MAKEUP Sunshine Vitamin C + Squalane Face & Body Oil
53% match
$67.42
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Ingredients

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Rosa canina seed oil~39–59%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. It might have anti-oxidant properties. Might help reduce inflammation in skin and help against blemishes

More about Rosa canina seed oil
Persea gratissima oil~4.8–7.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil~3.9–5.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Ribes nigrum seed oil~2.9–4.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.

More about Ribes nigrum seed oil
Sclerocarya birrea seed oil~2.4–3.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps to soften the skin. It has a high contetn of oleic acid that might weaken the skin barrier. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. It might be somewhat helpful against hyperpigmentation.

More about Sclerocarya birrea seed oil
Limnanthes alba seed oil~1.9–2.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

This oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient

More about Limnanthes alba seed oil
Argania spinosa kernel oil~1.5–2.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~1.1–1.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.95–1.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~0.85–1.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

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 ascorbate
Citrullus lanatus seed oil~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Citrullus lanatus seed oil
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil~0.4–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating

More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil
Glycine soja oil~0.35–0.85%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Tocopherol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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
Phytosterols~0.15–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function

More about Phytosterols
Limonene~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Citral~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Citronellol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Linalool~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Geraniol~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Ingredient list view

Rosa canina seed oil, Persea gratissima oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Sclerocarya birrea seed oil, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Citrullus lanatus seed oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil, Glycine soja oil, Tocopherol, Phytosterols, Limonene, Citral, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol

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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
BeautycounterCounter+ No.1 Brightening Facial OilYOUR PRODUCTMount LaiBrightening Berry Vitamin C Facial OilMILK MAKEUPSunshine Vitamin C + Squalane Face & Body Oil
Match—53%53%
Price$69.00—$67.42−$1.58
Shared key ingredients—4 of 103 of 10
Key difference—Cannabis Sativa Seed OilApricot Kernel Oil
Irritancy High Medium High
Drying alcohol———
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Nutrient composition of rose (Rosa canina L.) seed and oilsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Characterization of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed and Seed Oiltandfonline.com
  3. 3
    Bioactive ingredients of rose hips (Rosa canina L) with special reference to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties: in vitro studiesdovepress.com
  4. 4
    Anti-aging potential of extracts from Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst and its chemical profiling by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Physico-chemical composition and characterisation of the seed and seed oil of Sclerocarya birreapubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Assessment of the potential irritancy of oleic acid on human skin: Evaluation in vitro and in vivosciencedirect.com
Beautycounter Counter+ No.1 Brightening Facial Oil
BeautycounterCounter+ No.1 Brightening Facial Oil
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