PRODUCT REVIEW
Carbon Theory Re-surfacing Day Serum
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Works for
Does not work for
Anti-blemish
What does the product description say?
Our Succinic Acid & Niacinamide Re-surfacing Day Serum delivers a hydrating, gentle exfoliating treatment that prevents breakouts and minimises the appearance of pores.
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
salicylic acid
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
gluconolactone
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Our Succinic Acid & Niacinamide Re-surfacing Day Serum delivers a hydrating, gentle exfoliating treatment that prevents breakouts and minimises the appearance of pores.
sodium lactate
1.5% -
1.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
glycerin
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
carthamus tinctorius seed oil
3.1% -
3.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
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Anti-aging
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
gluconolactone
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Evens skin tone
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
punica granatum extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective
gluconolactone
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Show more
Anti-oxidation
punica granatum extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective
carthamus tinctorius seed oil
3.1% -
3.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking
Show more
Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
Our Succinic Acid & Niacinamide Re-surfacing Day Serum delivers a hydrating, gentle exfoliating treatment that prevents breakouts and minimises the appearance of pores.
salicylic acid
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
gluconolactone
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-blemish | |
| Exfoliation |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
66/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
benzyl alcohol
0.6% -
0.9%
Irritation risk:
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
ceteareth-20
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
cetearyl alcohol
0.5% -
0.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
Show more
User reviews (0)
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
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LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
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MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Reduces redness,
Antibacterial
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
gluconolactone
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-blemish
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals
Show more
Potential irritants
benzyl alcohol
0.6% -
0.9%
Irritation risk:
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
ceteareth-20
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
cetearyl alcohol
0.5% -
0.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
Show more
All ingredients
glycerin
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
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
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Reduces irritation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Reduces redness,
Antibacterial
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture.
The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Propanediol, Succinic acid, Sodium lactate, Sodium hydroxide, Glyceryl oleate citrate, Gluconolactone, Benzyl alcohol, Cetearyl isononanoate, Mannitol, Corn starch modified, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl alcohol, Acacia senegal gum, Citrus limon peel powder, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Citric acid, Microcrystalline cellulose, Sclerotium gum, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Unknown, Xanthan gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl stearate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Saccharum officinarum extract, Bisabolol, Salicylic acid, Sodium phytate, Limonene, Ceteareth-12, Cetyl palmitate, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Citrus limon fruit extract, Citrus limon peel oil, Citrus paradisi seed oil, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Acer saccharum extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit powder, Algin, Punica granatum extract, Rubus idaeus fruit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract, Magnesium hydroxide, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Zingiber officinale root extract, Tricalcium phosphate, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol, Ci 77491, Iron oxides
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
- The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoaging
- Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity
- The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen
- The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
- Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acids
- An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patients
- Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
- Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids
- Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Light
- Lonicera caerulea and Vaccinium myrtillus fruit polyphenols protect HaCaT keratinocytes against UVB-induced phototoxic stress and DNA damage
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation
- 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
- Safety Assessment of Citrus Fruit-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Photosensitivity in children: An approach to diagnosis and management
- Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics
- Extract of Punica granatum inhibits skin photoaging induced by UVB irradiation
- Topical microemulsion containing Punica granatum extract: its control over skin erythema and melanin in healthy Asian subjects
- Safety Assessment of Punica granatum -Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research