Crystal Clear Skin Brightening Complex
Works for
2 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 15 · 2 UV filters · Partial spectrumWeak protectionSPF under 30
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
Moisturizing11 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“A plant-derived complex of Arbutin (derived from the Bearberry plant), Mulberry Root extract, Grape, Saxifraga Sermentosa and Scutellaria Baicalensis extract deliver powerful brightening and pigmentation removal properties, while a Marine Complex creates a bio-matrix film over skin to seal in moisture and ward off dehydration so skin can maintain its natural luminosity.”
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: dimethicone, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea
Evens skin tone1 ingredient credited for this claimModerate support
“A plant-derived complex of Arbutin (derived from the Bearberry plant), Mulberry Root extract, Grape, Saxifraga Sermentosa and Scutellaria Baicalensis extract deliver powerful brightening and pigmentation removal properties, while a Marine Complex creates a bio-matrix film over skin to seal in moisture and ward off dehydration so skin can maintain its natural luminosity.”
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: arbutin.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
Anti-blemishNo ingredient credited for this claimNo support
“It also contains super anti-inflammatory agents to Calm and Soothe even the most Problematic skin making it great for the prevention of breakouts!”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains antioxidants (arbutin) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Parfum, Diazolidinyl urea + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate~6.4–7.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateGlycerin~4.2–5.2%
- 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 GlycerinC12-15 alkyl benzoate~3.2–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateDiethylhexylcyclohexane~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 60~2–2.4%
Zea mays germ oil~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Ethylhexyl salicylate~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateSorbitan stearate~1.2–1.5%
Sclerotium gum~0.95–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumPhenoxyethanol~0.7–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSaxifraga sarmentosa extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Urea~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 UreaTetrasodium edta~0.5–0.75%
Propylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolButylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolParfum~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumMorus bombycis extract~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties
More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extractDimethicone~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeAlumina~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaDiazolidinyl urea~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating
More about Diazolidinyl ureaCitric acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidGlyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 copolymerSorbitol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolLecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinArbutin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Beta-arbutin. Can help to reduce hyperpigmentation and has an anti-oxidant effect when used in high enough concentration. Is less effective compared to alpha-arbutin
More about ArbutinDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Bht~0.2–0.4%
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate~0.01–0.02%
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolGlyceryl caprylate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products
More about Glyceryl caprylateLinalool~0.15–0.25%
Limonene~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneButylphenyl methylpropional~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
More about Butylphenyl methylpropionalGeraniol~0.1–0.15%
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholIngredient list view
Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Diethylhexylcyclohexane, Polysorbate 60, Zea mays germ oil, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Sorbitan stearate, Unknown, Sclerotium gum, Phenoxyethanol, Saxifraga sarmentosa extract, Urea, Tetrasodium edta, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, Parfum, Morus bombycis extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Dimethicone, Alumina, Diazolidinyl urea, Citric acid, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Arbutin, Disodium edta, Bht, Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, Xanthan gum, Caprylyl glycol, Glyceryl caprylate, Linalool, Limonene, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Geraniol, Benzyl alcohol
Compare prices
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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.
| Crystal ClearSkin Brightening ComplexYOUR PRODUCT | UriageEau Thermale Light Water Cream SPF20 | DermaquestYouth Protection SPF 30 | Dermaquest IncEssential Youth Protection SPF 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 58% | 58% | 58% |
| Price | $53.33 | $16.59−$36.74 | $41.40−$11.93 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Anhydroxylitol | Acetyl Hexapeptide-30 | Acetyl Hexapeptide-30 |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 15 | SPF 20 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We do not recommend "Crystal Clear - Skin Brightening Complex" because it does not provide good UVA protection. UVA sun rays don't burn the skin, but they still lead to photoaging and hyperpigmentation.
Because it includes good moisturizing ingredients, it can also work as a hydrating day cream.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. The UV filters in this sunscreen are: octinoxate 6.40% - 7.80% and octisalate 2.00% - 2.50%.
Irritation risk
This sunscreen contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this sunscreen to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 55.20$ in the United States, for 39.99£ in the United Kingdom and for 70.00CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6
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