Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-oxidation
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Key actives
Product Summary
"DHC - Queen of Serum" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Exfoliation, Anti-aging and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.30% - 0.55%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
- Humectants (sucrose 0.15% - 0.25%, histidine 0.15% - 0.30%, alanine 0.15% - 0.30%, glycine 0.15% - 0.30%, aspartic acid 0.15% - 0.30%, arginine 0.20% - 0.35%, sodium lactate 0.20% - 0.40%, pca 0.25% - 0.45%, sodium pca 0.25% - 0.45%, hydroxyethyl urea 0.75% - 1.10%, diglycerin 1.60% - 1.90% and glycerin 4.70% - 5.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 122.10$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Brand from Japan DHC. DHC Queen of Serum is a concentrated aging care essence that focuses on the mechanism that changes the accumulated time into beauty.
Source: Yesstyle
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: aspartic acid, serine, threonine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide, sold under the brand name Royal Epigen P5. It consists five different amino-acids: arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine and threonine. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have anti-aging benefits. One of the manufacturers discloses that creation of this peptide was inspired by a protein found in royal jelly. There is no evidence that this is in any way relevant to this ingredient's benefit for human skin. There are no clinical trials available for this ingredient. There is also no lab tests methodology and results disclosed for it. It is not clear if this peptide has an actual anti-aging or would healing properties when applied topically to human skin. The ingredient manufacturer recommends to include it in formulations at 2-3%.
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
Anti-blemish
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
Evens skin tone
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
In addition, this product contains hydroxyethyl urea. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.
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: alanine.
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.
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
Exfoliation
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: hydroxyethyl urea, retinol.
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
It leads to a moist and smooth, beautiful and shiny skin.
Source: Yesstyle
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:
alanine, arginine.
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: arginine, cocos nucifera oil.
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
A type of peptide, sold under the brand name Royal Epigen P5. It consists five different amino-acids: arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine and threonine. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have anti-aging benefits. One of the manufacturers discloses that creation of this peptide was inspired by a protein found in royal jelly. There is no evidence that this is in any way relevant to this ingredient's benefit for human skin. There are no clinical trials available for this ingredient. There is also no lab tests methodology and results disclosed for it. It is not clear if this peptide has an actual anti-aging or would healing properties when applied topically to human skin. The ingredient manufacturer recommends to include it in formulations at 2-3%.
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
A compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
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
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 87/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 DHC Queen of Serum | Current | $122.10 | |
Filorga NCEF-Intensive Supreme Regenerating Serum | 86% | - | |
 Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum | 86% | $140.00 | |
SVR ABC Ampoule Lift A | 84% | $35.00 | |
 CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum | 84% | $20.44 | |
 L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol | 84% | $39.99 |
Key Actives
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
A type of peptide, sold under the brand name Royal Epigen P5. It consists five different amino-acids: arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine and threonine. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have anti-aging benefits. One of the manufacturers discloses that creation of this peptide was inspired by a protein found in royal jelly. There is no evidence that this is in any way relevant to this ingredient's benefit for human skin. There are no clinical trials available for this ingredient. There is also no lab tests methodology and results disclosed for it. It is not clear if this peptide has an actual anti-aging or would healing properties when applied topically to human skin. The ingredient manufacturer recommends to include it in formulations at 2-3%.
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
Potential irritants
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Comedogenic ingredients
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
All ingredients
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
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
Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin
A type of peptide, sold under the brand name Royal Epigen P5. It consists five different amino-acids: arginine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine and threonine. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have anti-aging benefits. One of the manufacturers discloses that creation of this peptide was inspired by a protein found in royal jelly. There is no evidence that this is in any way relevant to this ingredient's benefit for human skin. There are no clinical trials available for this ingredient. There is also no lab tests methodology and results disclosed for it. It is not clear if this peptide has an actual anti-aging or would healing properties when applied topically to human skin. The ingredient manufacturer recommends to include it in formulations at 2-3%.
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
A compound secreted by bees. Might be able to attract water to the top layer of the skin. Avoid if sensitive to honey and bee products
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles
Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic
Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Isononyl isononanoate, Alcohol, Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Butylene glycol, Diglycerin, Pca dimethicone, Ectoin, Hydroxyethyl urea, Behenyl alcohol, Polyquaternium-51, Pentapeptide-48, Roe extract, Retinol, Royal jelly extract, Hydrolyzed conchiolin protein, Sodium pca, Pca, Sodium lactate, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Phytosterols, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sorbitan stearate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Maltodextrin, Inulin lauryl carbamate, Cocos nucifera oil, Unknown, Sucrose, Polyurethane-59, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, Polyacrylic acid, Unknown, Sodium citrate, Citric acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Phenethyl alcohol, Unknown, Parfum
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- The Power of Royalactin
- RoyalEpigen P5
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- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcohol