PRODUCT REVIEW
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
- Evens skin tone
- Anti-oxidation
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Can it cause trouble?
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Cheaper alternatives
Product summary
What can the product work for?
Works for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Vitamin C also supports the formation of collagen.
ascorbyl glucoside
1.5% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
zinc pca
0.45% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
7.4% -
9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Dark Spots, Dullness, and Uneven Texture Formulation.
ascorbyl glucoside
1.5% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Obtained from fermenting a plant extract with bacteria Lactobacillus. The resulting compound might be able to calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties, but solid evidence is missing
ascorbic acid
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
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Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
The three pillars of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics—hydration, supporting the skin's natural barrier function, and reducing the visible signs of irritation—help to promote healthy skin that glows from within over time.
zinc pca
0.45% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
prunus armeniaca kernel oil
1.7% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An emollient that helps soften the skin
sodium hyaluronate
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
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Anti-oxidation
ascorbyl glucoside
1.5% -
1.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
zinc pca
0.45% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
prunus armeniaca kernel oil
1.7% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
75/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
ascorbic acid
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
7.4% -
9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
cetearyl alcohol
0.3% -
0.6%
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
User reviews (0)
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| WIMJ similarity score |
62%
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75%
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75%
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73%
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73%
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72%
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72%
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72%
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72%
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72%
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72%
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| Common: Other:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Reduces irritation,
Evens skin tone,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish
Obtained from fermenting a plant extract with bacteria Lactobacillus. The resulting compound might be able to calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties, but solid evidence is missing
zinc pca
0.45% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Moisturizing,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing
Show more
Potential irritants
ascorbic acid
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
7.4% -
9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
cetearyl alcohol
0.3% -
0.6%
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
All ingredients
aloe barbadensis leaf juice
7.4% -
9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
glycerin
4.3% -
5.3%
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glycerin, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Lactobacillus/portulaca oleracea ferment extract, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Ascorbyl glucoside, Olea europaea leaf extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Ascorbic acid, Citric acid, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Zinc pca, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl alcohol, Hydrogenated vegetable glycerides, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Xanthan gum, Hydrogenated palm glycerides, Sodium sulfite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sclerotium gum, Tocopherol
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Therapeutic Advantages of Medicinal Herbs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, in Topical Application and its Activities on Atopic Dermatitis
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives
- Wound Repair Potential of Olea europaea L. Leaf Extracts Revealed by In Vivo Experimental Models and Comparative Evaluation of the Extracts' Antioxidant Activity
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- The chemotherapeutic potential of Terminalia ferdinandiana: Phytochemistry and bioactivity
- Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care
- Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt
- Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin
- Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries
- Zinc L-pyrrolidone carboxylate inhibits the UVA-induced production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 by in vitro cultured skin fibroblasts, whereas it enhances their collagen synthesis
- Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review
- Vitamin E in dermatology