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Dr. Brandt C SCRIPTION
Dr. Brandt

Dr. Brandt C SCRIPTION

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
Ascorbyl glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Works well
What the product description says
“Enriched with Oxiblock SF®, a potent antioxidant complex, this serum enhances skin radiance, reduces hyperpigmentation, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles.”
Source: Dr. Brandt

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

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: ascorbyl glucoside.

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.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~3.9–5.9%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: 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.~2.8–4.2%
Anti-aging
Ascorbyl glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Enriched with Oxiblock SF®, a potent antioxidant complex, this serum enhances skin radiance, reduces hyperpigmentation, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles.”
Source: Dr. Brandt

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: ascorbyl glucoside.

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.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~3.9–5.9%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: 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.~2.8–4.2%
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~0.4–0.95%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate + 1 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - ascorbyl glucoside also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~3.9–5.9%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: 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.~2.8–4.2%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.4–0.95%
Moisturizing
Side benefit · Glycerin, Diisostearyl malate + 4 more
Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.9–2.9%
Diisostearyl malateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1.1%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.85–1.3%
Olea europaea fruit extract· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.1–0.3%
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~0.4–0.95%
Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Medium risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Ascorbyl glucosideA 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 productsMedium~3.9–5.9%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~2.8–4.2%est.
Polyglyceryl-4 oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.2–3.2%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1–1.5%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.85–1.3%est.
Diisostearyl malateHelps to soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extractMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
8% AM Vitamin C Serum
Glow Jar 8% AM Vitamin C Serum
Cheaper60% match
$42.34
Super Antioxidant Serum
Paula's choice Super Antioxidant Serum
Cheaper60% match
$52.22
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate~4.7–7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate
Ascorbyl glucoside~3.9–5.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

More about Ascorbyl glucoside
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~2.8–4.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

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
Polyglyceryl-4 oleate~2.2–3.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-4 oleate
Glycerin~1.9–2.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
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

More about Glycerin
Propanediol~1.5–2.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sodium hydroxide~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate~1–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate
Pentylene glycol~0.85–1.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Magnesium sulfate~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate
Diisostearyl malate~0.45–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Diisostearyl malate
Tocopherol~0.4–0.95%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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
Phenethyl alcohol~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol
Sodium citrate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Citric acid~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
Olea europaea fruit extract~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit extract
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Neopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate, Ascorbyl glucoside, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Polyglyceryl-4 oleate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Pentylene glycol, Magnesium sulfate, Diisostearyl malate, Tocopherol, Phenethyl alcohol, Sodium citrate, Chlorphenesin, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Olea europaea fruit extract, Xanthan gum, Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract

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Dr. Brandt
$59.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/9 03:15 GMT
$85.00
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Ulta1 oz
$85.00
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Dr. BrandtC SCRIPTIONYOUR PRODUCTMila MoursiIlluminating Vitamin C InfusionDr. Sam BuntingFLAWLESS VITAMIN C NAD+ SERUMGlow Jar8% AM Vitamin C Serum
Match—62%62%60%
Price$59.00$142.00+$83.00—$42.34−$16.66
Shared key ingredients—2 of 42 of 43 of 4
Key difference—Alcaligenes PolysaccharidesFerulic AcidVitamin C
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamagencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacysciencedirect.com
  5. 5
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Safety Assessment of Magnesium Sulfate as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Dr. Brandt C SCRIPTION
Dr. BrandtC SCRIPTION
Buy at Dr. Brandt$59.00$85.00as of 11/9 03:15 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Dr. Brandt$59.00$85.00as of 11/9 03:15 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.