HSGN

HSGN Pure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum

Name: HSGN - Pure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum
Brand: HSGN

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Resveratrol, Adenosine + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“HSGN Pure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum boasts an innovative formulation that meets the top 6 Vitamin C formula standards 2.”

Source: beMUSED

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

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

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.

ResveratrolKey activeEffect: MediumHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~1.3–1.9%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.5–1.15%

Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.3–0.75%

Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.8–1.25%

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~0.15–0.55%

Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~3.6–5.5%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Glutathione, Resveratrol + 7 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (ferulic acid, glutathione, resveratrol) 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 - camellia japonica flower extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~2.1–3.1%

ResveratrolKey activeEffect: HighHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~1.3–1.9%

Camellia japonica flower extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.45–1%

Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: HighA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.3–0.75%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.5–1.15%

Silybum marianum extractUnder-dosedMight be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin tone~0.35–0.85%

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~0.15–0.55%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Glutathione, Ferulic acid + 2 more

Works well

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

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: ferulic acid, resveratrol.

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.

ResveratrolEffect: LowHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone~1.3–1.9%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Panthenol, Glutathione + 6 more

Works well

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

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).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.4–2.1%

Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.8–1.25%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.5–1.15%

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~0.1–0.3%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~0.05–0.15%

Silybum marianum extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin tone~0.35–0.85%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Citrus junos seed extract

Medium risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Ascorbic acidThe 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 agingHigh~3.6–5.5%est.

Citrus junos seed extract—High~1–1.5%est.

Camellia japonica flower extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skinHigh~0.45–1%est.

Silybum marianum extractMight be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin toneHigh~0.35–0.85%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~2–3%est.

GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.1–3.1%est.

Phellodendron amurense bark extractA plant extract that might have an anti-inflammatory effectMedium~1.7–2.5%est.

ResveratrolHelps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin toneMedium~1.3–1.9%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~0.2–0.8%est.

Sodium sulfateUsed to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulationsMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

PvpHelps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skinMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.01–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Bliv:U The Real Vita C 20 Ampoule

Cheaper86% match

$13.08

Biovène Barcelona VITAMIN C +20% Skin Brightening Facial Serum Treatment

Cheaper84% match

$6.69

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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

Propanediol~4.5–6.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Ascorbic acid~3.6–5.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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

More about Ascorbic acid

1,2-hexanediol~2–3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Ethyl ascorbyl ether

Not recognized

Glutathione~2.1–3.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione

Phellodendron amurense bark extract~1.7–2.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might have an anti-inflammatory effect

More about Phellodendron amurense bark extract

Panthenol~1.4–2.1%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Resveratrol~1.3–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

Helps neutralize free radicals in skin and might help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as even out the skin tone

More about Resveratrol

Citrus junos seed extract~1–1.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus junos seed extract

Beta-glucan~0.8–1.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan

Adenosine~0.5–1.15%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Camellia japonica flower extract~0.45–1%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Camellia japonica flower extract

Cimicifuga racemosa root extract~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cimicifuga racemosa root extract

Silybum marianum extract~0.35–0.85%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

Might be able to help neutralize free radical, calm down inflammation in skin, and even skin tone

More about Silybum marianum extract

Ferulic acid~0.3–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingEvens skin tone

A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%

More about Ferulic acid

Sodium citrate~0.2–0.8%

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

Octyldodeceth-16~0.15–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Octyldodeceth-16

Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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

Fullerenes~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Fullerenes

Sodium sulfate~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve the product consistency and stabilize formulations

More about Sodium sulfate

Cellulose gum~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum

Glycerin~0.1–0.3%

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

Benzophenone-9~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Benzophenone-9

Butylene glycol~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Pvp~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin

More about Pvp

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.01–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Ascorbic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Unknown, Glutathione, Phellodendron amurense bark extract, Panthenol, Resveratrol, Citrus junos seed extract, Beta-glucan, Adenosine, Camellia japonica flower extract, Cimicifuga racemosa root extract, Silybum marianum extract, Ferulic acid, Sodium citrate, Octyldodeceth-16, Tocopherol, Fullerenes, Sodium sulfate, Cellulose gum, Glycerin, Benzophenone-9, Butylene glycol, Pvp, Ethylhexylglycerin

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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
	HSGNPure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Bliv:UThe Real Vita C 20 Ampoule	Biovène BarcelonaVITAMIN C +20% Skin Brightening Facial Serum Treatment	BioveneVITAMIN C 27% SERUM
Match	—	86%	84%	84%
Price	$14.96	$13.08−$1.88	$6.69−$8.27	—
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 10	5 of 10	5 of 10
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Hyaluronic Acid	Hyaluronic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: NourishMax VITAMIN C + B + E + FERULIC & RETINOL SERUM Formulyst Active Serum – Vitamin B, C, E, Ferulic + Niacinamide

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Product summary

"HSGN - Pure 15% Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum" is effective for: Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 3.60% - 5.50% It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production, neutralizing free radicals in skin and improving pigmentation marks. We recommend to use up this product quickly after opening: Ascorbic Acid degrades fast when it gets in contact with air and light. The moment the product turns orange, it is a sign that a significant share of the vitamin C in it is no longer effective.
Adenosine 0.50% - 1.15%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.40% - 2.10% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (panthenol 1.40% - 2.10% and glycerin 0.10% - 0.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.