Works for
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Adenosine + 5 moreWorks well
“Contains Niacinamide and Adenosine offering extra anti-aging care.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: hydroxydecyl ubiquinone.
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.
Evens skin toneNiacinamide, Glutathione + 2 moreWorks well
“DESCRIPTION Ilso CG Toning Serum helps even out dull skin tone to achieve a clear and bright complexion.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione, niacinamide
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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Glutathione, Thioctic acid + 10 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (glutathione, hydroxydecyl ubiquinone, thioctic acid) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Glycerin + 13 moreWorks well
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, 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).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Melia azadirachta leaf extractWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Citrus paradisi fruit extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract + 1 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%
Glycerin~4.4–5.4%
- 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 GlycerinButylene glycol~4–4.8%
- 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 glycolNiacinamide~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideMethylpropanediol~2.3–2.8%
Propanediol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolGlutathione~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 GlutathioneSorbitol~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about SorbitolBetaine~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineSaccharomyces ferment filtrate~0.9–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharomyces ferment filtrateCellulose gum~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumSodium citrate~0.55–0.8%
- 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 citrate1,2-hexanediol~0.45–0.7%
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerPolyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurateLinum usitatissimum seed extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateEthylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.6%
Adenosine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AdenosineCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCitrus paradisi fruit extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Morus alba fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Thioctic acid~0.25–0.45%
Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Melia azadirachta flower extractOcimum sanctum leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extractAcorus calamus root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Perilla ocymoides leaf extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Contains a number of volatile compounds and could be irritating
More about Perilla ocymoides leaf extractSchisandra chinensis fruit extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin
More about Schisandra chinensis fruit extractMelia azadirachta leaf extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
More about Melia azadirachta leaf extractCurcuma longa root extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
More about Curcuma longa root extractCorallina officinalis extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
More about Corallina officinalis extractAscorbic acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acid3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidGlucuronic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolPolyglyceryl-10 oleate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-10 oleateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideHydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinHydroxydecyl ubiquinone~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An analogue of coenzyme Q10 that has a lower molecular weight, which can improve its ability to penetrate the skin. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen
More about Hydroxydecyl ubiquinoneIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Propanediol, Glutathione, Sorbitol, Betaine, Saccharomyces ferment filtrate, Cellulose gum, Sodium citrate, 1,2-hexanediol, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Linum usitatissimum seed extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Caprylyl glycol, Citrus paradisi fruit extract, Disodium edta, Morus alba fruit extract, Thioctic acid, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Acorus calamus root extract, Perilla ocymoides leaf extract, Schisandra chinensis fruit extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Ascorbic acid, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Glucuronic acid, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Hydrogenated lecithin, Hydroxydecyl ubiquinone
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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.
| ilsoCG Toning Serum 30mlYOUR PRODUCT | SKIN&LABVitamin C Brightening Serum | Jin Jung sungOmega Vegan Vita Serum | ArenciaVitamin C Booster Shot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 96% | 94% | 94% |
| Price | — | $13.89 | $31.40 | $16.10 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 13 | 6 of 13 | 6 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Retinol | Vitamin C | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Real Barrier Peptivita C Blemish SerumMake P:rem Glutamin Antioxidant Radiance Serum
Product summary
"ilso - Buy CG Toning Serum in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" is effective for: Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Moisturizing and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (3.10% - 3.70%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.20% - 0.35%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- Adenosine 0.30% - 0.55%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.40% - 0.60%, saccharomyces ferment filtrate 0.90% - 1.15%, betaine 1.10% - 1.40% and glycerin 4.40% - 5.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 22.95A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.
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