Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
- Anti-oxidation
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: low
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Key actives
Product Summary
"Josie Maran - Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Josie Maran" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 66.00$ in the United States and for 86.00CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-aging
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: phloretin.
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.
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.
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
Anti-oxidation
This product contains antioxidants (phloretin, 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).
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.
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
What it is: A stabilized vitamin C serum that visibly evens tone, reduces the look of dark spots, and brightens dull skin.
Source: Sephora
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: glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, phloretin.
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.
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.
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Bioavailable vitamin C absorbs instantly to diminish dark spots and fight hyperpigmentation, while argan oil hydrates and visibly firms for a radiant, glowing complexion.
Source: Sephora
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: squalane, argania spinosa kernel oil.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
An emollient that helps soften the skin
A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Evens skin tone | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 87/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
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| Product | Similarity | Price | Irritancy |
|---|---|---|---|
 Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum | Current | $86.00 | |
 The Ordinary Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F | 52% | $17.80 | |
 VERSO Super C Serum | 49% | $38.00 | |
 SKKN by Kim Oil Drops | 49% | - | |
 Common Heir 10% Vitamin C Serum | 47% | $88.00 | |
Doctor Rogers Day Preventive Treatment | 44% | $86.40 |
Key Actives
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.
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
Potential irritants
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
An emollient that helps soften the skin
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.
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Helps oil and water mix together
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
Comedogenic ingredients
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Helps oil and water mix together
All ingredients
An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties
An emollient that helps soften the skin
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.
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals
Helps oil and water mix together
A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
A potent antioxidant that is able to penetrate the skin barrier. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin, fight photodamage and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is, however, unstable and loses effectiveness when exposed to light. Effective products with phloretin must come in air-tight opaque packaging and use a sophisticated delivery technology
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation
A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin
Ingredient list view
Argania spinosa kernel oil, Coconut alkanes, Oleyl lactate, Octyldodecyl pca, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glyceryl oleate, Dimethyl isosorbide, Isostearyl lactate, Brassica campestris seed oil, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Althaea officinalis root extract, Oryza sativa bran extract, Pterocarpus marsupium bark extract, Bisabolol, Phloretin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Squalane, Olea europaea fruit oil, Dunaliella salina extract
- Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitis
- 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
- Contact Sensitization to Emulsifying Agents: An Underrated Issue?
- Activity enhancement of ferulic acid with dimethyl isosorbride in cosmetic compositions
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation
- The antioxidant activity of phloretin: the disclosure of a new antioxidant pharmacophore in flavonoids
- Dermatological applications of the flavonoid phloretin
- Protective Effects of Topical Vitamin C Compound Mixtures against Ozone-Induced Damage in Human Skin - Supplementary Material
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- Use of “natural” oils for moisturization: Review of olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oil
- Dunaliella salina alga extract inhibits the production of interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species by regulating nuclear factor-κB/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription in virus-infected RAW264.7 cells
- Biochemical composition and bioactivity screening of various extracts from Dunaliella salina, a green microalga