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Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum
Kahina Giving Beauty

Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
Pancratium maritimum extract, Pinus pinaster bark extract
May help
What the product description says
“Brightening Serum”
Source: Carbon Beauty

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: pancratium maritimum extract, pinus pinaster bark extract.

Pancratium maritimum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentation~0.55–0.85%
Pinus pinaster bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)~0.65–0.95%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Pinus pinaster bark extract, Superoxide dismutase + 8 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (superoxide dismutase) 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 - pinus pinaster bark extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Pinus pinaster bark extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)~0.65–0.95%
Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.45–0.65%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~6.1–7.5%
Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~3.1–3.8%
Undaria pinnatifida extractEffect: LowA seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect~2.2–2.7%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~2.1–2.5%
Spirulina platensis extractEffect: LowAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect~0.8–1.2%
BisabololEffect: LowAn 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~0.7–1.05%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: LowCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.65–1%
Pancratium maritimum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentation~0.55–0.85%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Argania spinosa kernel oil, Glycerin + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“Prevent future discoloration by inhibiting melanin production .”
Source: Naturisimo

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. 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. The following ingredients in this product do the job: diglycerin, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~6.1–7.5%
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~4–4.8%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~3.1–3.8%
Undaria pinnatifida extractKey activeEffect: HighA seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect~2.2–2.7%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~2.1–2.5%
DiglycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1–1.3%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.8–1.2%
Spirulina platensis extractKey activeEffect: MediumAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect~0.8–1.2%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.75–1.1%
Superoxide dismutaseKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants~0.45–0.65%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally 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~26–31%
Tanacetum annuum flower oilEffect: LowAn essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains irritating compounds~0.55–0.85%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.55–0.8%
Anti-aging
Side benefit the brand mentions · Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Butyrospermum parkii butter
May help
What the product description says
“Fight free radicals that contribute to further signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles Skin Types For all skin types.”
Source: Naturisimo

This product contains superoxide dismutase. This ingredient help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they might be able to prevent early signs of aging (like fine lines and wrinkles), at least to some extent. These ingredients will not be able to "reverse" signs of aging.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally 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~26–31%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~2.1–2.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
13 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia flower oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract + 11 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
P-anisic acidHelps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritatingHigh~1–1.2%est.
Lavandula angustifolia flower oilA fragrant plant oil, can be irritatingHigh~0.75–1.1%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.65–1%est.
Mentha spicata leaf extract—High~0.6–0.9%est.
Santalum spicata wood oil—High~0.6–0.85%est.
Pelargonium graveolens oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.55–0.85%est.
Boswellia carterii resin extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.55–0.85%est.
Pancratium maritimum extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentationHigh~0.55–0.85%est.
Tanacetum annuum flower oilAn essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains irritating compoundsHigh~0.55–0.85%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.55–0.8%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally 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 skinMedium~26–31%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~6.1–7.5%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Pinus pinaster bark extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)Medium~0.65–0.95%est.
Leuconostoc ferment filtrateUsed as a preservativeMedium~0.6–0.85%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~2.1–2.5%est.
Spirulina platensis extractAn algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.8–1.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~26–31%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-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

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Water~14–17%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Argania spinosa kernel oil~6.1–7.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Glycerin~4–4.8%
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
Lactobacillus ferment~3.1–3.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Undaria pinnatifida extract~2.2–2.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Undaria pinnatifida extract
Butyrospermum parkii butter~2.1–2.5%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Hydrogenated lecithin~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

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 lecithin
Oryza sativa seed extract~1.5–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Oryza sativa seed extract
Cetearyl glucoside~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside
Xanthan gum~1.2–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Diglycerin~1–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Diglycerin
P-anisic acid~1–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating

More about P-anisic acid
Sclerotium gum~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Bisabolol~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

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

More about Bisabolol
Sodium hyaluronate~0.8–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Spirulina platensis extract~0.8–1.2%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract. Might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Spirulina platensis extract
Maltodextrin~0.9–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Lavandula angustifolia flower oil~0.75–1.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrant plant oil, can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.75–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.65–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Pinus pinaster bark extract~0.65–0.95%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but evidence of effectiveness of topical application is lacking. It can be an INCI name for the trademarked ingredient Pycnogenol (but could also be a different type of this plant's bark extract)

More about Pinus pinaster bark extract
Mentha spicata leaf extract~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Mentha spicata leaf extract
Santalum spicata wood oil~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Santalum spicata wood oil
Pelargonium graveolens oil~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens oil
Boswellia carterii resin extract~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Boswellia carterii resin extract
Leuconostoc ferment filtrate~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used as a preservative

More about Leuconostoc ferment filtrate
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Pancratium maritimum extract~0.55–0.85%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It might help reduce hyperpigmentation

More about Pancratium maritimum extract
Tanacetum annuum flower oil~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

An essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties but also contains irritating compounds

More about Tanacetum annuum flower oil
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Soybean peroxidase~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Soybean peroxidase
Superoxide dismutase~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants

More about Superoxide dismutase
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Linalool~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Citronellol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Farnesol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol
Limonene~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Water, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Glycerin, Lactobacillus ferment, Undaria pinnatifida extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Hydrogenated lecithin, Oryza sativa seed extract, Cetearyl glucoside, Xanthan gum, Diglycerin, P-anisic acid, Sclerotium gum, Bisabolol, Sodium hyaluronate, Spirulina platensis extract, Maltodextrin, Lavandula angustifolia flower oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Pinus pinaster bark extract, Mentha spicata leaf extract, Santalum spicata wood oil, Pelargonium graveolens oil, Boswellia carterii resin extract, Leuconostoc ferment filtrate, Sodium benzoate, Pancratium maritimum extract, Tanacetum annuum flower oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Soybean peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Potassium sorbate, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Farnesol, Limonene

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/8 09:23 GMT
$27.90
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Carbon Beauty
$72.00
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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
Kahina Giving BeautyBrightening SerumYOUR PRODUCTFitglow BeautyVita Active B+C+E Hyaluronic Super Serum - TravelAlpyn BeautyHydrating Firming SerumBlissGlow Hydrate Serum
Match—38%37%37%
Price$27.90$12.00−$15.90$46.40+$18.50$32.00+$4.10
Shared key ingredients—5 of 133 of 133 of 13
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoagingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Comparison of clinical and histological effects between lactobacillus-fermented Chamaecyparis obtusa and tea tree oil for the treatment of acne: an eight-week double-blind randomized controlled split-face studyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
  6. 6
    Sodium anisateecha.europa.eu
Kahina Giving Beauty Brightening Serum
Kahina Giving BeautyBrightening Serum
Buy on Amazon$27.90 · as of 11/8 09:23 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$27.90 · as of 11/8 09:23 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.