La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Works for
Anti-agingAscorbic acid, Adenosine + 2 moreWorks well
“Treat skin to the hydrating, brightening and smoothing properties of La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum , a lightweight face serum that helps to prevent and correct the appearance of ageing.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains ascorbic acid, adenosine.
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 toneAscorbic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
“Deeply hydrating and skin-smoothing, it also contains Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin for a brighter, more uniform tone and texture.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: ascorbic acid.
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.
MoisturizingDimethicone, Glycerin + 10 moreWorks
“Treat skin to the hydrating, brightening and smoothing properties of La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum , a lightweight face serum that helps to prevent and correct the appearance of ageing.”
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:
glycerin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
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: dimethicone, caprylyl glycol.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid ~0.01–0.05%, below the ~0.5% it needsUnder-dosed
“Formulated with salicylic acid, this anti-ageing serum unclogs your pores and tackles the build-up of sebum on your skin, smoothing and softening the surface of your skin with its desmolytic action.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
ExfoliationSalicylic acid ~0.01–0.05%, below the ~0.5% it needsUnder-dosed
“Deeply hydrating and skin-smoothing, it also contains Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin for a brighter, more uniform tone and texture.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Ascorbic acid, Adenosine + 1 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (ascorbic 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Alcohol denat.Medium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
3 of 5 community members would buy it again.
I like it but I haven’t seen a tremendous improvement
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Ascorbic acid~4.7–7%
- 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 acidDimethicone~3.1–4.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeGlycerin~2–3%
- 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 GlycerinAlcohol denat.~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Potassium hydroxide~1–1.5%
Polysilicone-11~0.95–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Silica~1.1–1.7%
Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoatePeg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate~0.45–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearateSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateAdenosine~0.15–0.55%
- 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 AdenosinePoloxamer 338~0.1–0.35%
Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.1–0.35%
- 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 triglycerideCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCitric acid~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidLaureth-7~0.05–0.3%
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateBis-peg/ppg-16/16 peg/ppg-16/16 dimethicone~0.05–0.25%
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterXanthan gum~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPentylene glycol~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolPolyacrylamide~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideC13-14 isoalkane~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.05–0.1%
- 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 TocopherolPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateSalicylic acid~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidIngredient list view
Water, Ascorbic acid, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Alcohol denat., Potassium hydroxide, Polysilicone-11, Silica, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, Sodium hyaluronate, Adenosine, Poloxamer 338, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Laureth-7, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Bis-peg/ppg-16/16 peg/ppg-16/16 dimethicone, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Xanthan gum, Pentylene glycol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 isoalkane, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Salicylic acid, Unknown
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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.
| La Roche-Posay10% Pure Vitamin C SerumYOUR PRODUCT | L'Oréal ParisRevitalift Clinical | GarnierVitamin-C Night Serum | Dr Dennis GrossProfessional Grade IPL Dark Spot Concentrated Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 100% | 86% | 83% |
| Price | $44.99 | $16.96−$28.03 | $12.00−$32.99 | $92.00+$47.01 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 8 | 4 of 8 | 4 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | — | — | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: COSRX The Vitamin C 23 SerumBenton Vitamin C Serum
Product summary
"La Roche-Posay - 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 4.50% - 6.70% 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.
- Peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.05% - 0.20%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- Adenosine 0.05% - 0.20%. 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 (hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid 0.05% - 0.25%, sodium hyaluronate 0.05% - 0.25% and glycerin 2.00% - 3.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
What our users say
Based on 3 reviews 67% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, two out of three reviewers didn't notice clogged pores after using this sunscreen, but the third reviewer found that it clogged pores.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
Price
The product retails for 64.12CA$ in Canada, from 33.99A$ up to 61.16A$ in Australia, from 38.00$ up to 44.99$ in the United States and from 12.24£ up to 40.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsjournals.sagepub.com
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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