L'Oréal Paris 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum
Works for
Evens skin toneAscorbic acid, Salicylic acidWorks well
“Uneven Skin Tone: Brightens and evens skin tone for a more radiant complexion.”
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.
Anti-agingAscorbic acid, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester + 2 moreWorks well
“Formulated with 12% Pure Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Salicylic Acid, this non-greasy brightening serum is clinically proven to help neutralize free radicals and combat early signs of aging such as uneven tone, enlarged pores, and fine lines.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains ascorbic acid, adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester.
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.
MoisturizingAcetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Dimethicone + 10 moreWorks well
“Hydrating and Brightening Formula: Vitamin C works in synergy with Pure Vitamin E and Salicylic acid to neutralize free radicals and combat early signs of aging.”
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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, c13-14 isoparaffin.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester
ExfoliationSalicylic acid ~0.01–0.05%, below the ~0.5% it needsUnder-dosed
“Dermatologist-tested, it brightens and exfoliates while being gentle even for all skin types, including sensitive skin.”
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?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., ParfumMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
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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-11Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoateAcetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.5–1.15%
- 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 esterAdenosine~0.45–1%
- 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 AdenosineSodium 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 hyaluronateTocopherol~0.15–0.6%
- 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 TocopherolSilica~0.3–0.75%
Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateButylene glycol~0.05–0.2%
- 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 glycolCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolC13-14 isoparaffin~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinHydroxyethylcellulose~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseLaureth-7~0.05–0.3%
Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearatePoloxamer 338~0.05–0.2%
Polyacrylamide~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideSorbitan laurate~0.05–0.2%
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumBis-peg/ppg-16/16 peg/ppg-16/16 dimethicone~0.05–0.2%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.05–0.2%
- 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 triglyceridePentaerythrityl 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 acidParfum~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Ascorbic acid, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Alcohol denat., Potassium hydroxide, Polysilicone-11, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Adenosine, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Silica, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Butylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Laureth-7, Peg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, Poloxamer 338, Polyacrylamide, Sorbitan laurate, Xanthan gum, Bis-peg/ppg-16/16 peg/ppg-16/16 dimethicone, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Salicylic acid, Parfum
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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.
| L'Oréal Paris12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid SerumYOUR PRODUCT | La Roche-PosayPure Vitamin C Face Serum | GarnierVitamin-C Night Serum | Dr Dennis GrossVITAMIN C AND LACTIC 15% FIRM AND BRIGHT SERUM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 100% | 87% | 84% |
| Price | $25.71 | $44.91+$19.20 | $11.90−$13.81 | $58.31+$32.60 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | — | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: COSRX Advanced The Vitamin C 23 Serumdaymellow Vita Ferol 23 Serum
Product summary
"L'Oréal Paris - 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum" is effective for: Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 4.70% - 7.00% 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 0.50% - 1.15%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Adenosine 0.45% - 1.00%. 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).
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.30% - 0.75% and glycerin 2.00% - 3.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 90.22A$ in Australia and for 32.99$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 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
- 5
- 6Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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