Naturium Vitamin C Serum 22%

Naturium Vitamin C Serum 22%

Efficacy83/100IrritancyMedium·100% recommend (3 reviews)

Works for

Evens skin tone
Glutathione, Ascorbic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“The Vitamin C Complex Serum by Naturium features a high concentration of their complex including highly stable, pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum, one of the richest sources of vitamin c to visibly brighten, hydrate, firm and protect.”
Source: Soko Glam

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glutathione

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.

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA 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~1.6–2.4%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~2.1–3.1%
Anti-aging
Beta-glucan, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate + 2 more
May help
What the product description says
“Our Vitamin C Complex Serum instantly hydrates skin and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks.*”
Source: Naturium

This product contains glutathione. 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.

Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.45%
Sodium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~2.6–3.9%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.35–0.75%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~2.1–3.1%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Glutathione + 10 more
Works
What the product description says
“Our Vitamin C Complex Serum instantly hydrates skin and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks.*”
Source: Naturium

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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).

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~3.8–5.6%
GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA 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~1.6–2.4%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.45%
Ananas sativus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin~1.4–2%
Mangifera indica fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin~0.95–1.45%
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.45–1.1%
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing~0.4–0.9%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.7%
AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.3%
Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.1–0.35%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally 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~0.35–0.75%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Glutathione, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract + 6 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (glutathione) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA 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~1.6–2.4%
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.6–1.4%
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.45–1.1%
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing~0.4–0.9%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.45%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.2–0.75%
Sodium ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~2.6–3.9%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~2.1–3.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Carica papaya fruit extract
Medium risk
We flagged 20 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ascorbic acidThe 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 agingHigh~2.1–3.1%est.
Carica papaya fruit extract—High~1.2–1.8%est.
Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CMedium~2.6–3.9%est.
GlutathioneA 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 skinMedium~1.6–2.4%est.
Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~1.4–2%est.
Mangifera indica fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skinMedium~0.95–1.45%est.
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.6–1.4%est.
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.45–1.1%est.
Podocarpus elatus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.4–0.9%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~0.35–0.75%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.2–0.75%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
GoldA colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skinMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.3%est.

User reviews

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100%·yes

3 of 3 community members would buy it again.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~3.8–5.6%
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
Propanediol~3.2–4.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~2.6–3.9%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C

More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Ascorbic acid~2.1–3.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

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 acid
Glutathione~1.6–2.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin tone

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 Glutathione
Ananas sativus fruit extract~1.4–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract
Carica papaya fruit extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Mangifera indica fruit extract~0.95–1.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin

More about Mangifera indica fruit extract
Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.6–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract
Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract~0.45–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract
Podocarpus elatus fruit extract~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties but evidence of effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Podocarpus elatus fruit extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.35–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-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
Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.75%
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
Carbomer~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Citric acid~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Beta-glucan~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Hexylene glycol~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Sorbitol~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Algin~0.1–0.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin
Benzoic acid~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Sorbic acid~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid
1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Disodium phosphate~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate
Gold~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skin

More about Gold
Polysorbate 60~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Sodium phosphate~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ascorbic acid, Glutathione, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Carica papaya fruit extract, Mangifera indica fruit extract, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Pleiogynium timoriense fruit extract, Podocarpus elatus fruit extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Sodium hyaluronate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Citric acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium hydroxide, Beta-glucan, Potassium sorbate, Hexylene glycol, Sorbitol, Xanthan gum, Algin, Benzoic acid, Sorbic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium benzoate, Disodium phosphate, Gold, Polysorbate 60, Sodium phosphate

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Naturium
$12.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 00:06 GMT
$16.79
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Walmart
$20.88
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Naturium30 ml
$21.00
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Soko Glam
$21.00 Out of stock
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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
NaturiumVitamin C Serum 22%YOUR PRODUCTNacomiLight It Up Vitamin C Serum 15%OARS + ALPSWake Up Face SerumDermaticaVitamin C 15%: Fresh Batch Ascorbic Acid
Match—90%85%83%
Price$12.00—$49.00+$37.00$20.75+$8.75
Shared key ingredients—3 of 64 of 63 of 6
Key difference—Ascorbyl GlucosideDimethiconeFerulic Acid
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Luzern Laboratories Serum Absolut V15+goop 20% Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum

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Product summary

"Naturium - Vitamin C Serum 22%" is effective for: Evens skin tone and Anti-inflammatory

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • 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 (2.10% - 3.10%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
  • Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.20% - 0.75% and glycerin 3.80% - 5.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

What our users say

Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
They find the product's texture to be light - heavy and In terms of the smell, our users report that light fragrance.

Price

The product retails from 19.99$ up to 36.00$ in the United States and from 22.00£ up to 172.00£ 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 23 studies and safety reviews.

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  6. 6
Naturium Vitamin C Serum 22%
NaturiumVitamin C Serum 22%

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.