Olay

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum, Battles Dry Dull Skin

Name: Olay - Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum, Battles Dry Dull Skin
Brand: Olay

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Lactic acid + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum, Battles Dry Dull Skin”

Source: Walmart

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: lactic acid, niacinamide

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: 3-o-ethyl 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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.7–4.1%

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~2–3%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.3–2%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + 6 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Our Olay Vitamin C Peptide 24 Serum will visibly brighten and hydrate your skin.”

Source: Walmart

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, lactic 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.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, panthenol

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.7–4.1%

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~1.1–1.6%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.85–1.3%

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~4.1–6.1%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~3.7–5.6%

Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~2–3%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.2%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.3–0.75%

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Lactic acid + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic acid, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~2–3%

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~1.1–1.6%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: LowA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~1.3–2%

Anti-blemish

Niacinamide

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Lactic acid

Works well

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: lactic acid.

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

May help

This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Parfum

Medium risk

We flagged 5 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsHigh~1.3–2%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~2–3%est.

Peg-11 methyl ether dimethiconeHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–1%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Mary&May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum

Closest match83% match

$16.91

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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~4.1–6.1%

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

Dimethicone~3.7–5.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Niacinamide~2.7–4.1%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Lactic acid~2–3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.6–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~1.3–2%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4~1.1–1.6%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4

Panthenol~0.85–1.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Trehalose~0.5–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone~0.45–1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone

Sodium lactate~0.3–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Parfum~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Unspecified form of vitamin c~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Unspecified form of vitamin c

Vitamin b

Not recognized

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Lactic acid, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Panthenol, Trehalose, Peg-11 methyl ether dimethicone, Sodium lactate, Sodium benzoate, Parfum, Unspecified form of vitamin c, Unknown

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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
	OlayVitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum, Battles Dry Dull SkinYOUR PRODUCT	EnvironFocus Care Radiance+ Vita-Botanical Mela-Fade Serum System	Mary&MayRice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum	AMPLE:NPeptide Shot Ampoule
Match	—	83%	83%	82%
Price	—	$92.23	$16.91	$24.99
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 9	4 of 9	6 of 9
Key difference	—	Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract	Glutathione	Glycolic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Coreana Lab Peptide Shot Ampoule SK-II R.N.A. POWER Anti-Aging Essence Serum

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Product summary

"Olay - Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum, Battles Dry Dull Skin" is effective for: Exfoliation, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.70% - 4.10%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
This product contains acids (lactic acid 2.00% - 3.00%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
Peptides (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 1.10% - 1.70%). 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.
An effective concentration of Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) - about 1.00% - 1.45%. Panthenol helps strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and reduce inflammation in skin.
Humectants (trehalose 0.80% - 1.25%, sodium lactate 0.40% - 0.95%, panthenol 0.05% - 0.25%, panthenol 1.00% - 1.45%, lactic acid 2.00% - 3.00% and glycerin 4.10% - 6.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.