OleHenriksen

OleHenriksen Truth Serum

Name: OleHenriksen - Truth Serum
Brand: OleHenriksen

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh·

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Thioctic acid, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate + 2 more

May help

What the product description says

“Fights visible signs of aging”

Source: Ole henriksen

This product contains thioctic acid. 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.

Thioctic acidEffect: Low~0.3–0.55%

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~3–3.7%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.25–0.45%

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~0.25–0.45%

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Peg-12 dimethicone + 6 more

Works

What the product description says

“A cult-favorite vitamin C serum that brightens, boosts elasticity, firms, hydrates and soothes skin for a healthy-looking complexion.”

Source: Ole henriksen

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~4.7–5.7%

Peg-12 dimethiconeKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.65–1%

Hydrolyzed vegetable proteinKey activeEffect: Medium~0.45–0.65%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~1.6–2%

Sorbitol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.25–0.45%

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: 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~0.45–0.7%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Thioctic acid, Rosa canina fruit extract + 4 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (thioctic 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).

Thioctic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.3–0.55%

Rosa canina fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking~0.25–0.4%

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.~0.55–0.85%

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~3–3.7%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.25–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

7 strong irritants: Parfum, Aroma + 5 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.9–1.1%est.

AromaAn unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredientsHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.3–0.6%est.

Citrus grandis seed extract—High~0.2–0.4%est.

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~0.25–0.45%est.

TriacetinUsed to dissolve other ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Ci 15985A colorantHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Oleth-20Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~4.8–5.9%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~3–3.7%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~1.6–2%est.

Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~1.4–1.7%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1.1–1.4%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~0.55–0.85%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally 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~0.45–0.7%est.

Rosa canina fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonateHelps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV lightMedium~0.15–0.25%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

June Jacobs Spa June Jacobs Elastin Collagen Serum

Higher efficacy · 91/10063% match

Youn Beauty CE Antioxidant Serum

Higher efficacy · 87/10063% match

$69.00

View all alternatives

User reviews

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.7–5.7%

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

Oleth-20~4.8–5.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Oleth-20

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~3–3.7%

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

Hydroxyethylcellulose~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl glycol~1.6–2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Hexylene glycol~1.4–1.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol

Citric acid~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Parfum~0.9–1.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Peg-12 dimethicone~0.65–1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Peg-12 dimethicone

Tocopheryl acetate~0.55–0.85%

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

Aroma~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An unspecified blend of fragrant irritating ingredients

More about Aroma

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Hydrolyzed vegetable protein

Disodium phosphate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Polysorbate 60~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

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 extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract

Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.55%

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

Thioctic acid~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

More about Thioctic acid

Calcium ascorbate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Calcium ascorbate

Sodium phosphate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Sodium phosphate

Sorbitol~0.25–0.45%

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

Citrus grandis seed extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus grandis seed extract

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Ascorbic acid~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

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

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Euphrasia officinalis extract~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Euphrasia officinalis extract

Rosa canina fruit extract~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties, but evidence is lacking

More about Rosa canina fruit extract

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Triacetin~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used to dissolve other ingredients

More about Triacetin

Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps protect the ingredients in the formulation against UV light

More about Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate

Benzyl benzoate~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate

Limonene~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ci 15985~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A colorant

More about Ci 15985

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Oleth-20, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Hexylene glycol, Citric acid, Parfum, Peg-12 dimethicone, Tocopheryl acetate, Aroma, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Disodium phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis fruit extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Thioctic acid, Calcium ascorbate, Sodium phosphate, Sorbitol, Citrus grandis seed extract, Sodium benzoate, Ascorbic acid, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Euphrasia officinalis extract, Rosa canina fruit extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Potassium sorbate, Triacetin, Sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, Benzyl benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Ci 15985

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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
	OleHenriksenTruth SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Live No B.S.Vitamin C + E Serum	June Jacobs SpaJune Jacobs Elastin Collagen Serum	EnoughSecret with re-active lifting ampoule
Match	—	65%	63%	63%
Price	$58.00	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 5	4 of 5	3 of 5
Key difference	—	Ferulic Acid	Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7	Adenosine
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop