Works for
Evens skin toneAscorbic acid ~1.2–1.7%, below the ~4% it needs + 1 moreUnder-dosed
“A perfect dark spot corrector for the face, which helps to fade the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
MoisturizingSide benefit · Glycerin, Betaine + 4 moreWorks
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.
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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Isopentyldiol~6.5–9.8%
Glycerin~3.3–4.9%
- 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 Glycerin1,2-hexanediol~1.4–2.1%
Butylene glycol~1.9–2.9%
- 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 glycolBetaine~1.5–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineHydroxyethylcellulose~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseAscorbic acid~1.2–1.7%
- 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 acidSodium citrate~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateTromethamine~0.55–1.25%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.4–1%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizatePropanediol~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPolyglyceryl-10 laurate~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-10 laurateDisodium edta~0.1–0.4%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateHippophae rhamnoides fruit extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking
More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extractBeta-glucan~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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-glucanAscorbyl glucoside~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and 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 Ascorbyl glucosideIngredient list view
Water, Isopentyldiol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ascorbic acid, Sodium citrate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 laurate, Disodium edta, Sodium hyaluronate, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, Beta-glucan, Ascorbyl glucoside
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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.
| OOTD BeautyDark Spot Vitamin C SerumYOUR PRODUCT | JUMISOAll Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5 Glow Serum | Kit:Brightening Concentrate | Biovène BarcelonaVITAMIN C +20% Skin Brightening Facial Serum Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 88% | 87% |
| Price | $19.90 | $6.87−$13.03 | — | $6.69−$13.21 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Alpha-Arbutin | — | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Biovene VITAMIN C 27% SERUMNuFace Lifter Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum S3
Product summary
"#OOTD Beauty - Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum" 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). 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 (1.20% - 1.70%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.10% - 0.30%, betaine 1.50% - 2.30% and glycerin 3.30% - 4.90%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Safety Assessment of Tromethamine as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 4
- 5
- 6
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