Works for
Anti-agingAscorbic acid, TocopherolWorks well
“Our most advanced antioxidant formula diminishes dark spots, soothes irritated skin and reduces signs of aging.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains ascorbic acid.
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.
Evens skin toneAscorbic acid, HexylresorcinolWorks well
“Our most advanced antioxidant formula diminishes dark spots, soothes irritated skin and reduces signs of aging.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: ascorbic acid.
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: hexylresorcinol.
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Isosorbide dicaprylate, Cyclopentasiloxane + 4 moreWorks well
“PCA Skin Hydrating Toner has a pure form a Vitamin C, which provides all of the above benefits.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, cyclopentasiloxane.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: isosorbide dicaprylate
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol + 1 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (ascorbic acid, tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - hexylresorcinol also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Santalum album wood extractMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Cyclopentasiloxane~23–35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneAscorbic acid~7.1–10.7%
- 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 acidEthylhexyl hydroxystearate~5.6–8.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from it
More about Ethylhexyl hydroxystearatePolysilicone-11~4.1–6.2%
- 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-11Tocopherol~2.7–4.1%
- 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 TocopherolIsosorbide dicaprylate~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Early studies suggest that it can help strengthen the skin barrier
More about Isosorbide dicaprylatePolymethylsilsesquioxane~1.5–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneHexylresorcinol~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals in skin
More about HexylresorcinolSilybum marianum fruit extract~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hordeum distichon extract~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilSilica~0.45–1.05%
Phellodendron amurense bark extract~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have an anti-inflammatory effect
More about Phellodendron amurense bark extractSantalum album wood extract~0.15–0.5%
Ingredient list view
Cyclopentasiloxane, Ascorbic acid, Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, Polysilicone-11, Tocopherol, Isosorbide dicaprylate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hexylresorcinol, Silybum marianum fruit extract, Hordeum distichon extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Silica, Phellodendron amurense bark extract, Santalum album wood extract
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| PCA SKINC and E AdvancedYOUR PRODUCT | StratiaC+C Serum | SkinMedicaVitamin C Plus E Complex | BeautyStatUniversal C Skin Refiner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 78% | 76% | 76% |
| Price | $137.00 | $29.00−$108.00 | $102.55−$34.45 | $29.99−$107.01 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 8 | 3 of 8 | 3 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate | Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | Petrolatum |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Glow Jar 8% AM Vitamin C SerumGoldfaden MD Brightening Elixir
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.