PRODUCT REVIEW
Cheaper alternatives
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Supercharged Brightening & Smoothing A more potent, highly stable and less irritating form of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, Vitamin C Ester gives the appearance of collagen-rich skin by visibly smoothing, brightening and minimising discolouration over time.
glycolic acid
6.9% -
8.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
2.5% -
3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
zinc gluconate
0.6% -
0.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Supercharged Brightening & Smoothing A more potent, highly stable and less irritating form of antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, Vitamin C Ester gives the appearance of collagen-rich skin by visibly smoothing, brightening and minimising discolouration over time.
glycolic acid
6.9% -
8.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
2.5% -
3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
copper gluconate
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing
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Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
This vitamin C serum features a dual-phase formula combining gentle exfoliation with glycolic acid and nourishing technology with Vitamin C Ester for visible brightening.
glycolic acid
6.9% -
8.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
zinc gluconate
0.6% -
0.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin
copper gluconate
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Copper Complex helps improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity by hydrating and energising skin while also providing the benefits of an anti-wrinkle serum.
sodium hyaluronate
0.5% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
dimethicone
0.45% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
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Anti-oxidation
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
2.5% -
3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
copper gluconate
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing
zinc gluconate
0.6% -
0.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
93/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
6.9% -
8.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
benzyl alcohol
0.5% -
1%
Irritation risk:
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
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Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl palmitate
3.4% -
4.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
cetearyl alcohol
1.4% -
1.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
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User reviews (0)
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
zinc gluconate
0.6% -
0.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin
copper gluconate
0.5% -
0.75%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation,
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone
Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing
Show more
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
6.9% -
8.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
benzyl alcohol
0.5% -
1%
Irritation risk:
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
isopropyl palmitate
3.4% -
4.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
cetearyl alcohol
1.4% -
1.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
Show more
All ingredients
glycolic acid
6.9% -
8.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Dimethyl mea, Isopropyl palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tyrosine, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Cetearyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Hydrogenated lecithin, Zinc gluconate, Magnesium aspartate, Copper gluconate, Sodium hyaluronate, Disodium edta, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl salicylate, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hexyl cinnamal, Linalool
Sources
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearate
- Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage
- Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacy
- Zinc salts in dermatology
- An overview of zinc and its importance in dermatology-Part II: The association of zinc with some dermatologic disorders
- Zinc, copper and manganese enhanced keratinocyte migration through a functional modulation of keratinocyte integrins
- Evaluation of the effects of topical zinc gluconate in wound healing
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen
- Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity
- Magnesium ions inhibit the antigen-presenting function of human epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro. Involvement of ATPase, HLA-DR, B7 molecules, and cytokines
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol