Peter Thomas Roth

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer

Name: Peter Thomas Roth - Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer
Brand: Peter Thomas Roth

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

3 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

6 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Skincare Concerns Dark Spots, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, and Dullness Highlighted Ingredients , 10% THD Ascorbate Vitamin C Brightens skin's appearance and targets signs of aging.”

Source: Sephora

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

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: carnosine, ferulic 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.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing 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.~7.3–8.9%

CarnosineKey activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.45–0.7%

Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.6–0.9%

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.45–0.7%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: 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)~0.5–0.75%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.5–0.8%

Moisturizing

29 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer”

From product name

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: carnosine, glycerin.

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: glycine soja sterols, hydrolyzed collagen.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

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~0.45–0.7%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.45–0.7%

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.5–0.75%

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~2.7–3.3%

Histidine hclKey activeEffect: HighA salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.45–0.7%

CarnosineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.45–0.7%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.55–0.8%

Glycine soja sterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.5–0.75%

Hydrolyzed collagenKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

Saccharomyces fermentKey activeEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.7%

Vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Lauroyl lysineKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.7%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~0.5–0.75%

Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~1.4–1.7%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.5–0.75%

Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1–1.3%

Olea europaea fruit extract· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.65–0.95%

Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.75–1.1%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~1.7–2%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.55–0.8%

Polyglyceryl-6 distearateEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%

Arachidyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~0.5–0.75%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~2–2.4%

Calcium gluconate· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product~0.5–0.75%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.5–0.8%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedEffect: 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)~0.5–0.75%

Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%

Evens skin tone

4 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer”

From product name

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

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: ferulic 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.

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · 7 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (carnosine, ferulic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

CarnosineKey activeEffect: HighA type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage~0.45–0.7%

Ferulic acidKey activeEffect: HighA potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%~0.6–0.9%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA 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.~2.1–2.5%

Zingiber officinale root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking~0.5–0.75%

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.45–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Zingiber officinale root extract, Alcohol

Medium risk

We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Zingiber officinale root extractA plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lackingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Ci 15985A colorantHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.1–0.25%est.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing 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.Medium~7.3–8.9%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~2.1–2.5%est.

Polyglyceryl-2 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.4%est.

Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extractMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.6–0.9%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~0.5–0.75%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 distearateHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~0.4–0.6%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

3 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.5–0.8%est.

Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.5–0.75%est.

Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~0.55–0.85%est.

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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

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~7.3–8.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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.

More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

Propanediol~4.3–5.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

C9-12 alkane~3.4–4.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about C9-12 alkane

Glycerin~2.7–3.3%

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

Tocopheryl acetate~2.1–2.5%

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

Behenyl alcohol~2–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Palmitic acid~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Cetyl palmitate~1.4–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Polyglyceryl-2 stearate~1.1–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-2 stearate

Stearic acid~1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Stearyl alcohol~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol

Oleic acid~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid

Soy acid~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Soy acid

Ferulic acid~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to be effective in neutralizing free radicals in skin. There seem to have a synergetic effect of ferulic acid, vitamin E and C, meaning that when the ingredients are used together, they enhance each other's ability protect the skin against free radicals. Ferulic acid also helps to stabilize other ingredients - including vitamins C and E. It can help to even out the skin tone. Ferulic acid is approved for use as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan in concentrations up to 10%

More about Ferulic acid

Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract~0.6–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract

Olea europaea fruit extract~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit extract

Hydrolyzed collagen~0.6–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed collagen

Elastin~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Elastin

Zingiber officinale root extract~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking

More about Zingiber officinale root extract

Lactic acid~0.5–0.75%

Under-dosedIrritant · 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

Ceramide np~0.55–0.8%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.7%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.5–0.8%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Wheat amino acids~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Wheat amino acids

Glycine soja sterols~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Glycine soja sterols

Saccharomyces ferment~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment

Jojoba esters~0.5–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters

Vegetable oil~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Vegetable oil

Glyceryl stearate~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Gluconolactone~0.45–0.7%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Calcium gluconate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium pca~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate

Myristic acid~0.5–0.75%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid

Sodium hydroxide~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Sodium lactate~0.45–0.7%

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

Lauroyl lysine~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Lauroyl lysine

Arachidic acid~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Arachidic acid

Lauric acid~0.55–0.85%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

CleansingAntibacterialAnti-blemish

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid

Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Coco-caprylate/caprate~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan~0.95–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps thicken the product formulation and create a gel-like texture

More about Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan

Histidine hcl~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A salt of an amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Histidine hcl

Carnosine~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A type of peptide. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin combatting the sun damage

More about Carnosine

Polyglyceryl-6 distearate~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-6 distearate

Arachidyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Arachidyl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Lignoceryl

Not recognized

Alcohol~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

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Xanthan gum~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

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Carbomer~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Could be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Disodium edta~0.3–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Mica~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

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Phenoxyethanol~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Fd&c

Not recognized

Ci 15985~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A colorant

More about Ci 15985

Fd&c

Not recognized

Ci 19140~0.1–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140

Ingredient list view

Water, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Propanediol, C9-12 alkane, Glycerin, Tocopheryl acetate, Behenyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Cetyl palmitate, Polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Stearic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Oleic acid, Soy acid, Ferulic acid, Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract, Olea europaea fruit extract, Hydrolyzed collagen, Elastin, Zingiber officinale root extract, Lactic acid, Ceramide np, Sodium hyaluronate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Wheat amino acids, Glycine soja sterols, Saccharomyces ferment, Jojoba esters, Vegetable oil, Glyceryl stearate, Gluconolactone, Calcium gluconate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium pca, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Myristic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium lactate, Lauroyl lysine, Arachidic acid, Lauric acid, Potassium sorbate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, Histidine hcl, Carnosine, Polyglyceryl-6 distearate, Arachidyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Unknown, Alcohol, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Unknown, Ci 15985, Unknown, Ci 19140

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Product summary

"Peter Thomas Roth - Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing and Evens skin tone

Ingredient callouts

This product contains acids (gluconolactone 0.45% - 0.70% and lactic acid 0.50% - 0.75%). 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). PHAs (gluconolactone) especially are great for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.55% - 0.80%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.