PRODUCT REVIEW
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C™ Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener
Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Evens skin tone
- Anti-aging
- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
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Can it cause trouble?
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Works for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Potent-CTM Targeted Spot Brightener unleashes the strength of powerful antioxidants and THD Ascorbate, an ultra-stable scientific breakthrough ingredient 50 X more powerful than traditional Vitamin C. Packed with a concentration of 10% Vitamin C, this potent spot brightener is amplified by 3% Vitamin E and 2% Ferulic Acid, providing powerful antioxidant benefits.
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.6% -
10.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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.
ferulic acid
1.1% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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%
magnesium aluminum silicate
2.6% -
3.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Potent-CTM Targeted Spot Brightener unleashes the strength of powerful antioxidants and THD Ascorbate, an ultra-stable scientific breakthrough ingredient 50 X more powerful than traditional Vitamin C. Packed with a concentration of 10% Vitamin C, this potent spot brightener is amplified by 3% Vitamin E and 2% Ferulic Acid, providing powerful antioxidant benefits.
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.6% -
10.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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.
ferulic acid
1.1% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
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%
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Why It's Special Potent-C features THD ascorbate, a mega-potent form of vitamin C that’s 50x more powerful than traditional vitamin C Antioxidant blend of vitamin E and ferulic acid helps improve the look of dullness, lack of elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles This potent formula is proven to reduce the look of dark spots and discoloration while aloe and allantoin hydrate and comfort skin How to Use Cleanse skin and spot treat affected area twice daily.
glycerin
0.75% -
1.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
dimethicone
0.65% -
1%
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
cetearyl alcohol
2.2% -
2.7%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
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Anti-oxidation
ferulic acid
1.1% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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%
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.6% -
10.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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.
tocopheryl acetate
1.9% -
2.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
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.
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
91/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.6% -
10.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone
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.
peg-8 beeswax
4% -
4.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)
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Comodogenic ingredients
cetearyl alcohol
2.2% -
2.7%
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
isopropyl palmitate
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
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User reviews (0)
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56%
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Other: | Common: Other: | Common:
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
LOW
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
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HIGH
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
allantoin
0.5% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish,
Exfoliation
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
ferulic acid
1.1% -
1.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-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%
Show more
Potential irritants
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.6% -
10.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone
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.
peg-8 beeswax
4% -
4.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
cetearyl alcohol
2.2% -
2.7%
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
isopropyl palmitate
0.9% -
1.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
Show more
All ingredients
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
8.6% -
10.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone
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.
peg-8 beeswax
4% -
4.9%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Cleansing,
Moisturizing
Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Peg-8 beeswax, Butylene glycol, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Cetearyl alcohol, Tocopheryl acetate, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Ferulic acid, Isopropyl palmitate, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Allantoin, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Angelica acutiloba root extract, Dictyopteris polypodioides extract, Citric acid, Disodium edta, Titanium dioxide, Mica, Potassium bitartrate, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
Sources
- 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
- Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fuller's earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolite
- Extracellular matrix in cutaneous ageing: the effects of 0.1% copper-zinc malonate-containing cream on elastin biosynthesis
- Ferulic Acid: Therapeutic Potential Through Its Antioxidant Property
- Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin
- Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearate
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol