Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener
Works for
Anti-agingTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Ferulic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“See an improvement in wrinkles, firmness, and brightness with all-over and targeted treatments.”
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: 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.
Evens skin toneTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Ferulic acidWorks well
“Packed with a concentration of 10% THD Ascorbate, this potent spot brightener is amplified by 3% Vitamin E and 2% Ferulic Acid and works to camouflage and reduce the look of dark spots.”
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-oxidationSide benefit · Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Ferulic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (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).
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin + 7 moreWorks
“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.”
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:
glycerin, butylene glycol.
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: dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
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Water~45–55%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~8.6–10.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 ascorbatePeg-8 beeswax~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)
More about Peg-8 beeswaxButylene glycol~3.3–4.1%
- 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 glycolMagnesium aluminum silicate~2.6–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- 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
More about Magnesium aluminum silicateCetearyl alcohol~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholTocopheryl acetate~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateGlyceryl stearate~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePeg-100 stearate~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateFerulic acid~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 acidIsopropyl palmitate~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Isopropyl palmitateGlycerin~0.75–1.1%
- 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 GlycerinCeteareth-20~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
More about Ceteareth-20Dimethicone~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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
More about DimethiconeAllantoin~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinAloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceAngelica acutiloba root extract~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dictyopteris polypodioides extract~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidDisodium edta~0.25–0.5%
Titanium dioxide~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideMica~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaPotassium bitartrate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient 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
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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.
| Peter Thomas RothPotent-C Vitamin C Targeted Spot BrightenerYOUR PRODUCT | The Crème ShopWhat Acne? Healing Spot Treatment - Tranexamic Acid + Propolis + Cica | Dr Dennis GrossDRx Blemish Solutions Salicylic Acid Acne Gel | Dr. Dennis Gross | Pretty skinMicro Whitening Spot Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 27% | 26% | 20% |
| Price | $62.00 | $4.70−$57.30 | $20.00−$42.00 | $21.48−$40.52 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 4 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Retinol | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | High | High | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Pevonia Botanica SpaTeen Blemish-B-GoneMenScience Acne Spot Repair
Product summary
"Peter Thomas Roth - Potent-C™ Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidation, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (glycerin 0.75% - 1.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 62.00$ in the United States, from 78.20CA$ up to 80.00CA$ in Canada and for 50.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.
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