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Prequel LUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM
Prequel

Prequel LUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM

Efficacy75/100IrritancyLow·100% recommend (1 review)
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
Ferulic acid, Ascorbic acid + 1 more
May help
What the product description says
“LUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM”
From product name

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: ferulic acid.

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%~1.4–2.2%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~3.7–5.6%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.55–1.25%
Anti-aging
Ferulic acid, Ascorbic acid + 1 more
May help

This product contains ferulic acid. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

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%~1.4–2.2%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~3.7–5.6%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.55–1.25%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Ferulic acid, Ascorbic acid + 1 more
Works well

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

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%~1.4–2.2%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe 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~3.7–5.6%
ErgothioneineUnder-dosedCan help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking~1.2–1.8%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · Inulin, Mannitol + 2 more
Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": mannitol, caprylyl glycol.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

InulinKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~0.9–1.35%
MannitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.2%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.5%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.55–1.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 5 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ascorbic acidThe 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 agingHigh~3.7–5.6%est.
EthoxydiglycolHelps to improve the product consistencyMedium~2.5–3.8%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.5%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Pigmentation Buster Serum: Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin & Ferulic Acid
Standard Beauty Pigmentation Buster Serum: Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin & Ferulic Acid
Higher efficacy · 100/10084% match
AM Sunrise Glow Serum
indē wild AM Sunrise Glow Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10078% match
$39.00
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

1 of 1 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
  • Akc515· Jul 2024Recommends

    Great product, feels light on skin maybe a little tacky but it does dry down. The bottle and pump keep it from oxidizing. I have used skinceuticals vit c and was underwhelmed especially considering g the price. Highly recommend. This is my go to vitamin c and you can’t beat the price.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Propanediol~4.3–6.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
Ascorbic acid~3.7–5.6%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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 acid
Ethoxydiglycol~2.5–3.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to improve the product consistency

More about Ethoxydiglycol
Isopentyldiol~2.1–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Isopentyldiol
Ferulic acid~1.4–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

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
Ergothioneine~1.2–1.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking

More about Ergothioneine
Inulin~0.9–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking

More about Inulin
Niacinamide~0.55–1.25%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Aminomethyl propanol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the pH in formulations

More about Aminomethyl propanol
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Mannitol~0.05–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Mannitol
Ingredient list view

Water, Propanediol, Ascorbic acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Isopentyldiol, Ferulic acid, Ergothioneine, Inulin, Niacinamide, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aminomethyl propanol, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Mannitol

Compare prices

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/8 06:39 GMT
$22.99
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Prequel
$23.00
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
PrequelLUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUMYOUR PRODUCTStandard BeautyPigmentation Buster Serum: Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin & Ferulic Acidindē wildAM Sunrise Glow SerumDecreeProtect Elixir
Match—84%78%78%
Price$22.99—$39.00+$16.01$161.51+$138.52
Shared key ingredients—2 of 63 of 62 of 6
Key difference—Alpha-Arbutin3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidAscorbyl Glucoside
Irritancy Low Low Medium High
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: Biobare Vitamin C, B, E & Ferulic SerumPurito SEOUL Pure Vitamin C Serum

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Product summary

"Prequel - LUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM" could be helpful for: Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 3.70% - 5.60% It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production, neutralizing free radicals in skin and improving pigmentation marks. We recommend to use up this product quickly after opening: Ascorbic Acid degrades fast when it gets in contact with air and light. The moment the product turns orange, it is a sign that a significant share of the vitamin C in it is no longer effective.
  • Humectants (mannitol 0.05% - 0.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

What our users say

Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product
  • When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
  • When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, the user found that it pills under a foundation.
They find the product's texture to be light - heavy and In terms of the smell, our users report that light fragrance.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Ferulic Acid: Therapeutic Potential Through Its Antioxidant Propertyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Applicationkarger.com
  4. 4
    A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenoneonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    l-Ergothioneine Protects Skin Cells against UV-Induced Damage—A Preliminary Studymdpi.com
  6. 6
    Probiotics and prebiotics potential for the care of skin, female urogenital tract, and respiratory tractlink.springer.com
Prequel LUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM
PrequelLUCENT-C BRIGHTENING VITAMIN C SERUM
Buy on Amazon$22.99 · as of 11/8 06:39 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$22.99 · as of 11/8 06:39 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.