Procal

Procal Vitamin c

Name: Procal - Vitamin c
Brand: Procal

Efficacy58/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Inulin, Glycerin + 1 more

Works

What the product description says

“Our nourishing Vitamin C serum will help you achieve visibly smoother, even-toned skin that looks recharged, fresh, and glowy.”

Source: PROCOAL

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

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~2–3.1%

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~1.8–2.7%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~2.8–4.2%

Anti-aging

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Not delivered

What the product description says

“👋 Improves the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles”

Source: PROCOAL

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - sodium ascorbyl phosphate - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient punica granatum extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: LowA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~6.4–9.5%

Evens skin tone

Punica granatum extract

Not delivered

What the product description says

“🌟 Decreases the appearance of age spots”

Source: PROCOAL

This product contains ingredients (punica granatum extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~1.3–1.9%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Inulin

May help

This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateKey activeEffect: HighA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~6.4–9.5%

InulinEffect: LowHelps 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~2–3.1%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Punica granatum extract + 2 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (punica granatum extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateKey activeEffect: MediumA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~6.4–9.5%

Punica granatum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~1.3–1.9%

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.85–1.25%

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.45–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract—High~1.4–2.1%est.

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.45–1%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CMedium~6.4–9.5%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~2.8–4.2%est.

Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~1.3–1.9%est.

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lackingMedium~0.85–1.25%est.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.5–1.2%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Polyglyceryl-6 caprylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.

Sodium metabisulfiteA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

The Remedy (laboratories) Vitamin C concentrate

Higher efficacy · 75/10064% match

Swisse Beauty vitamin c 10% brightening booster serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10064% match

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~6.4–9.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C

More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Propanediol~3.4–5.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Propanediol

Pentylene glycol~2.8–4.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Inulin~2–3.1%

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

Glycerin~1.8–2.7%

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

Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract~1.4–2.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract

Punica granatum extract~1.3–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract

Xanthan gum~1–1.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract~0.85–1.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.5–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.45–1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract

Citric acid~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Polyglyceryl-4 caprate~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-4 caprate

Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate

Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin

Sodium gluconate~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate

Sodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium metabisulfite

Parfum~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Limonene~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Maltodextrin~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Hydroxycitronellal~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal

Ingredient list view

Water, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, Inulin, Glycerin, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract, Punica granatum extract, Xanthan gum, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Citric acid, Polyglyceryl-4 caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 caprylate, Chlorphenesin, Sodium gluconate, Sodium metabisulfite, Parfum, Limonene, Maltodextrin, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal

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🇬🇧 PROCOAL (UK)

$28.00

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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
	ProcalVitamin cYOUR PRODUCT	The Remedy (laboratories)Vitamin C concentrate	SwisseBeauty vitamin c 10% brightening booster serum	June Jacobs SpaJune Jacobs Elastin Collagen Serum
Match	—	64%	64%	62%
Price	—	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	2 of 4	2 of 4	3 of 4
Key difference	—	Ferulic Acid	Niacinamide	Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Dr. David Jack Good Morning Vitamin C Serum Live No B.S. Vitamin C + E Serum

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

ProcalVitamin c

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