PRODUCT REVIEW
Serious Skincare Serious-C Beyond AM PM
Add to Compare
Cheaper alternatives
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
These ultra-concentrated serums work day and night to help your complexion look radiant while fighting the look of lines and wrinkles.
retinol
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
4.3% -
6.4%
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.
bakuchiol
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation
Show more
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Improves the look of your skin's tone, radiance and elasticity when used every day for 2 months Reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles and dullness Ultra-concentrated, water-free serums Formulated with intense levels of Vitamin C and high percentages of effective anti-aging beauty ingredients
bakuchiol
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
4.3% -
6.4%
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.
retinol
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Show more
Anti-blemish
ethyl linoleate
0.6% -
1.35%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking
bakuchiol
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation
retinol
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Exfoliation
retinol
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Moisturizing
palmitoyl oligopeptide
1.6% -
2.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
caprylic/capric triglyceride
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
Show more
Anti-oxidation
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
4.3% -
6.4%
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.
bakuchiol
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation
retinol
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
Buy now
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
US Retailers
Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
1.1% -
1.6%
Irritation risk:
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
zanthoxylum bungeanum fruit extract
0.3% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
Pepper extract. Might help neutralize free radicals in skin
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
1.9% -
2.9%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
0.4% -
0.95%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Show more
Similar products & dupes
| Serious Skincare - Serious-C Beyond AM PM |  Naturium - Retinol Complex Cream |  InstaNatural - 2.5% Retinol Bakuchiol Serum |  NassifMD Dermaceuticals - Hydration Serum with Micro-Spheres of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides |  Dr Dennis Gross - Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum | Dr. Dennis Gross |  Revision Skincare - D-E-J Night Face Cream |  Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty - Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 2 |  Derma E - Anti-Aging Regenerative Night Cream |  StriVectin - S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil |  Naturopathica - Argan & Retinol Wrinkle Repair Night Cream |  Dennis Gross - Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel | |
| Price | |||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
66%
|
66%
|
64%
|
63%
|
62%
|
62%
|
61%
|
61%
|
59%
|
59%
| |
| Key ingredients | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common: Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| |
| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
|
| Potential Irritants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| All ingredients |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
retinol
0.15% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-oxidation,
Exfoliation,
Mattifying,
Anti-blemish
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
bakuchiol
1% -
1.5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-inflammatory
A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation
Show more
Potential irritants
citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
1.1% -
1.6%
Irritation risk:
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
zanthoxylum bungeanum fruit extract
0.3% -
0.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
Pepper extract. Might help neutralize free radicals in skin
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
1.9% -
2.9%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
0.4% -
0.95%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Cleansing
Helps oil and water mix together
Show more
All ingredients
cyclopentasiloxane
23% -
35%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Mattifying
A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
caprylic/capric triglyceride
4.4% -
6.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
4.3% -
6.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging
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.
Show more
Ingredient list view
Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Caprylyl methicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Isosorbide dicaprylate, Palmitoyl oligopeptide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Bakuchiol, Tocopheryl acetate, Bisabolol, Ppg-12/smdi copolymer, Ethyl linoleate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Sorbitan laurate, Tristearin, Acetylated glycol stearate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dicaprylyl ether, Squalane, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Prunus domestica seed oil, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Isosorbide dicaprylate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Palmitoyl oligopeptide, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Zanthoxylum bungeanum fruit extract, Hexylresorcinol, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Camellia japonica seed oil, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Bisabolol, Retinol, Ppg-12/smdi copolymer, Ethyl linoleate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Sorbitan laurate, Tristearin, Acetylated glycol stearate, Oleyl alcohol
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
- Improvement of hydration and epidermal barrier function in human skin by a novel compound isosorbide dicaprylate
- Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmetics
- Oxidized citrus oil (R-limonene): A frequent skin sensitizer in Europe
- Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenes
- Bakuchiol in the Management of Acne-affected Skin
- Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing
- A dermocosmetic containing bakuchiol, Ginkgo biloba extract and mannitol improves the efficacy of adapalene in patients with acne vulgaris: result from a controlled randomized trial
- α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammation
- Ethyl linoleate inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis through Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signal pathway
- Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of a lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate in the treatment of acne vulgaris
- The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
- Moringa oleifera seed oil: Composition, nutritional aspects and health attributes
- Moringa oleifera Seeds and Oil: Characteristics and Uses for Human Health
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
- Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)