SkinCode

SkinCode Brightening total clarity serum

Name: SkinCode - Brightening total clarity serum
Brand: SkinCode

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Glycyrrhetinic acid + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Uneven skin tone, pigmentation and age spots Texture.”

Source: Skincode

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

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: glycyrrhetinic 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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~4.7–5.7%

Glycyrrhetinic acidKey activeEffect: MediumActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation~0.55–0.85%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.15–0.3%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Glycerin + 11 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Essentials Alpine WhiteBrightening total clarity serum30 ml A lightweight, hydrating and brightening serum to treat problem areas showing signs of pigmentation and other imperfections.”

Source: Skincode

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl alcohol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~4.7–5.7%

GlycerinKey activeEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.9–3.5%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey activeEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.4–1.7%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey activeEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~1.2–1.5%

Cetyl alcoholKey activeEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.25–0.5%

PhospholipidsKey activeEffect: MediumEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product~0.1–0.2%

Pentylene glycolEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~7–8.5%

Butylene glycolEffect: LowUsed 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~1.7–2%

Peg-8Effect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~1.5–1.8%

Mangifera indica fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin~0.3–0.55%

Glyceryl stearateEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.3–0.55%

Hydrogenated polydeceneEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.25–0.4%

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~0.15–0.3%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Glycyrrhetinic acid, Achillea millefolium extract + 3 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic 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).

Glycyrrhetinic acidKey activeEffect: HighActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation~0.55–0.85%

Achillea millefolium extractEffect: LowPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.55–0.8%

Alchemilla vulgaris extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritating~0.5–0.75%

CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.2–0.4%

Anti-aging

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

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.

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide

May help

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

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Achillea millefolium extract + 3 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~2.1–2.5%est.

Achillea millefolium extractPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.55–0.8%est.

Alchemilla vulgaris extractA plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritatingHigh~0.5–0.75%est.

Malva sylvestris extract—High~0.45–0.7%est.

Melissa officinalis leaf extractA plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Mentha piperita leaf extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.6%est.

Primula veris extract—High~0.4–0.6%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.05–0.1%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~7–8.5%est.

Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~1.5–1.8%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1.4–1.7%est.

Glycyrrhetinic acidActive compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Mangifera indica fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skinMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~0.15–0.3%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Noreva Iklen+ [Pure-C-Reverse] Regenerating & Perfecting Booster Serum

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Pentylene glycol~7–8.5%

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

Niacinamide~4.7–5.7%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces 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

Glycerin~2.9–3.5%

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

Alcohol denat.~2.1–2.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.

Butylene glycol~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 glycol

Peg-8~1.5–1.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.4–1.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Coco-caprylate/caprate~1.2–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan~1.4–1.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps thicken the product formulation and create a gel-like texture

More about Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan

Sodium hydroxide~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Glycyrrhetinic acid~0.55–0.85%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Active compound of licorice root. Works to calm down inflammation, as an anti-oxidant, and might be helpful in lightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhetinic acid

Achillea millefolium extract~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Achillea millefolium extract

Alchemilla vulgaris extract~0.5–0.75%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritating

More about Alchemilla vulgaris extract

Malva sylvestris extract~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Malva sylvestris extract

Melissa officinalis leaf extract~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Melissa officinalis leaf extract

Mentha piperita leaf extract~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita leaf extract

Primula veris extract~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Primula veris extract

Veronica officinalis extract~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Veronica officinalis extract

Mangifera indica fruit extract~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin

More about Mangifera indica fruit extract

Sodium polyacrylate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate

Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Hydrogenated polydecene~0.25–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene

Cetyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Caffeine~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine

Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Trideceth-6~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Trideceth-6

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate

Phospholipids~0.1–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product

More about Phospholipids

Pentadecalactone~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pentadecalactone

Alcohol~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ingredient list view

Water, Pentylene glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Peg-8, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, Sodium hydroxide, Glycyrrhetinic acid, Achillea millefolium extract, Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Malva sylvestris extract, Melissa officinalis leaf extract, Mentha piperita leaf extract, Primula veris extract, Veronica officinalis extract, Mangifera indica fruit extract, Sodium polyacrylate, Glyceryl stearate, Hydrogenated polydecene, Cetyl alcohol, Caffeine, Disodium edta, Trideceth-6, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Phospholipids, Pentadecalactone, Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 18:15 GMT

$51.95

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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
	SkinCodeBrightening total clarity serumYOUR PRODUCT	Westman AtelierSkin Activator Serum with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide	NorevaIklen+ [Pure-C-Reverse] Regenerating & Perfecting Booster Serum	PCA SKINRetinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin
Match	—	97%	97%	96%
Price	$51.95	$146.13+$94.18	$49.28−$2.67	$115.00+$63.05
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 6	3 of 6	4 of 6
Key difference	—	Adenosine	Vitamin C	Retinol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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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.

SkinCodeBrightening total clarity serum

Buy on Amazon$51.95 · as of 11/11 18:15 GMT

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

Buy on Amazon$51.95 · as of 11/11 18:15 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.