Skinfood Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Essence

Skinfood Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Essence

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This fast-absorbing essence delivers ample moisture to skin with a watery texture.”
Source: Yesstyle

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

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).

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~9.9–14.9%
Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~2–2.9%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~1.2–1.8%
Evens skin tone
Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Contains 96% Yuju Extract to deliver rich nutrients and improve dark spots by preventing hyperpigmentation.”
Source: Yesstyle

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

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: dipotassium glycyrrhizate.

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~9.9–14.9%
Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~2–2.9%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: LowA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~1.2–1.8%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
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.

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~9.9–14.9%
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~3.3–5%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Works well
What the product description says
“This brightening water essence with a simple 7 ingredient list features 96% Goheung Yuja Extract, Niacinamide, Licorice Root Extract, and Tranexamic Acid to treat existing dark spots and prevent future blemishes for a clear and bright complexion.”
Source: Skinfood

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

In addition, this product contains sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

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~9.9–14.9%
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~3.3–5%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
May help

This product contains antioxidants (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~3.3–5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Citrus junos fruit extract
Medium risk
We flagged 3 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus junos fruit extractContains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivityHigh~23–35%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~1.8–2.8%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~3.3–5%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Citrus junos fruit extract~23–35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Contains essential oil. Can be irritating and lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus junos fruit extract
Niacinamide~9.9–14.9%
Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

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
1,2-hexanediol~1.8–2.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~3.3–5%
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
Tranexamic acid~2–2.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizing

An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally

More about Tranexamic acid
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~1.2–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Caramel~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Caramel
Ingredient list view

Citrus junos fruit extract, Niacinamide, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Tranexamic acid, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Caramel

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Yesstyle
$28.40 Out of stock
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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
SkinfoodYuja C Dark Spot Clear EssenceYOUR PRODUCTJUMISOAll Day Vitamin Glow Boost Facial TonerSKIN 1004.Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule AmpouleMISSHATime Revolution Immortal Youth Blue Essence
Match—82%81%79%
Price—$16.03$6.12$73.82
Shared key ingredients—2 of 42 of 41 of 4
Key difference—3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidMadecassosideTripeptide-1
Irritancy Medium Low Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: VT Cosmetics TX-Toning Essence 1000 ShotCARE:NEL Cicavita B5 Tranexamic Acid Toner

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Product summary

"Skinfood - Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Essence" is effective for: Moisturizing, Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

Ingredient callouts

  • A good concentration of Niacinamide (9.90% - 14.90%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
  • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate in this product (1.20% - 1.80%) can also further help improve the skin barrier. It might be able to calm down inflammation and reduce sensitivity. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is an active compound from the licorice root.
  • Humectants (dipotassium glycyrrhizate 1.20% - 1.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails from 28.40$ up to 39.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

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Skinfood Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Essence
SkinfoodYuja C Dark Spot Clear Essence

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.