Swisse Vitamin C 5% Niacinamide 5% Brightening Day Cream
Works for
Anti-agingAscorbyl glucoside, Niacinamide + 2 moreWorks well
“Formulated with the unique SYNBRIGHT® complex to visibly correct dark spots and stabilised vitamin C brighten the skin and protect from free radical damage and premature signs of ageing.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: ascorbyl glucoside, ferulic acid.
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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Acetyl glucosamine + 10 moreWorks well
“Niacinamide for skin hydration”
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, bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane.
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, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide
Evens skin toneAscorbyl glucoside, Niacinamide + 2 moreWorks well
“Formulated with the unique SYNBRIGHT® complex to visibly correct dark spots and stabilised vitamin C brighten the skin and protect from free radical damage and premature signs of ageing.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: acetyl glucosamine, 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: ascorbyl glucoside, ferulic 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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Ascorbyl glucoside, Ferulic acidWorks 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).
The following ingredients - ascorbyl glucoside also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy12 flagged ingredientsLow risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Ascorbyl glucoside~5.7–8.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Has a potential to boost collagen production, nutralise free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about Ascorbyl glucosideNiacinamide~3.7–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideCoco-caprylate~2.9–4.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture
More about Coco-caprylateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~2.2–3.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglyceridePropanediol~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolIsononyl isononanoate~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateAcetyl glucosamine~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin
More about Acetyl glucosamineGlycerin~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinBis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silaneFerulic acid~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 acidHydrogenated polyisobutene~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydrogenated polyisobuteneHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilPhospholipids~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsPolyglyceryl-10 stearate~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together and softens the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-10 stearateC13-14 isoparaffin~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinLaureth-7~0.15–0.7%
Polyacrylamide~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideSodium acrylates copolymer~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylates copolymerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerSodium citrate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citratePhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolDisodium edta~0.1–0.3%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.25%
Citric acid~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hydroxide~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Ascorbyl glucoside, Niacinamide, Coco-caprylate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Propanediol, Isononyl isononanoate, Acetyl glucosamine, Glycerin, Bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, Ferulic acid, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 stearate, C13-14 isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Polyacrylamide, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide
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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.
| SwisseVitamin C 5% Niacinamide 5% Brightening Day CreamYOUR PRODUCT | e.l.f. CosmeticsBlemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream | Medik8Niacinamide Peptides | Rohto MentholatumHada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Firming Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 80% | 76% | 76% |
| Price | — | $14.00 | $55.89 | $20.07 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Carnosine | Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: preange Vit B5 EmulsionThe Labatorian Oceans Beyond Moisturizer
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Swisse Skincare - Vitamin C 5% Niacinamide 5% Brightening Day Cream" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (acetyl glucosamine, glycerin and bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil, coco-caprylate, bis-peg-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane and c13-14 isoparaffin in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (3.70% - 5.50%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. 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 help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Glucosamine: an ingredient with skin and other benefitsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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