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Tula Triple Vitamin C Serum Brightening Treatment Drops
Tula

Tula Triple Vitamin C Serum Brightening Treatment Drops

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl glucoside + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Two types of Vitamin C treat dull skin & help reduce the look of dark spots (signs of hyperpigmentation), while the third—a special ‘recharger’—reactivates the others throughout the day to defend against elements that cause dullness.”
Source: Tula

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

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: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside.

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.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~5.8–8.8%
Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~1–1.5%
GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.01–0.05%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.1%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.01–0.05%
Anti-aging
Ascorbyl glucoside, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid + 3 more
May help
What the product description says
“Two types of Vitamin C treat dull skin & help reduce the look of dark spots (signs of hyperpigmentation), while the third—a special ‘recharger’—reactivates the others throughout the day to defend against elements that cause dullness.”
Source: Tula

This product contains ascorbyl glucoside. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~1–1.5%
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: LowA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~5.8–8.8%
Lactococcus ferment lysateEffect: LowConsists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin~3–4.5%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.1%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.01–0.05%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl glucoside + 7 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (glutathione) 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 - 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidKey activeEffect: MediumA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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~5.8–8.8%
Ascorbyl glucosideKey activeEffect: MediumA 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~1–1.5%
GlutathioneKey activeEffect: HighA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin~0.01–0.05%
Lactococcus ferment lysateEffect: LowConsists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin~3–4.5%
Melia azadirachta flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin~0.15–0.7%
Corallina officinalis extractEffect: LowRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants~0.1–0.45%
Ocimum sanctum leaf extractEffect: LowA plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals~0.05–0.1%
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking~0.05–0.15%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.01–0.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 productsHigh~5.8–8.8%est.
Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extractUsed as a fragrance. Canbe irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Ocimum sanctum leaf extractA plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicalsHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Citrus unshiu peel extract—High~0.05–0.15%est.
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.1%est.
Ascorbyl glucosideA 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 productsMedium~1–1.5%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.55–1.3%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.9–1.35%est.
Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.05–0.1%est.
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
GoldA colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skinMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
GlutathioneA peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Sodium sulfiteHelps stabilize and preserve a product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Corallina officinalis extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants3/5~0.1–0.45%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Vitamin C Brightening Serum
SKIN&LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10064% match
$13.89
Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum
innisfree Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10061% match
$30.93
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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
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~5.8–8.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help 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 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
Lactococcus ferment lysate~3–4.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

Consists of remains of dead bacteria cells. Is likely helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin. Might be helpful in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Lactococcus ferment lysate
Propanediol~2–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Propanediol
1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Ascorbyl glucoside~1–1.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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 glucoside
Sodium citrate~0.55–1.3%
Irritant · medium
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 citrate
Pentylene glycol~0.9–1.35%
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
Cichorium intybus root extract~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cichorium intybus root extract
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract
Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract
Corallina officinalis extract~0.1–0.45%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants

More about Corallina officinalis extract
Curcuma longa root extract~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Canbe irritating

More about Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract
Lactic acid~0.05–0.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals

More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extract
Vaccinium vitis-idaea fruit extract~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vaccinium vitis-idaea fruit extract
Citrus unshiu peel extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus unshiu peel extract
Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its effectiveness is lacking

More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract
Litchi chinensis seed extract~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Litchi chinensis seed extract
Mangifera indica leaf extract~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mangifera indica leaf extract
Gold~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant. Does not have any proven benefits in skin

More about Gold
Glutathione~0.01–0.05%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin tone

A peptide that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and reduce melanin production resulting in skin lightening effect and reduction in hyperpigmentation. It can also help attract moisture to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutathione
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Acetyl cysteine~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Acetyl cysteine
Sodium sulfite~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize and preserve a product formulation

More about Sodium sulfite
Sorbitol~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Sorbitol
Citric acid~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Sclerotium gum~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Xanthan gum~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Caprylyl glycol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ascorbic acid~0.01–0.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Sodium phytate~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Lecithin~0.05–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Pullulan~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan
Silica~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Sodium chloride~0.01–0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Sodium benzoate~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Ingredient list view

Water, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Lactococcus ferment lysate, Propanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Ascorbyl glucoside, Sodium citrate, Pentylene glycol, Cichorium intybus root extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Corallina officinalis extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Ocimum basilicum flower/leaf extract, Lactic acid, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Vaccinium vitis-idaea fruit extract, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract, Litchi chinensis seed extract, Mangifera indica leaf extract, Gold, Glutathione, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acetyl cysteine, Sodium sulfite, Sorbitol, Citric acid, Sclerotium gum, Xanthan gum, Caprylyl glycol, Ascorbic acid, Sodium phytate, Lecithin, Pullulan, Silica, Sodium chloride, Sodium benzoate

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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
TulaTriple Vitamin C Serum Brightening Treatment DropsYOUR PRODUCTSKIN&LABVitamin C Brightening SerumGlow RecipeGuava Vitamin C Dark Spot SeruminnisfreeVitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum
Match—64%62%61%
Price—$13.89$29.45$30.93
Shared key ingredients—4 of 74 of 72 of 7
Key difference—RetinolHexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine AcetateMadecassoside
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Product summary

"Tula - Triple Vitamin C Serum Brightening Treatment Drops" is effective for: Evens skin tone

This product could be helpful for: Anti-aging, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this product it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.01% - 0.05%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Tula" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 88.00$ 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 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Antioxidant Ability and Stability Studies of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a Cosmetic Tyrosinase Inhibitorncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Healthncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivativesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Melia azedarachmdedge.com
  6. 6
    Preliminary and Pharmacological Profile of Melia azedarach L.: An Overviewjapsonline.com
Tula Triple Vitamin C Serum Brightening Treatment Drops
TulaTriple Vitamin C Serum Brightening Treatment Drops
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.