Ultraceuticals Ultra C23+ Firming Concentrate
Works for
MoisturizingCeramide ng, Salicyloyl phytosphingosine + 12 moreWorks well
“Ultra C23+ Firming Concentrate”
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:
salicyloyl phytosphingosine.
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: dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ng, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, salicyloyl phytosphingosine
Anti-agingAscorbic acid, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + 5 moreWorks well
“The Pro-Collagen formula combines pure Vitamin C in a CSIRO developed delivery system for Ascorbic Acid with Ultraceuticals powerful peptides Micro Elastin® and Micro Collagen.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains ascorbic acid, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Ascorbic acid, TocopherolWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (ascorbic 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).
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Ascorbic acid, Lactic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: ascorbic 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Citrus paradisi peel oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Dimethicone~22–33%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeAscorbic acid~5.6–8.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidC12-15 alkyl benzoate~4.7–7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateTetradecane~3.5–5.2%
Polysilicone-11~2.9–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~2.2–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture
More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymerHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerDipropylene glycol dibenzoate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethicone crosspolymer~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerTribehenin~0.9–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TribeheninCitrus paradisi peel oil~0.5–1.15%
Ppg-15 stearyl ether benzoate~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolSalicyloyl phytosphingosine~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have anti-aging benefits but solid study data is lacking
More about Salicyloyl phytosphingosineSorbitan laurate~0.35–0.8%
Glycine soja oil~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.
More about Glycine soja oilC18-36 acid glycol ester~0.45–1.05%
C18-36 acid triglyceride~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ceramide ng~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide ngPeg-10 phytosterol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-10 phytosterolCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilLactic acid~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acidPalmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.5%
- 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 oilLimonene~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Dimethicone, Ascorbic acid, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Tetradecane, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Tribehenin, Citrus paradisi peel oil, Ppg-15 stearyl ether benzoate, Tocopherol, Salicyloyl phytosphingosine, Sorbitan laurate, Glycine soja oil, C18-36 acid glycol ester, C18-36 acid triglyceride, Ceramide ng, Peg-10 phytosterol, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Lactic acid, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Limonene, Linalool
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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.
| UltraceuticalsUltra C23+ Firming ConcentrateYOUR PRODUCT | CliniqueFresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% | Vitabrid13 YEARS YOUNGER WRINKLE SERUM PROFESSIONAL: REGULAR PRICE | Vitabrid US | Trish McEvoyVitamin C Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 68% | 68% |
| Price | $142.00 | $44.00−$98.00 | — | $125.00−$17.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 11 | 3 of 11 | 3 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Dr Naomi Skin Let’s C SerumEveline Cosmetics C Perfection - Anti-wrinkle Serum
Product summary
"Ultraceuticals - Ultra C23+ Firming Concentrate" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Moisturizing and Anti-aging
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 5.60% - 8.40% It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production, neutralizing free radicals in skin and improving pigmentation marks. We recommend to use up this product quickly after opening: Ascorbic Acid degrades fast when it gets in contact with air and light. The moment the product turns orange, it is a sign that a significant share of the vitamin C in it is no longer effective.
- Ceramides (ceramide ng 0.40% - 0.90% and salicyloyl phytosphingosine 0.35% - 0.80%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- Peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.15% - 0.55%, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 0.10% - 0.40% and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.15% - 0.65%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Humectants (salicyloyl phytosphingosine 0.35% - 0.80%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 142.00$ up to 159.00$ 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 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 6
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