Votary

Votary Vitamin C Glow Serum

Name: Votary - Vitamin C Glow Serum
Brand: Votary

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow·

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Alpha-arbutin

Works well

What the product description says

“Antioxidant vitamin C is proven to stimulate collagen production, diminish age spots and combat free radicals.”

Source: Votary

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

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~5.3–7.9%

Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~1.4–2%

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Antioxidant vitamin C is proven to stimulate collagen production, diminish age spots and combat free radicals.”

Source: Votary

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.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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~1.5–2.2%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.05–0.15%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Glycerin + 4 more

Works well

What the product description says

“These powerful active ingredients are combined with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration to deliver supple, luminous skin.”

Source: Votary

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.

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~5.3–7.9%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.7–4%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.1–1.6%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~3.7–5.5%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: 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~2–3%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

Works 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.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedA 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~1.5–2.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

9 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 9 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Ci 15985A colorantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.

Ci 16035A red dyeHigh~0.01–0.1%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~3.7–5.5%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~1.5–2.2%est.

Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~1.4–2%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.85–1.3%est.

Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.55–1.25%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.8%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

Ci 16035A red dye3/5~0.01–0.1%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

hellobubble Day Dream Serum

Cheaper92% match

$29.18

Bubble Skincare Day Dream Tone and Texture Serum

Cheaper92% match

$14.13

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

0%·yes

0 of 1 community members would buy it again.

0% would100% wouldn't

Gwill· Oct 2026Doesn't recommend
Didnt do much for my skin not worth £70.00
Anti-aging
Poor
Skin tone
Excellent
Texture
Light
Clogging pores
Definitely clogs pores
Smell
Light fragrance

What reviewers noticed

Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Niacinamide~5.3–7.9%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

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

Pentylene glycol~3.7–5.5%

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

Glycerin~2.7–4%

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

Butylene glycol~2–3%

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

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~1.5–2.2%

Under-dosedIrritant · 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

Alpha-arbutin~1.4–2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin

Sodium hyaluronate~1.1–1.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Citric acid~0.85–1.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Acacia senegal gum~0.55–1.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum

Xanthan gum~0.4–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Sodium phytate~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Ci 15985~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A colorant

More about Ci 15985

Tocopherol~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol

Ci 16035~0.01–0.1%

Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High
Comedogenicity: 3/5

A red dye

More about Ci 16035

Ingredient list view

Water, Niacinamide, Pentylene glycol, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Alpha-arbutin, Sodium hyaluronate, Citric acid, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium benzoate, Benzyl alcohol, Sodium phytate, Ci 15985, Tocopherol, Ci 16035

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🇬🇧 Votary (UK)

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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
	VotaryVitamin C Glow SerumYOUR PRODUCT	Bubble SkincareDay Dream Tone and Texture Serum	hellobubbleDay Dream Serum	SOUL APOTHECARYAlpha Arbutin PLUS Serum
Match	—	92%	92%	88%
Price	—	$14.13	$29.18	—
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 5	4 of 5	4 of 5
Key difference	—	Ceramide Eop	Ceramide Eop	Hyaluronic Acid
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop