This brightening serum is formulated around Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide and Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract to brighten dull-looking skin and calm redness.
This brightening serum is formulated around Niacinamide and Ceramide NP to brighten dull-looking skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-6 Propylene Glycol
SolventPEG-17 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion Stabilising
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Poly(1,2-Butanediol)-6 Propylene Glycol, PEG-17 Dimethicone, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Polyacrylamide, C9-13 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carbomer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSqualane
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Water, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Phytate, Ascorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Squalane, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Reviews
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C and is the biologically active form used directly by skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, but it also has plenty of benefits for your skin. It is best supported by academic literature for:
Topical vitamin C has been shown to help neutralize oxidative stress from UV and pollution, helping to improve photoaging and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
One clinical study found that using 5% topical vitamin C for six months improved signs of photodamaged skin, both on the surface and in the deeper structural layers of the skin.
While vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, studies show it can boost photoprotection when combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid. These two ingredients help improve stability and protective effects.
The big downside of this ingredient is formulation difficulty. Vitamin C is prone to oxidation and doesn't penetrate the skin unless formulated correctly. Research found that vitamin C absorbs into the skin best at a low pH (< 3.5) with about 20% being the upper limit for effective absorption.
Skin levels can saturate after repeated application; this means your skin won’t keep absorbing more once it’s full of vitamin C. This is why more isn’t always better with vitamin C and why very high concentrations don’t necessarily give extra benefits.
Ascorbic acid generally works well with many skincare ingredients but can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. Strong oxidizing acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide can reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C if they are used at the same time; they are often recommended for use at different times of day.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent that helps cosmetics stay fresh, stable, and consistent over time.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product. It also helps prevent the growth of unwanted microbes in products that contain water.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidCarbomer is a synthetic thickening and gelling agent. It's basically the ingredient that gives a lot of serums, gels, creams, and sunscreens their smooth, non-sticky texture.
Although legally permitted at very high levels, carbomers are normally used at concentrations below 1%.
It also needs to be neutralized to actually thicken, and because it is a large molecule, it doesn't really penetrate the skin barrier.
Allergy-wise, the risk is very low. Clinical studies show carbomers have low potential for skin irritation/sensitization even at concentrations up to 100%.
A 2024 UK study patch-tested 1,302 patients and found true allergy to the parent group of carbomer to be rare with no confirmed relevant reactions.
Learn more about Carbomer
