This brightening serum is formulated around Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil to brighten dull-looking skin and fade the look of dark spots.
This brightening serum is formulated around Ascorbyl Glucoside and Azelaic Acid to brighten dull-looking skin and calm redness.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Tromethamine
BufferingPropanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Betaine
Humectant
Sucrose
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Xanthophylls
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion Stabilising
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Chamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingTropaeolum Majus Extract
AntimicrobialPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Mannitol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetrimonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Lactate
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Dibutyl Adipate, Pentylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Propanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Sucrose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Azelaic Acid, Xanthophylls, Bacillus Ferment, Phosphatidylcholine, Beta-Sitosterol, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Extract, Phytosphingosine, Mannitol, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetrimonium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Potassium Lactate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Potassium Sorbate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
