ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face Review

ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈6.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Ethylhexylglycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈2.0%), 
 the only derivative of ascorbic acid with solid evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy. A single clinical study involving 23 participants (Mariko et al.) demonstrated that a cream with 1% ATIP reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 6% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ATIP).
 
Among others, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face also contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ferulic Acid (est. ≈2.0%), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈2.0%), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈2.0%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈6.0%), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract (est. ≈2.0%), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈2.0%), and others.

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum For Face to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
6
6
6
6
6
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Est. %
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Capric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch
Function:
Origin:
Phenylpropanol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Senegal Gum
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
18.0
6
6
2
2
2
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 18 10
10.0
6
6
2
2
2
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
6
2
2
2
All humectants 18 10
10
All humectants
18.0
6
6
2
2
2
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2 /10 1 2 2
n/a
- 2 -
Total
2
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
2
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
2
2
2
2
All antioxidants 10 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Ferulic Acid
2
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
2
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
2
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
2
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
2
2
2
All soothing 12 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
12
6
2
2
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Capric Acid
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Capric Acid
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch
Phenylpropanol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PhenylpropanolPhenylpropanol is a naturally occurring component of many essential oils. It is a colourless, oily liquid with a sweet, floral, balsamic scent. It is used in skincare as a solvent for oil-soluble ingredients and as a fragrance component.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Acacia Senegal Gum
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Acacia Senegal GumA formula helper, also known as gum arabic, derived from the African Acacia tree. It is used in skincare formulas due to its good adhesive and film-forming properties.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Ferulic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Glucose
Est. %2
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from pineapple fruits that contains various antioxidants, vitamin C, and bromelain - an enzyme mixture that acts as a mild exfoliant. Bromelain also has some anti-inflammatory activity and may help with the healing of wounds and scars.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractA soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.