ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum Review

ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ubiquinone, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Review

Does ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, due to the high content of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈50.0%), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈22.0%) and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax (est. ≈11.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum also contains contains Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Ubiquinone, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, these ingredients do 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 additional 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 Sunset Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%), Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract (est. ≈4.0%) and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
With its high antioxidant content, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing ACURE Brightening Vitamin C Sunset Serum with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
4
3
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
-0.85
0.3
Est. %
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Geranium Maculatum Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
89.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 89.0 20
10.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
50
22
11
6
All occlusives 89.0 20
10.0
All occlusives
89.0
50.0
22.0
11.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 3 -
n/a
- 1 -
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
4
3
1
0.3
All antioxidants 14.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
14.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
6
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
4
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
3
Ubiquinone
1
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
-0.85
All soothing -0.8 5 No
All soothing
-0.8
-0.85
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed WaxA solid wax obtained during the refining of crude sunflower oil. The majority of the wax comes from the shells, or hulls, of the sunflower seeds. It is used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer, helping to prevent water loss from the skin.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %3
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.

Ubiquinone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Geranium Maculatum Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Geranium Maculatum OilAn essential oil obtained from the above-ground parts of wild geranium. It mainly consists of volatile fragrant compounds that give it its characteristic rose-like scent.
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from bitter orange fruit peels that almost exclusively consists of limonene. It has a sweet, fresh, citrus scent.

Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood OilA rare and expensive fragrant essential oil obtained from the Brazilian rosewood.
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil
Est. %-0.85
Function
Origin
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil

A fragrant essential oil extracted from blooming jasmine flowers. The main jasmine-scented compound is benzyl acetate - which has a heavy, sweet, soothing scent.

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.