Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum Review

Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum
2.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.0 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 3.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

📌 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.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈1.5%),
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
Among others, Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum also contains Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate may reduce wrinkles, its 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, 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 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 Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate (est. ≈6.0%), Ferulic Acid (est. ≈4.0%), Ergothioneine (est. ≈3.0%), 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.

📌 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: Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
   

Summary: Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging 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, Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging 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 Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
📌 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
All humectants
3.9
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
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
1.5 /10 5 1.5 0.4
n/a
- 6 -
Total
0.4
Glycolic Acid
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
6
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
4
3
2
1
0.3
All antioxidants 16.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
16.3
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
6
Ferulic Acid
4
Ergothioneine
3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
2
Tocopheryl Acetate
1
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
0.3
All soothing 2.3 5 No
All soothing
2.3
2
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the most recent vitamin C derivatives. Although the manufacturer claims it has all the powers of ascorbic acid (e.g., it is collagen-boosting and able to treat hyperpigmentation), this has not been proven in scientific studies.
Ferulic Acid
Est. %4
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.
Ergothioneine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Lactic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent and soothing extract derived from Ginkgo biloba tree leaves, a rare Chinese tree that is endangered in the wild, but grown nowadays as a decorative tree in parks. When taken orally, the extract can improve memory and brain function.
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyvinyl AlcoholA synthetic polymer that thickens water to form a gel and prevents other ingredients from separating.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
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.
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-12 DimethiconeA synthetic silicone that improves lubricity and absorption.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
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.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
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.