Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum Review

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum
7.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.0 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.6 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a very high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum has a slight level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 1.6 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

1️⃣ Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈1.5%),
 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).
 
2️⃣ Sodium Salicylate (est. ≈0.3%),
 a sodium salt of salicylic acid, with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 30 participants (Merinville et al.). This study found that a cream containing 1% sodium salicylate reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 7% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without sodium salicylate).
 
Among others, Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Bakuchiol, and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract. 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 Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈1.5%), Bakuchiol (est. ≈0.3%), Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract (est. ≈0.3%), 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.

Pros & Cons of Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum

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

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum
 is an ideal moisturizer for normal skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy.
 
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening 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, Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening 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.
 
📌 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
70
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Triheptanoin
Function:
Origin:
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
C13-15 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Hemocyanin
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tanacetum Vulgare Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.8
4
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
7.9
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.8 10
10.0
4
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 7.9 20
4.0
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.8 10
10
All humectants
11.8
4
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 7.9 20
4.0
All occlusives
7.9
6.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 1.5 0.8
2.5 /10 1 0.3 0.8
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.6
Ascorbic Acid
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Sodium Salicylate
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.4
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Bakuchiol
0.3
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.8 5 No
All soothing
2.8
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.5
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.

Triheptanoin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Triheptanoin
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment ExtractAn ingredient obtained from a bacterial culture. According to the patent holder, it produces a special glycoprotein that promotes collagen and elastin synthesis and moisturizes the skin by drawing water to it.
C13-15 Alkane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-15 Alkane
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root ExtractA purple-red extract with antioxidant activity that is obtained from red beetroot.
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit ExtractAn under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Flower ExtractAn extract obtained the flowers of Aloe vera – which are a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly apigenin). It also contains a bit of the emollient mucilage.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the flowering basil plant that contains essential oil and antioxidants such as terpenes, flavonoids, and vitamin K.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Hemocyanin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hemocyanin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Tanacetum Vulgare Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tanacetum Vulgare Extract
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
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.
Sodium Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Salicylate

A synthetic derivative of salicylic acid with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.