Boots Vitamin C Toner

Boots Vitamin C Toner
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Boots Vitamin C Toner:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Boots Vitamin C Toner:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Boots Vitamin C Toner has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.6 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Boots Vitamin C Toner has 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, primarily due to the high content of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%), Methyl Gluceth-20 (est. ≈3.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Boots Vitamin C Toner has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 3.6 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈0.3%),
     the only derivative of Ascorbic acid with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy. This ingredient has below-average efficacy, proven by one study.
Among others, Boots Vitamin C Toner also contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Boots Vitamin C Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
Water
6
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
4
Propylene Glycol
3
Methyl Gluceth-20
2
Niacinamide
1.5
Sodium PCA
1.3
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
1
PEG-12 Dimethicone
0.3
Sodium Gluconate
0.3
Sodium Lactate
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
PEG-12 Allyl Ether
0.3
Sodium Citrate
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Maltodextrin
0.3
Fragrance
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Dipropylene Glycol
0.3
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benzyl Benzoate
0.3
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
0.3
Hexyl Cinnamal
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
0.3
Benzyl Salicylate
0.3
Benzoic Acid
0.3
Denatonium Benzoate
0.3
Octadecyl Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Allyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Denatonium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Octadecyl Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.7
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.7 10
10.0
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.7 10
10
All humectants
11.7
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
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
6 /10 4 2 3
2 /10 1 0.3 0.6
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3.6
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.1
Niacinamide
2
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
0.3
Octadecyl Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1.3
0.3
All soothing 3.6 5 No
All soothing
3.6
2
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Methyl Gluceth-20
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Methyl Gluceth-20A humectant synthetically derived from glucose. It takes on the form of a clear, syrupy liquid.
Niacinamide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Sodium PCA
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-12 DimethiconeA synthetic silicone that improves lubricity and absorption.
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
PEG-12 Allyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-12 Allyl EtherDescription is coming soon
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.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LimoneneOne 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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %0.3
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, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

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.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
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.

Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Junos Fruit ExtractAn extract from Yuzu (a citrus hybrid) which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl CinnamalA synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.
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.
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl MethylpropionalA synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl SalicylateA fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Denatonium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Denatonium BenzoateDescription is coming soon
Octadecyl Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octadecyl Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamateDescription is coming soon