Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C Review

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C
6.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.2 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.1 out of 10, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.4 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), Glycereth-26 (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.1 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • 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, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Biosaccharide Gum-4, Copper Gluconate, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

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

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

Pros & Cons of Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Niacinamide and Ascorbic Acid
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Niacinamide

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
5
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
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
0.15
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Triheptanoin
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Quartz Powder
Function:
Origin:
Amethyst Powder
Function:
Origin:
Ruby Powder
Function:
Origin:
Gold (CI 77480)
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Saussurea Involucrata Callus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Polyglutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aspartate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Plumeria Alba Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrated Silica
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Tuberosum (Potato) Pulp Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.1
5
4
2
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
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.9
3.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.1 10
10.0
5
4
2
1.5