Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence Review

Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Sorbitan Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Ceteareth-20, Isononyl Isononanoate, Squalane, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Biotin, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Xylitol, Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Seed Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Review

Does Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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.

📌 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: Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Ascorbyl Glucoside, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Glucoside provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ascorbyl Glucoside 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 generate 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
75
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Boron Nitride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Biotin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.9
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.9 10
9.9
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.9 10
9.9
All humectants
9.9
4
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
Total
0
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Ascorbyl Glucoside
1.5
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
0.3
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Seed Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
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.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

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.

Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Boron Nitride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boron NitrideA synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
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.
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.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
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.
Biotin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BiotinBiotin is an important nutrient that can cause weak hair and nails if deficient. Unfortunately, while biotin supplements have promising studies, topical biotin in creams and serums doesn’t have a large body of evidence to support its use.
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.
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.
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract

Description is coming soon

Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alchemilla Vulgaris ExtractA soothing extract that is derived from the lady's mantle plant. It contains plenty of astringent tannins and certain anti-inflammatory compounds.
Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Seed ExtractAn extract derived from the seeds of the Barbados cherry that contains emollient oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids.
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract