Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream Review

Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
5.3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream 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.
✅ Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 5.3 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream 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 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈5.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (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.

🟣🟣 Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 5.3 out of 10.

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

1️⃣ Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
 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).
 
2️⃣ 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).
 
Among others, Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream also contains Adenosine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Adenosine 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 Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

📌 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 Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream 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
Provides considerable 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
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream
 is specifically effective in treating wrinkles, containing ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy.
 

When used alone, it 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.

With its high antioxidant content, Common Labs Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream 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
75
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.9
5
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.9 10
10.0
5
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.9 10
10
All humectants
11.9
5
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
2.5 /10 5 1.5 0.8
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
5.3
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Ascorbic Acid
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.4
Niacinamide
3
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
All soothing 3 5 No
All soothing
3
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.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
Butylene Glycol
Est. %5
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.

Niacinamide
Est. %3
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.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.

Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract

A fragrant extract obtained from tangerine peels which, like other citrus peels, contains a citrusy-scented volatile phytochemical called limonene.

Xylitol
Est. %1
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.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
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.
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.

Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit ExtractExtracted from the fruits of the Kakadu plum (which is the richest source of vitamin C among all plants) this ingredient acts as an excellent antioxidant. Besides this, it is also an antimicrobial agent with some humectant properties.
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the berry pulp of the camu camu bushy tree, which boasts a uniquely high concentration of vitamin C. The extract also contains emollient fatty acids and moisturizing amino acids.
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract