COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum

COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10, COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 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 maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%) and Panthenol (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%),
     derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by one study.
  • Ectoin (est. ≈1.3%),
     an amino acid-derived ingredient with average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Among others, COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum also contains contains Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. 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.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Based on the ingredient list analysis, COSRX AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%) and Panthenol (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
Propolis Extract
6
Butylene Glycol
4
Niacinamide
3
Panthenol
2
1,2-Hexanediol
1.5
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
1.3
Ectoin
1
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Glycerin
0.3
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
0.3
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Asiaticoside
0.3
Asiatic Acid
0.3
Madecassic Acid
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Sucrose Distearate
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Dipropylene Glycol
0.3
Ceramide NP
Est. %
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ectoin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.9
6
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.9 10
10.0
6
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.9 10
10
All humectants
14.9
6
4
3
1
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
6 /10 4 4 6
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
2.5 /10 2 1.3 1.6
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ectoin
1.6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
2
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Asiatic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Madecassic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 79.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
79.9
Propolis Extract
75
Niacinamide
4
Asiaticoside
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
4
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 10 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
10
75
4
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Propolis Extract
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %4
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.

Panthenol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %2
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.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Ectoin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Ectoin

An amino acid-derived ingredient with average, yet proven by one study, anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %1
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateA vegetable glycerin or synthetically produced emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. It won't leave skin feeling tight or dry when used to cleanse.
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 MyristateA solubilizer that can help incorporate small amounts of oil to an otherwise watery product while providing lightweight skin feel.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
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.

Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Asiatic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiatic AcidA compound isolated from Gotu Kola, a promising anti-wrinkle medicinal plant from Southeast Asia. It is claimed to increase the production of collagen and help with the wound healing process.
Madecassic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Madecassic AcidAn isolated bioactive compound from Gotu Kola. It increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and helps to treat wounds, scars, and burns.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Sucrose Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sucrose DistearateDescription is coming soon
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
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.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.