Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum
2.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.6 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Basic moisturizer for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, it can also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Sodium Ascorbate, two ingredients often 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 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.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Dr. Brandt C Scription Vitamin C Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈20.0%).

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
60
20
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
C9-12 Alkane
Function:
Origin:
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hexylresorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Plankton Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bioflavonoids
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Linalyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorogenic Acids
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.7 10
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.7 10
4.7
All humectants
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
0.3
All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 20 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
20
Sodium Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
20
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 21.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
21.8
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
20
Hexylresorcinol
0.3
Bioflavonoids
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Chlorogenic Acids
0.3
Sodium Ascorbate
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. %60
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.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %20
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
C9-12 Alkane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
C9-12 Alkane
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PPG-24-Glycereth-24
Propanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
Hexylresorcinol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HexylresorcinolA synthetic compound. It is an anti-pigment ingredient that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Ethyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linoleate
Plankton Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plankton ExtractAn extract from a mixture of various tiny marine animals, algae, seaweeds, and microscopic organisms jointly called plankton. One patent refers to it as a moisturizing humectant ingredient.
Bioflavonoids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BioflavonoidsA mixture of plant-based compounds commonly referred to as flavonoids. Each flavonoid has slightly different properties, but overall they are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Hybrida OilA fragrant essential oil distilled from a lavender hybrid of the two most common lavender species: true lavender and spike lavender. It contains linalool and linalyl acetate as well as eucalyptol and camphor, which altogether give it a cooling, lavender scent.
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.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract is the same extract as Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract. It has antioxidant properties and gives a skincare product a fresh orange scent. It also works as a thickener due to its pectin content. Read more about the extract here: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract.

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.

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.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
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.
Linalyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linalyl Acetate
Chlorogenic Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorogenic Acids
Sodium Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium AscorbateA well-researched sodium salt of vitamin C. It has antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and pigment-improving properties. It degrades very easily when exposed to air and needs careful packaging.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
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.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One 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.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.