Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum Review

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum
1.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.9 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.5 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈15.0%),
 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, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum 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 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈15.0%).

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

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

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum worth noting.
 
If you use Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic 15% Firm & Bright Serum as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
📌 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
60
15.1
15
3
2
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Ricinoleth-40
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.9 10
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
1.0
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.9 10
1.9
All humectants
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 15 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
15
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
15
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 17.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
17.2
Ascorbic Acid
15
Tocopherol
1
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Ferulic Acid
0.3
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %15.1
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %15
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.

Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Ricinoleth-40
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ricinoleth-40
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Lactic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Tocopherol
Est. %1
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.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Ferulic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
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.

Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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.

Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.