Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C

Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C is quite moisturizing, with 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 Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (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.

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.

Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), 
 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).
 
Among others, Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C also contains contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 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 contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (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 and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Fenty Beauty Watch Ya Tone 5% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum with Vitamin C is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

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Ingredients

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.0
5
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
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 15.0 10
10.0
5
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
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
5
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.0 10
10
All humectants
15.0
5
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
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 5 6
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 11.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
11.8
Niacinamide
5
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
4
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
1.3
Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
0.3
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
4
0.3
0.3
All soothing 9.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
9.6
5
4
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %5
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.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
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.
Betaine
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Glycereth-26
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

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 Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit ExtractObtained from one of the best sources of vitamin C in the entire plant kingdom - Acerola fruits - this antioxidant extract is packed with vitamin C as well as B vitamins, beta-carotene, and flavonoids.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

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.

Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
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.
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolyacrylateA synthetic thickening polymer that can be used in a variety of product types. This polymer can feel lightweight but can also stand up to heavier ingredients in products like body butters.
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.
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.
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.
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol
Ethyl Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl HexanediolA synthetic solvent used to dissolve difficult ingredients. It also has a pleasant scent and could be used to contribute to product fragrance.