Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum Review

Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum
5.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Ascorbic Acid, 2,3-Butanediol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Panthenol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Allantoin, Madecassoside, Trehalose, Butylene Glycol, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Dextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Fruit Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine
Review

Does Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and 2,3-Butanediol (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.

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈3.0%),
 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).
 
📌 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 Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum 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 slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum
, when used alone, 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.
 
Gangnam Glow Vitamin C Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
With its high antioxidant content, Gangnam Glow Vitamin C 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.
 
📌 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.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
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:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
2,3-Butanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Glycosyl Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.3
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.3 10
10.0
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.3 10
10
All humectants
10.3
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 3 1.5
Total
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.7
Ascorbic Acid
3
Madecassoside
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ferulic Acid
0.3
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.9 5 No
All soothing
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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. %6
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.
Propanediol
Est. %4
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %3
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.

2,3-Butanediol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
2,3-Butanediol
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Panthenol
Est. %1
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.
Glycosyl Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycosyl Trehalose
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Starch HydrolysateA starch-based syrup that binds to water and helps to form a film on the skin’s surface.
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.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 StearateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced mild emulsifier.
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
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.
Madecassoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
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.
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.

Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
Dextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
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.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower ExtractA bright orange extract obtained from the flowers of the safflower plant. It has been shown to reduce the signs of photoaging, have anti-pigment activity, and promote hair growth. The studies on humans, however, are so far lacking.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ExtractA cocoa beans extract that contains caffeine and astringent and antioxidant flavonols and tannins.
Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Fruit Oil
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root OilA fragrant and flavoring essential oil distilled from ginger root. Phytochemicals such as zingerone, shogaols, and gingerols are responsible for its warm, spicy, and invigorating scent.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Extract
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.

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.
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower OilAlso known as Damask rose oil, it is one of the most precious and expensive essential oils in the world obtained from the petals of the Damask rose. It is used in skincare as a luxurious fragrance.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.