innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum Review

innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

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Water, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Propanediol, Glycerin, Alcohol, Arbutin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Tromethamine, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Mannitol, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Orchid Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Tin Oxide, Kadsura Coccinea Fruit Extract
Review

Does innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract (est. ≈6.0%).

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, and Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, 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.

Pros & Cons of innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining 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
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining 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.
 
With its high antioxidant content, innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining 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 innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering innisfree Tangerine Brightening & Pore-Refining Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
75
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4 , , ,
3 , , , , ,
2 , , , ,
1.5 ,
1 ,
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 ,
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Orchid Extract
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Kadsura Coccinea Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.5
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.5 10
8.5
All humectants
8.5
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
-
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
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 9.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.3
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
6
Arbutin
1.5
Mannitol
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
0.3
Kadsura Coccinea Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
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.
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Citrus Unshiu Peel ExtractThis extract derived from satsuma mandarins mainly contains a fragrant essential oil. It is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – promising anti-pigment and anti-wrinkle compounds.
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.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Arbutin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilA white paste-like substance derived from castor oil that belongs to a group of ingredients called PEGs (polyethylene glycols). It acts as a perfume solubilizer that helps fragrance agents dissolve in water and as a cleansing agent.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline CelluloseA plant-based ingredient derived from cellulose. The rough version of microcrystalline cellulose is used in scrubs instead of plastic microbeads and the finer version is used as a thickener and stabilizer and readily absorbs oil and sweat.
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.
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) StarchA white, very finely powdered starch extracted from corn. It works as an anti-caking and absorbent ingredient in powdered products, as well as as a thickening agent in liquids. It also helps to create a matte finish after application.
Mannitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MannitolA sweet-tasting, sugar-derived, humectant alcohol that can stabilize a skincare formula and offer some antioxidant and soothing properties.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
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.

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.
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.
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract
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.

Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit ExtractAn extract from the red or yellow fruits of the prickly pear (cactus family). It contains antioxidant phenolic acids and polyphenols, along with plant pigments called betalains.
Orchid Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Orchid Extract
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
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.
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.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract

An extract from cocoa beans or cocoa powder with lots of beneficial compounds such as stimulant caffeine, antioxidant and astringent flavanols, and tannins – which are responsible for its bitter taste.

Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipalmitoyl HydroxyprolineAn amino acid derivative. It helps with skin moisturization and may have wrinkle-reducing effects.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
Kadsura Coccinea Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kadsura Coccinea Fruit Extract