Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum Review

Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈45.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈4.0%), 
 the only derivative of ascorbic acid with solid evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy. A single clinical study involving 23 participants (Mariko et al.) demonstrated that a cream with 1% ATIP reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 6% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ATIP).
 
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 Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈45.0%) and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (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.

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: Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alkanes
Function:
Origin:
Oleyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl PCA
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Phloretin
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
46.6
45.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 46.6 20
10.0
45.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
All humectants 0.3 10
0.3
All humectants
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
45
1
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 46.6 20
10.0
All occlusives
46.6
45.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2 /10 1 4 2
Total
2
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
4
Anti-wrinkle rating
2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
45
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 50.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
50.5
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
45
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
4
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
0.3
Phloretin
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Dunaliella Salina 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

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Coconut Alkanes
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Coconut AlkanesAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient mixture that is similar to paraffin. It is produced from coconut oil and can allegedly form a soft, non-greasy film on the skin’s surface. It can be used as an alternative to silicones.
Oleyl Lactate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Oleyl Lactate
Octyldodecyl PCA
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl PCA
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

Glyceryl Oleate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl OleateA nonionic surfactant that can be used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, and thickener in both skin cleansers and leave-on skincare products.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %2
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.
Isostearyl Lactate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Lactate
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing rapeseed or canola seed oil. It mainly consists of fatty acids and lutein, and contains the highest amount of antioxidant phenolics among all vegetable oils.
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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Althaea Officinalis Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the marsh-mallow plant. It contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidant polysaccharides.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran ExtractAn extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It contains emollient fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and γ-oryzanol.
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Phloretin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phloretin
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.
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.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Dunaliella Salina Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dunaliella Salina ExtractDerived from a species of bright red algae, this extract contains the potent antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as a humectant moisturizing glycerol.