Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial

Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial
5.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial:

  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for dry to very dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.6 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈35.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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 Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains a low level of humectants, and 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.

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

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈30.0%),
     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).
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     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, Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial also contains Ubiquinone, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ubiquinone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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 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 Kate Somerville Mega-C 30% Vitamin C Brightening Facial is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈30.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
30
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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. %
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone/Phenylsilsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pogostemon Cablin Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
38.8
35.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 38.8 20
10.0
35.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.6 10
0.6
All humectants
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
35
2
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 38.8 20
10.0
All occlusives
38.8
35.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 30 2.5
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.9
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
30
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
30
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 33.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
33.8
Ascorbic Acid
30
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
2
Niacinamide
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Dimethicone
Est. %35
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %30
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.

Polysilicone-11
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PEG-10 DimethiconeA polyethylene-based emulsifying ingredient. It has a water-loving portion and an oil-loving portion that help to keep the water and oil phases connected to form an emulsion.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone/Phenylsilsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone/Phenylsilsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
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.
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.

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.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf OilA fragrant essential oil obtained from spearmint leaves. A compound called R-(–)-carvone is responsible for its somewhat sweet, but still fresh, minty scent.
Pogostemon Cablin Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pogostemon Cablin OilA luxurious, fragrant essential oil obtained from patchouli leaves. It contains germacrene, patchoulol, and norpatchoulenol - which are responsible for its musky, earthy, and sweet scent.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
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.
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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
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.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.