Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum

10.0

/ 10

Is it right for me?

Moisturizing

10.0Humectancy10.0Occlusivity

Is it right for me?

Rich

In Antioxidants

Overview

How moisturizing is it? Maximum hydration. Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum has the highest possible moisturizing rating of 10 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This is one of the most moisturizing products on the market. It is an extremely potent moisturizer, with maximum Occlusivity and Humectancy.

What else is good about it? Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are believed to reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, thus preventing accelerated skin aging.

ALCOHOL-FREE
SULFATE-FREE
FRAGRANCE-FREE
PHTHALATE-FREE
PARABEN-FREE

Score	Ingredient	Origin	Functions
40	Propylene Glycol	Botanical, Synthetic	Moisturizing (humectant),Fragrance,Formula Helper
22	Dimethicone	Synthetic	Moisturizing (occlusive),Emollient,Formula Helper
11	Glycerin	Botanical, Synthetic, Animal	Moisturizing (humectant),Soothing,Emollient,Fragrance,Formula Helper
10.5	Ascorbic Acid	Botanical, Synthetic	Antioxidant,Anti-wrinkle,Anti-pigmentation,Fragrance,Formula Helper
4	Ethylhexyl Palmitate	Botanical, Synthetic, Animal	Emollient,Fragrance,Formula Helper
3	Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone	Botanical, Synthetic, Animal	Formula Helper
2.1	Dimethicone Crosspolymer	Synthetic	Formula Helper
2	Ascorbyl Glucoside	Botanical, Synthetic	Antioxidant,Anti-wrinkle,Anti-pigmentation
1	Cyclohexasiloxane	Synthetic	Emollient,Formula Helper
0.3	Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid	Synthetic	Formula Helper
0.3	Lauroyl Lysine	Botanical, Synthetic	Formula Helper
0.3	Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer		Formula Helper

Ingredients explained

Propylene Glycol

Score

Function

Moisturizing (humectant), Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity controlling

Origin

Botanical, Synthetic

A clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.

Dimethicone

Score

Function

Moisturizing (occlusive), Emollient, Antifoaming, Solvent

Origin

Synthetic

The 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.

Glycerin

Score

Function

Moisturizing (humectant), Soothing, Emollient, Fragrance, Denaturant, Solvent, Viscosity controlling

Origin

Botanical, Synthetic, Animal

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective. Glycerin also has soothing and anti-irritant properties and is considered to be very safe for use.

Ascorbic Acid

Score

10.5

Function

Antioxidant, Anti-wrinkle, Anti-pigmentation, Fragrance, Ph adjuster

Origin

Botanical, Synthetic

Also known as vitamin C, this extremely well-researched antioxidant is able to boost collagen production, prevent wrinkles, and treat pigmentation. It degrades easily when exposed to air and so requires careful packaging.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate

Score

Function

Emollient, Fragrance, Solvent

Origin

Botanical, Synthetic, Animal

A rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.