KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Does KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.8 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈75.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

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.

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.8 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Sodium Salicylate (est. ≈0.3%), 
 a sodium salt of salicylic acid, with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 30 participants (Merinville et al.). This study found that a cream containing 1% sodium salicylate reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 7% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without sodium salicylate).
 
Among others, KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid also contains contains Ascorbyl Glucoside and Lactobacillus Ferment, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do 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 KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈75.0%) and Ascorbyl Glucoside (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.

Skin soothing and calming potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, KORA Organics Kakadu Plum Brightening Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈75.0%) and Lactobacillus Ferment (est. ≈3.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
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
0.15
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lysolecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
79.6
75
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 79.6 10
10.0
75
4
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
75
4
0.3
0.3
All humectants 79.6 10
10
All humectants
79.6
75
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 1 0.3 0.8
n/a
- 6 -
n/a
- 3 -
Total
0.8
Sodium Salicylate
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
6
Lactobacillus Ferment
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 83.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
83.8
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
75
Ascorbyl Glucoside
6
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
1
Lactobacillus
0.3
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
0.3
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
3
0.3
All soothing 78.3 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
78.3
75
3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Lactobacillus Ferment
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus FermentA biotechnological product – a mixture of metabolic products of Lactobacillus culture. Some Lactobacillus forms have been reported to have anti-wrinkle and barrier repairing effects, as well as able to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and gloss.
Water
Est. %2
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.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Capsicum Annuum Fruit Extract
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Lactobacillus
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LactobacillusA genus of probiotic bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria are part of the human microflora and their ferment products contain antioxidants.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract

Derived from lemon peels, this fresh and citrusy extract contains mostly fragrant limonene, but also antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids.

Lysolecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LysolecithinLysolecithin is a special derivative of lecithin with improved emulsifying and dispersion properties in aqueous media. This leads to a higher water-binding capacity and better skin feeling. It is usually manufactured from soy lecithin and used as an emulsifying agent.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit ExtractSimilar to coconut milk or water, this fragrant extract has a sweet, coconut scent and contains a beneficial mixture of sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is used as an emollient ingredient in skincare due to its content of lipids and fatty acids.
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.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit ExtractAn extract of Indian mulberry that is aimed at irritated skin and that has plenty of antioxidant and wound healing carotenoids, flavonoids, and iridoids.
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit ExtractExtracted from the fruits of the Kakadu plum (which is the richest source of vitamin C among all plants) this ingredient acts as an excellent antioxidant. Besides this, it is also an antimicrobial agent with some humectant properties.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) ExtractA soothing extract from the clary sage plant that contains fragrant terpenoids used to relieve the symptoms of seborrhea. It is also rich in astringent tannins.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Salicylate

A synthetic derivative of salicylic acid with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract is the same extract as Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract. It has antioxidant properties and gives a skincare product a fresh orange scent. It also works as a thickener due to its pectin content. Read more about the extract here: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract.

Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

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.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.