L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum

L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.1 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

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

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 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 maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.1 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%),
     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).
  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
Among others, L'Oreal Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Face Serum also contains contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Adenosine, 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Eugenol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine
Function:
Origin:
Oxothiazolidinecarboxylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.4
6
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.4 10
10.0
6
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.4 10
10
All humectants
11.4
6
2
1.5
1.3
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
6 /10 4 1.3 2
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.1
Niacinamide
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.8 3 No
All antioxidants
2.8
Niacinamide
1.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
0.3
All soothing 1.6 5 No
All soothing
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Alcohol
Est. %4
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
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/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Niacinamide
Est. %1.3
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.

Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic AcidA pH buffer that secures the pH around 7.5.
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
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.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Eugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenol

A fragrant liquid that can be found naturally in the essential oils derived from cloves, cinnamon, basil, and bay leaf. It has a spicy and warm scent. People with sensitive skin should consider doing a patch test first, as it is a potential irritant.

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.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
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.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenylethyl ResorcinolA derivative of resorcinol whose anti-pigment activity is well-researched and backed by science. It is very light-sensitive and must be protected by packaging or careful formulation.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

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.
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.

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.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
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.
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.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

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.
Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine
Oxothiazolidinecarboxylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oxothiazolidinecarboxylic Acid
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.