L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum Review

L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
3.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

💧 A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈12.0%),
 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).
 
Among others, L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum also contains Adenosine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Adenosine may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
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 additional 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 L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈12.0%).

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.

Pros & Cons of L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum
, when used alone, delivers  lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, suitable for combination and oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With its high antioxidant content, L'Oreal Revitalift Clinical 12% Pure Vitamin C Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
12
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Function:
Origin:
Poloxamer 338
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylamide
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.2
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.3
4.0
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.2 10
4.2
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.3 20
2.6
4.0
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.2 10
4.2
All humectants
4.2
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
1
0.3
All occlusives 5.3 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.3
4.0
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 12 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
12
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
12
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 12.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
12.9
Ascorbic Acid
12
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %12
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %4
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.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

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.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %1.3
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.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl TetraethylhexanoateAn occlusive moisturizer and emollient with a good lubricity that leaves behind a glossy sheen after application. It can also control viscosity by thickening skincare products and act as a binding agent to hold pressed powdered products together.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl EsterA dipeptide-based ingredient claimed to stimulate elastin production and reduce the appearacne of wrinkles and sagging skin.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-14 IsoparaffinA lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Poloxamer 338
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Poloxamer 338
Polyacrylamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyacrylamideA synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
Sorbitan Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan LaurateSorbitan laurate is a sugar-based emulsifier similar to sucrose palmitate. It keeps oil broken into small droplets throughout water because of its chemical shape and nature (this is how most oil-in-water emulsifiers work by the way). These kinds of emulsifiers are mild enough to even be used in food preparations.
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.
PEG-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9
Caprylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
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.
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.