OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Review

OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
1.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.8 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely occlusive. It has zero humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate occlusivity of 3.0 out of 10, entirely due to the high content of Trimethylsiloxysilicate (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product provides relatively light occlusive moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.8 out of 10.

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

  • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈22.0%),
     the only derivative of ascorbic acid with solid evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy. A single clinical study involving 23 participants (Mariko et al.) demonstrated that a cream with 1% ATIP reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 6% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ATIP).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈1.5%),
     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, OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ubiquinone, and Retinyl Palmitate. 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 OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈22.0%) and Ascorbyl Palmitate (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.

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of OAM 20% Vitamin C Brightening Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
22
11
6
2
1.9
1.8
1.5
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
Est. %
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid/Orange/Citrus Limon/Citrus Aurantifolia Polypeptides
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28
Function:
Origin:
Phyllanthus Emblica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange)
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Superoxide Dismutase
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.0 20
3.0
6.0
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
All occlusives 6.0 20
3.0
All occlusives
6.0
6.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2 /10 1 22 2
2.5 /10 5 1.5 0.8
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 1.8 -
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.8
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
22
Ascorbic Acid
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.8
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
22
2
1.8
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 29.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
29.5
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
22
Ascorbyl Palmitate
2
Ascorbyl Glucoside
1.8
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
1
Ubiquinone
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Superoxide Dismutase
0.3
Alpha-Arbutin
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %50
Function
Origin
Methyl TrimethiconeA lightweight and volatile silicone known for its excellent solvency. This silicone has a silky, cushiony feel with excellent lubricity and is commonly used as an emollient in silicone-based skincare products.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %11
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
TrimethylsiloxysilicateAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Ascorbic Acid/Orange/Citrus Limon/Citrus Aurantifolia Polypeptides
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid/Orange/Citrus Limon/Citrus Aurantifolia Polypeptides
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %1.8
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.5
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.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28
Phyllanthus Emblica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phyllanthus Emblica Extract
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange)
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.
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.

Superoxide Dismutase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Superoxide Dismutase
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Alpha-Arbutin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Arbutin
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Water
Est. %0.3
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.
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.