Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum

Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum
6.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer perfect for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.0 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%) and Lactic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%), 
 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).
 
Among others, Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum also contains contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, 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 Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 MAX Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.9
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.0
4.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.9 10
10.0
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.0 20
2.0
4.0
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.9 10
10
All humectants
11.9
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
All occlusives 4.0 20
2.0
All occlusives
4.0
4.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
4.5
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.3
All antioxidants 4.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.3
Niacinamide
3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
1.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
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.

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.
Niacinamide
Est. %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.

Lactic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.3
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.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

A famous synthetically made peptide that works as a signal peptide, telling skin cells to create more collagen and other structural proteins. It has been clinically tested and found to be effective at reducing fine wrinkles.

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Sodium Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
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.
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.