OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
2.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.7 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Basic moisturizer for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 5.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Gluconolactone (est. ≈3.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, it can 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.

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), 
 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, OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum also contains contains 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Gluconolactone, 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 OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈15.0%).

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
60
15
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
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Gluconic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Succinoglycan
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caramel
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.1
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.1 10
5.1
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.1 10
5.1
All humectants
5.1
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 15 -
n/a
- 3 -
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /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. %
15
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
15
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 18.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
18.6
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
15
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
0.3
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %15
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.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiheptanoateAn emollient ester with an exceptionally lightweight feel. It absorbs quickly and produces a silky feel with excellent spreadability. It also serves as an excellent solvent and is commonly used to suspend sunscreen actives.
Gluconolactone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed or distilled from the rinds of sweet oranges. Its main constituent is limonene, which is responsible for its fresh, citrusy smell. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
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.
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
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.
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.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Gluconic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gluconic Acid
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.

Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Succinoglycan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Succinoglycan
Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic AcidPhytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
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.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Caramel
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaramelA natural ingredient that is derived from the heat treatment of table sugar. Caramel is used in skincare as a natural colorant that can create transparent, dark brown solutions. It also works as a fragrance, where it provides a sweet, sugary scent.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
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.
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.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruits of the Rosa canina, better known as rosehip. It contains carotenoids, which give it its bright, orange-red color, as well as high amounts of antioxidant vitamin C, flavonoids, tannins, and organic acids.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides ExtractAn extract from sea buckthorn fruits. It contains various antioxidant and astringent compounds and significantly improved skin elasticity in a small clinical study.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of the sweet orange. It contains fragrant sweet orange essential oil, high amounts of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly hesperidin), and carotenoids – which give it the orange color.

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.
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.
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.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 4 (CI 14700)A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.