Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum Review

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum
1.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.8 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light 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.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈6.0%).

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: Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Beta-Glucan, 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.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do not generate 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.

Pros & Cons of Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum

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

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
✅ 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
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum worth noting.
 
If you use Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
80
6
4
3
2
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.2
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.2
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 6 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
6
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.5
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
6
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Ferulic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
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.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %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.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
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.

Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Ferulic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
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.

Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
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.
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
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.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
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.

Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl GlycyrrhetinateA plant compound obtained from licorice root. It is a powerful soothing ingredient that acts similar to steroid hormones and helps to treat inflamed and irritated skin.
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.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
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.
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.

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.

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.