Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening

Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10, Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%), 
 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, Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Acetyl Glucosamine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, and Gluconolactone. 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.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Physician's Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot Brightening is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

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
75
6
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Agar
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Alginate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Glucosyl Hesperidin
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tropolone
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.9
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.9 10
10.0
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.9 10
10
All humectants
17.9
6
4
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7
Niacinamide
4
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
0.3
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tropolone
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.6 5 No
All soothing
4.6
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Niacinamide
Est. %4
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.

Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %1
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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
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.
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.
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenylethyl ResorcinolA derivative of resorcinol whose anti-pigment activity is well-researched and backed by science. It is very light-sensitive and must be protected by packaging or careful formulation.
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit ExtractA powerful astringent ingredient extracted from Tara seed pods. It also has antioxidant benefits.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Chondrus Crispus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chondrus Crispus ExtractAn extract from the species of red marine algae called Irish moss or carrageen moss. It is edible and widely used to produce carrageenan, a polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.
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.

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.
Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CollagenA protein that builds all human tissues, especially skin and joints. It is used as a moisturizing humectant ingredient in skincare.
Agar
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AgarA multifunctional jelly derived from red algae that can thicken water-based products.
Calcium Alginate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium Alginate
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.
Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kappaphycus Alvarezii ExtractAn emollient extract obtained from the red marine algae called elkhorn sea moss. It is a good source of moisturizing and antioxidant carrageenan, a seaweed polysaccharide.
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.
Glucosyl Hesperidin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glucosyl Hesperidin
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.
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.

Tropolone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TropoloneA naturally occurring ingredient with unusual molecular structure that fights free radicals.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
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.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf ExtractDerived from globe artichokes, this ingredient contains plenty of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, organic acids, and other polyphenols.
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 30 Lake (CI 73360)
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.