Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30

Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
30
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Does Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30:

  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for very dry skin, ideally to be paired with a humectant-rich product

According to CreamScan analysis, Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (est. ≈35.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains no humectants, and people with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

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

Little anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 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, Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 also contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does 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.

Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

With an SPF of 30, Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
35
22
11
8
7.5
5
3
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. %
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Octinoxate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
CI 45370
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
35.9
35.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 35.9 20
10.0
35.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
35
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 35.9 20
10.0
All occlusives
35.9
35.0
0.3
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
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Est. %35
Function
Origin
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateA naturally derived ester with a light and dry skin feel and the ability to trap in moisture.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %22
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.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %11
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Octocrylene
Est. %8
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Octinoxate
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
OctinoxateA chemical sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. It protects against UVB, which causes the skin to burn and tan and can lead to certain types of skin cancers. For broad-spectrum protection claims, octinoxate should be paired with a UVA sunscreen.
Octisalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Avobenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil expressed from the peels of mandarin. It contains up to 74% of limonene and other volatile compounds which create its sweet, mandarin aroma. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Seed Oil
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.
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.
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.

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.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
CI 45370
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CI 45370