Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs Review

Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs 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 Ethoxydiglycol (est. ≈10.1%) and Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

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.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈3.0%), 
 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).
 
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 Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (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.

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: Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Skinlab MD by Dr. Annie Chiu Enhanced Daily Brightening Discs to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
10.1
10
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
SD Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Kojic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Rumex Crispus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-4
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Glucose Phosphate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.7
10.1
2
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.7 10
10.0
10.1
2
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
10.1
2
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.7 10
10
All humectants
12.7
10.1
2
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
2.5 /10 5 3 1.5
Total
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.7
Ascorbic Acid
3
Arbutin
1.5
Kojic Acid
1.3
Ergothioneine
0.3
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
All soothing 1.3 5 No
All soothing
1.3
1
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %10.1
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
SD Alcohol 40-B
Est. %10
Function
Origin
SD Alcohol 40-BA natural ingredient containing a denaturant to discourage drinking.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %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.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2
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.

Arbutin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Kojic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Kojic AcidA bioactive compound isolated from various fungi or fermented products. It is one of the most common and potent anti-pigment and brightening ingredients, and has been successfully tested on humans.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Camellia Oleifera Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Oleifera Seed Extract
Ergothioneine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit ExtractA very bitter extract from the fruits of a Chinese tree. It contains antioxidant alkaloids, including Evodiamine, which are able to suppress skin inflammation and treat UV-induced skin damage.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Rumex Crispus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rumex Crispus Root Extract
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8 Dimethicone
Laureth-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-4A surfactant that can suspend oil droplets in a large water phase. The oils are typically fragrances or other oils added in small amounts. Laureth-4 is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
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.
Disodium Glucose Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Glucose Phosphate