StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum
3.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.5 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum has a moisturizing rating of 3.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 7.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, and Adenosine. 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
6
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
4
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
3
Pentylene Glycol
2
Polysorbate 20
1.5
Dipropylene Glycol
1.3
Glycerin
1
Dimethyl Isosorbide
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Juice
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Myristyl Nicotinate
0.3
Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide
0.3
Orobanche Rapum Extract
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Xylitylglucoside
0.3
Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
0.3
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
0.3
Anhydroxylitol
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Xylitol
0.3
Glucose
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
0.3
Propanediol
0.3
Maltodextrin
0.3
Rhizobian Gum
0.3
Mica
0.3
Fragrance
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Geraniol
0.3
Citral
0.3
Citronellol
0.3
Benzyl Benzoate
0.3
Chlorphenesin
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Salicylic Acid
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
0.3
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Juice
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Myristyl Nicotinate
Function:
Origin:
Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide
Function:
Origin:
Orobanche Rapum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xylitylglucoside
Function:
Origin:
Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Function:
Origin:
Anhydroxylitol
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Rhizobian Gum
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.0
3
1.3
0.3
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
3.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.0 10
7.0
3
1.3
0.3
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
3.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.0 10
7
All humectants
7.0
3
1.3
0.3
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
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 6 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.6
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
6
Ascorbyl Glucoside
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.6
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
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
6
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Ascorbyl Glucoside
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
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. %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.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycereth-7 Triacetate
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %3
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.

Polysorbate 20
Est. %2
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl GlucosideA derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. There are unfortunately no clinical studies on ascorbyl glucoside’s anti-pigment or anti-acne efficacy alone.
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.

Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Juice
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

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.

Myristyl Nicotinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristyl Nicotinate
Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tamarindus Indica Seed Polysaccharide
Orobanche Rapum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Orobanche Rapum Extract
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture ExtractAn extract that comes from a certain apple cultivar. It is claimed to have superior properties over any other apple extracts and the patent holder claims that it has anti-wrinkle activity.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.
Xylitylglucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitylglucosideAn emollient extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It includes palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, and antioxidants such as tocopherols and γ-oryzanol.
Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Anhydroxylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AnhydroxylitolA derivative of xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. It has humectant moisturizing properties.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
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.
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.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Rhizobian Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rhizobian Gum
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.
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.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LimoneneOne 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.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GeraniolA fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Citral
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CitralA 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
CitronellolA 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.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
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.