Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid Review

Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 3.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.9 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%), 
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
Among others, Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid also contains contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Centella Asiatica Extract, 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. 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, 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 Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (est. ≈1.0%), Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈0.3%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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: Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Trader Joe's Vitamin C Firming Body Butter With Glycolic Acid to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
  • Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
11
6
4
3.5
3
2.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Equisetum Arvense Extract
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.8
6.0
4.0
2.5
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.8 20
6.9
6.0
4.0
2.5
1.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.6 10
3.6
All humectants
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
2.5
1.3
All occlusives 13.8 20
6.9
All occlusives
13.8
6.0
4.0
2.5
1.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.1
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /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. %
1
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
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
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
1
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
0.3
Equisetum Arvense Extract
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.4 5 No
All soothing
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %3.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %1.5
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

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.
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.
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.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Althaea Officinalis Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the marsh-mallow plant. It contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols and antioxidant polysaccharides.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract is the same extract as Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract. It has antioxidant properties and gives a skincare product a fresh orange scent. It also works as a thickener due to its pectin content. Read more about the extract here: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract.

Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

Citrus grandis fruit extract is the same extract as Citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel extract, which is actually an extract from pomelo peel. It has antioxidant properties and gives the skincare product a fresh, citrusy scent. Read more about it here: Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract

Derived from lemon peels, this fresh and citrusy extract contains mostly fragrant limonene, but also antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids.

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Leaf/Stem Extract
Equisetum Arvense Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Equisetum Arvense ExtractA soothing extract from the green part of the horsetail, a non-flowering plant that contains a lot of minerals beneficial for skin growth, antioxidant flavonoids, and astringent tannins.
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
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.
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) ExtractA soothing extract from the clary sage plant that contains fragrant terpenoids used to relieve the symptoms of seborrhea. It is also rich in astringent tannins.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf ExtractDerived from the berries and leaves of the bilberry plant, this powerful antioxidant, astringent, and refreshing extract is rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins.
Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract