Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum Review

Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.4 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Ethoxydiglycol (est. ≈6.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.4 out of 10.

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

  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈4.0%),
     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).
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     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, Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum also contains contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract 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 Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (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.

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.

Pros & Cons of Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Urban Skin Super C Brightening Serum 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
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Primula Veris Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfite
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Ethanolamine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.1
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.1 10
10.0
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.1 10
10
All humectants
13.1
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 4 2
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.4
Ascorbic Acid
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
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
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
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
All antioxidants 9.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.2
Ascorbic Acid
4
Ferulic Acid
1
Niacinamide
0.3
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
0.3
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Morus Alba Root Extract
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Alpha-Arbutin
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
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. %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.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %6
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.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %4
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.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %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.

Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

Ferulic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
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.
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.
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saxifraga Sarmentosa ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the strawberry saxifrage plant. It contains antioxidant flavonoids.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the skin and pulp of grapes. Grape skin and pulp contain antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and tannins, famous resveratrol, and many different organic and phenolic acids.
Laureth-23
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An 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.

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.

Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alchemilla Vulgaris Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the leaves of peppermint. It contains a pleasant-smelling essential oil, as well as plenty of antioxidant flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Primula Veris Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Primula Veris Flower Extract
Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Veronica Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from lemon balm leaves with antioxidant and antiviral flavonoids and terpenes. It has a lovely, fresh, lemon-like scent.
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.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfiteAn inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.
Morus Alba Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Root ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, and antifungal extract from white mulberry tree roots. It has been claimed to have anti-pigment potential.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractA powerful antioxidant, soothing, and astringent extract derived from the roots of Baikal/Chinese skullcap. It contains various unique flavonoids that are believed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin and protect from UV-induced oxidative damage.
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.
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.
Achillea Millefolium Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium Flower Water
Alpha-Arbutin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Arbutin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Ethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethanolamine