Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum Review

Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.7Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Alcohol, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Rosa Canina Seed Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sclerotium Gum, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Sodium Anisate, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum
Review

Does Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.7 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Soothing: Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈80.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.2 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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, Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.7 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈1.3%),
 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).
 
📌 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 additional 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 Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈80.0%).

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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈80.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

Pros & Cons of Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
✅ Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ 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
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, perfect for combination and oily skin. It's also a great option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
Rich in antioxidants, Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum worth noting.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
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
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Anisate
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
85.3
80
4
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.3
6.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 85.3 10
10.0
80
4
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.3 20
3.2
6.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
80
4
1
0.3
All humectants 85.3 10
10
All humectants
85.3
80
4
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
0.3
All occlusives 6.3 20
3.2
All occlusives
6.3
6.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 1.3 0.7
Total
0.7
Ascorbic Acid
0.7
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
80
1.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 81.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
81.9
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
80
Ascorbic Acid
1.3
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
80
1.5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 82.1 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
82.1
80
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %6
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.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Coco-Glucoside
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coco-GlucosideA mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin.
Coconut Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Coconut Alcohol
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Populus Tremuloides Bark ExtractAn extract from the bark of the American aspen with anti-inflammatory and sebum controlling properties.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.3
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.

Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Seed Extract
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
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.
Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leontopodium Alpinum Meristem Cell Culture
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower OilAlso known as Damask rose oil, it is one of the most precious and expensive essential oils in the world obtained from the petals of the Damask rose. It is used in skincare as a luxurious fragrance.
Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed

An essential oil pressed from the peels of the sweet orange.

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.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Sodium Anisate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium AnisateA natural preservative with a sweet scent.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
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.