Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone

Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.5 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 8.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Gluconolactone, Caffeine, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. 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 generate 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 some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Brightening Serum for Uneven Tone is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈15.0%) and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
15
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
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:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Triethyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Lauroyl Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.0
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.0 10
8.0
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
1.0
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.0 10
8
All humectants
8.0
3
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 15 -
n/a
- 4 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
15
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
15
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 20.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
20.5
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
15
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
4
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Mannitol
0.3
Ergothioneine
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %15
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Propanediol
Est. %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.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
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.

Sodium Citrate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Squalane
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Triethyl Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triethyl Citrate
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
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.
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.

Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from 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.
Lauroyl Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauroyl LysineA synthetic insoluble powder that improves the texture of a product, leaving the skin silky smooth and absorbing oils and sweat.
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
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.
Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Mannitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MannitolA sweet-tasting, sugar-derived, humectant alcohol that can stabilize a skincare formula and offer some antioxidant and soothing properties.
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root OilA fragrant and flavoring essential oil distilled from ginger root. Phytochemicals such as zingerone, shogaols, and gingerols are responsible for its warm, spicy, and invigorating scent.
Calcium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium GluconateA white crystalline powder that can act as a humectant when dissolved into water. It is also a chelating agent.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
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.
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.
Ergothioneine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.