
Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Face Serum with 2 key ingredients
FEATURES
8% Vitamin C concentration, Only 2 Ingredients, Hydrating and moisturizing, Adds extra glow, Beginner friendly, Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation, Suitable for sensitive skin, Slight tingling sensation normal, Use with SPF30+ sunscreen
BEST FOR
sensitive
CHECKS
No bad fragrance
Who Is It For?
All Genders No Specific Age Range MentionedWhat Does It Help With?
Brightening Skin Reducing Dark Spots Reducing Hyperpigmentation Hydrating And MoisturizingBudget
Affordable (under $30)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What Nykaa E retail limited Says
Product Description:
Explore the entire range of Serums & Essence available on Nykaa. Shop more Cos-IQ products here.You can browse through the complete world of Cos-IQ Serums & Essence.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
3-O-Ethyl-ascorbic-acid,Propendiol
Key Ingredients
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Propendiol
Ingredients Details
3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Common Name(s): 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Loosens corneocyte adhesion in the stratum corneum, accelerating cell turnover, refining skin texture, and improving radiance.
Why It's Used: Organic acids at cosmetic ph values provide controlled keratolytic exfoliation that improves skin texture, pore appearance, and radiance without mechanical irritation.
How It Works: At appropriate ph, the acid's undissociated form penetrates the stratum corneum and dissolves the ionic bonds between corneocyte desmosomes (calcium chelation mechanism), facilitating controlled desquamation and cell renewal.
Typically Found In: Toners,exfoliants,serums,peels,cleansers
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Exfoliants
Secondary Functions: Brightening,keratolytic
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or plant-derived acid; no animal components.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2
Comedogenicity Rating: 0
Sensitivity Concerns: May cause irritation or stinging in sensitive or barrier-compromised skin at high concentrations; patch test recommended.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Safe within recommended ph and concentration ranges. sensitization risk increases above 10% aha. patch test recommended for sensitive skin. mildly irritating to some individuals at typical cosmetic use concentrations.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,hyaluronic acid,ceramides,vitamin c
Avoid Combining With: High concentrations on sensitive/broken skin; avoid with physical exfoliants
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Cosmetic acids function at the pka boundary: only the undissociated acid (rcooh) penetrates the stratum corneum lipid barrier, while the ionized carboxylate (rcooโป) does not. the henderson-hasselbalch equation governs the fraction of active species at formulation ph; typically 0.5โ3.0% undissociated acid provides efficacy while minimizing irritation.
Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature
Primary Sources: 2025-01-15