
Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Vitamin C serum, approximately 28 ingredients
FEATURES
Reduces up to 90% of accumulated dark spots, contains 100x concentrated Vitamin C, includes Hyaluron to reduce wrinkles and tighten pores, SPF30 for UV protection, fast absorption, suitable for all skin tones and types
BEST FOR
normal
CHECKS
No parabens, sulfates, likely fragrance-free not specified
Who Is It For?
All Genders AdultWhat Does It Help With?
Dark Spots Pre-age Wrinkles Uneven Skin Tone Skin FirmnessBudget
Affordable (under $30)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What NIVEA Says
Product Description:
NIVEA MEN Extra Bright C&Hya Age Defense Vitamin Serum SPF30 works to reduce up to 90% of accumulated dark spots for brighter and firmer skin. The formula with 100x concentrated Vitamin C helps to reduce deep dark spots for brighter, smoother skin with Hyaluron that helps to reduce pre-age wrinkles and tightens pores. Double the level of protection from the sun's UV radiation with SPF30. For revitalised skin and a more even skin complexion, get visible results in 2 weeks. Its light texture is gentle to the skin and promotes fast absorption. C&Hya is effective for all skin tones and skin types.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
Aqua,Octocrylene,Phenylbenzimidazole-Sulfonic-Acid,Glycerin,Butyl-Methoxydibenzoylmethane,Distarch-Phosphate,Isododecane,Glyceryl-Stearate-SE,Hydroxypropyl-Starch-Phosphate,Phenoxyethanol,Sodium-Hydroxide,Xanthan-Gum,Trisodium-EDTA,Ethylhexylglycerin,Sodium-Cetearyl-Sulfate,Sodium-Ascorbyl-Phosphate,Sodium-Hyaluronate,Myrciaria-Dubia-Fruit-Juice,Centella-Asiatica-Extract,Citrus-Sinensis-Fruit-Extract,Glycyrrhiza-Glabra-Root-Extract,Sodium-Benzoate,Potassium-Sorbate,Parfum,CI-77891
Key Ingredients
Vitamin C (Sodium-Ascorbyl-Phosphate), Hyaluron (Sodium-Hyaluronate), Centella Asiatica Extract
Ingredients Details
Ethylhexylglycerin
Common Name(s): Octylglycerin,2-ethylhexyl glycerol ether,sensiva sc 10
CAS Number: 70445-33-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antimicrobial skin conditioning with deodorant activity and preservation system enhancement.
Why It's Used: Multifunctional clean beauty preservation active โ ethylhexylglycerin provides antimicrobial, deodorant, and skin conditioning in a single ingredient accepted in most natural cosmetic certification schemes.
How It Works: Glycerol ether provides antimicrobial via bacterial membrane phospholipid disruption. deodorant activity via reduction of underarm lipase enzyme activity (similar mechanism to triethyl citrate). skin conditioning from glycerol humectant component. synergistic with phenoxyethanol and diols.
Typically Found In: Natural preservation systems,deodorants,skin conditioning products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ antimicrobial glycerol ether
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ0.5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ethylhexylglycerin's deodorant mechanism is pharmacologically identical to triethyl citrate: both inhibit skin surface microbial lipase enzymes that convert odourless triglycerides to odorous free fatty acids. the glycerol ether structure of ethylhexylglycerin, combined with the 2-ethylhexyl chain, provides lipase inhibition similar to ester-based lipase inhibitors from a different chemical class.
Last Verified: Cosing database,schรผlke sensiva sc 10 technical data,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Glycerin
Common Name(s): Glycerol,glycerine,1,2,3-propanetriol
CAS Number: 56-81-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Glycerin pulls water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer skin layer (epidermis), boosting moisture levels and keeping skin soft, smooth, and plump.
Why It's Used: It is used in virtually every moisturizer, serum, and cleanser because it is highly effective at hydrating skin, is well-tolerated by all skin types, and enhances the texture and spreadability of formulations.
How It Works: As a humectant, glycerin forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, trapping them in the skin. it also reinforces the skin barrier by integrating into lipid structures between skin cells.
Typically Found In: Moisturizers,serums,cleansers,toners,sheet masks,sunscreens,body lotions,shampoos,conditioners
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Humectant
Secondary Functions: Skin barrier support,emollient,solvent
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ30% (typical: 3โ10%)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ plant-derived (coconut, soy, palm) or synthetic
Halal Status: Yes โ when plant-derived or synthetic; verify source with supplier
Source Notes: Derived from plant oils via hydrolysis or saponification; synthetic versions also available. palm-derived glycerin carries sustainability concerns.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low; non-irritating at all standard concentrations
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Extremely rare allergic reactions; generally safe for all skin types including sensitive and baby skin
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Widely recognized as safe. ewg hazard score: 1. no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (up to 50%).
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,niacinamide,panthenol,urea,peptides,retinol,ahas/bhas
Avoid Combining With: No known incompatibilities at standard concentrations
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glycerin is an endogenous skin component found naturally in the stratum corneum. aquaporin-3 channels in keratinocytes facilitate glycerin transport, making it integral to natural skin hydration pathways.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep,inci decoder
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Isododecane
Common Name(s): Permethyl 99a,c12 isoparaffin,volatile hydrocarbon
CAS Number: 31807-55-3
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides quick-dry volatile hydrocarbon carrier for colour cosmetics with complete evaporation and no residue.
Why It's Used: Primary colour cosmetic carrier โ isododecane's volatility and excellent pigment dispersion combined with complete evaporation make it the standard carrier for long-wear foundations and colour cosmetics.
How It Works: Volatile isoparaffin (bp 177-188ยฐc) evaporates from skin within 10-20 minutes. excellent pigment dispersion for colour cosmetics. spreading enhancement from low surface tension. no residue after evaporation provides clean, long-wear finish.
Typically Found In: Long-wear foundations,colour cosmetics,primers,sunscreens
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ volatile hydrocarbon
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 5%โ60%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Isododecane's position as the preferred colour cosmetic carrier arises from a unique combination of properties that no other solvent provides simultaneously: volatility (complete evaporation for clean finish), pigment dispersion (superior to water or alcohols), compatibility with silicones (unlike many solvents), and skin safety (inert hydrocarbon without irritation potential of polar solvents).
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Octocrylene
Common Name(s): 2-ethylhexyl 2-cyano-3,3-diphenylacrylate
CAS Number: 6197-30-4
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides uvb-uva-ii uv protection and essential avobenzone photostabilisation.
Why It's Used: The essential combination partner โ octocrylene's dual uv filter + avobenzone photostabilisation function makes it virtually irreplaceable for durable broad-spectrum chemical sunscreens requiring uva-i coverage.
How It Works: Cyanocinnamate chromophore absorbs uvb-uva-ii (ฮปmax 303nm). triplet energy transfer from excited avobenzone to octocrylene photostabilises avobenzone (>90% efficiency at 3:1 avobenzone:octocrylene ratio). hydrophobic character enhances water resistance.
Typically Found In: Broad-spectrum sunscreens,avobenzone-containing formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ uv filter and photostabiliser
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Up to 10% (eu), 10% (us fda)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Eu max 10%. fda: 10%. ewg score: 3. recent benzophenone impurity concerns from aged product hydrolysis under study.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Octocrylene's triplet energy transfer photostabilisation of avobenzone operates via a dexter electron exchange mechanism: excited-state avobenzone (triplet) transfers excitation energy to octocrylene via orbital overlap, allowing avobenzone to return to its ground state uv-absorbing form without photodegradation. this energy transfer is only efficient at close molecular proximity โ requiring intimate mixing of the two compounds in the formulation oil phase.
Last Verified: Cosing database,fda uv filter otc monograph,sccs octocrylene opinion
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12