1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Allies of Skin
Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum
face neck serum
Allies of Skin
face neck serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testBringing a high strength vitamin C into your daily rotation, the Allies of Skin Vitamin C 20% and Citrus Cells Advanced Firm and Glow Serum (30ml) steps in when your skin needs a brightening boost. This lightweight serum layers easily and settles fast, helping skin look visibly clearer, smoother and more even over time. Citrus cells and fermented ingredients support nourishment, while urea draws in hydration to keep skin soft and glowy. Reach for it morning or night, under moisturiser, or when your complexion is in need of a refreshing pick me up.
Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum is a lightweight serum from Allies of Skin. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Glycerin and Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Glycerin, Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane and Dicaprylyl Ether.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ergothioneine and Tocopherol.
Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, oil control, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dioctyl ether
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycine, N-(N-L-.gamma.-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl)-
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
3,4-Dihydro-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-6-ol
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ammonium, [1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl]trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silicon dioxide
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane is the complex reaction product of acyl functionalized diamond with benzimidazole and ethylene diamine which is coupled via isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane with methylethoxysilanes to form the diamond matrix loaded polymethylsilsesquioxane.
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Helianthus Annus Seed Wax
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:3) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dioctyl ether
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Water
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Octane-1,2-diol
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract is the extract of a culture of the callus of Citrus aurantium dulcis, Rutaceae.
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Glycine, N-(N-L-.gamma.-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl)-
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Acetylcysteine
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
3,4-Dihydro-7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-6-ol
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ammonium, [1-carboxy-2-(2-mercaptoimidazol-4-yl)ethyl]trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-(+)-
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a filtrate of the product obtained by the fermentation of Raphanus sativus roots by the microorganism, Leuconostoc
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silicon dioxide
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium benzoate
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Calcium gluconate
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
innisfree
Shares 6 key ingredients with Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum: Propanediol, Glycerin, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Gluconolactone, Tocopherol
Elizabeth Arden
Shares 6 key ingredients with Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum: Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ergothioneine, Silica
VT Cosmetics
Shares 5 key ingredients with Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum: Propanediol, Silica, Glutathione, Glycerin, Tocopherol
IOPE
Shares 5 key ingredients with Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum: Propanediol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione
IOPE
Shares 5 key ingredients with Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum: Propanediol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione
VT Cosmetics
Shares 5 key ingredients with Vitamin C 20% & Citrus Cells Advanced Firm + Glow Serum: Glycerin, Silica, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Propanediol
PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, BENZIMIDAZOLE DIAMOND AMIDOETHYL UREA CARBAMOYL PROPYL POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED WAX, POLYGLYCERYL-10 TRISTEARATE, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, AQUA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS CALLUS CULTURE EXTRACT, GLUTATHIONE, ACETYL CYSTEINE, DIMETHYLMETHOXY CHROMANOL, ERGOTHIONEINE, TOCOPHEROL, GLUCONOLACTONE, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, XANTHAN GUM, SILICA, SODIUM BENZOATE, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, PHENOXYETHANOL.
3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, GLUCONOLACTONE.
Dab an appropriate amount of the serum gently into clean skin with your fingertips. Apply to the face, neck and chest. Continue with your favourite day/night care products. Use every morning and/or evening.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Tristearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Benzoyl peroxide, Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 24 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
Allies of Skin.
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