COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum

COSRX

Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
47%
Combination (dry)
47%
Balanced
77%
Combination (oily)
93%
Oily
93%

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24
Ingredients
8
Benefits
5
Actives
Find Dupes

The COSRX Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum is a lightweight and fast-absorbing serum that is formulated to improve the overall texture and brightness of the skin. It contains a combination of three key ingredients - glycolic acid (AHA), betaine salicylate (BHA), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - which work together to exfoliate, unclog pores, and brighten the skin.

Key Insights

Benefits

8
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

5
AHA Hyaluronic acid Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) Vitamin B5 (panthenol) Vitamin C

Full Ingredients

24 total
ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS FRUIT EXTRACT HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES WATER BUTYLENE GLYCOL NIACINAMIDE Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) 1,2-HEXANEDIOL GLYCOLIC ACID AHA BETAINE SODIUM HYDROXIDE WATER PANTHENOL Vitamin B5 (panthenol) ALLANTOIN HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE GLYCERIN POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE SODIUM HYALURONATE Hyaluronic acid ADENOSINE ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE Vitamin C CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA FRUIT OIL BETAINE SALICYLATE ALPHA-ARBUTIN MENTHYL LACTATE MENTHA HAPLOCALIX EXTRACT

About Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum

Overview

Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum is a watery-light serum from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte.

What the formula does

Hydration: Moderate. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Panthenol and Glycerin.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Alpha-arbutin and Glycolic Acid.

Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Allantoin, Niacinamide and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide and Panthenol.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily 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.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection 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.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

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.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 3 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive 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.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Anti-Aging 8 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Hydration 6 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 5 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Evens Skin Tone 3 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Dark Spot Fading 2 ingredients

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Oil Control

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.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the kiwi, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidiaceae

Anti-Aging
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract is the extract of the fruit of Hylocereus undatus, Cactaceae

Anti-Aging
Butylene Glycol

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
Niacinamide Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer
Glycolic Acid AHA

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin
Betaine

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt

Hydration
Water

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
Panthenol Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
Allantoin

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
Glycerin

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
Adenosine

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine

Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration Moderate

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Moderate

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Low

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (5)

Supporting ingredients (19)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract Hippophae Rhamnoides Water Butylene Glycol 1,2-hexanediol Betaine Sodium Hydroxide Water Allantoin Hydroxyethylcellulose Glycerin Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Adenosine Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil Betaine Salicylate Alpha-arbutin Menthyl Lactate Mentha Haplocalix Extract

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Facial oils

    Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • 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.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Alpha-arbutin, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive 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.

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.

5
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

4
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

1
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract Emollient
Estimated level
10–40%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Plant extract

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the kiwi, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidiaceae

Anti-Aging
5 scientific references
  • Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, October 2017, pages 325-334
  • Nutrients, August 2017, ePublication
  • Food Technology and Biotechnology, December 2016, pages 462-467
  • Nutricon Hospitilaria, Supplement 4, July 2016, page 340
  • Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 11, 2011, pages 1, 811-1, 820
2 Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract Occlusive
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Plant extract

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract is the extract of the fruit of Hylocereus undatus, Cactaceae

Anti-Aging
3 Hippophae Rhamnoides Water
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Hippophae Rhamnoides Water is the aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the whole plant of the Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhmanoides L, Elagnaceae

4 Butylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • US Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations</em>, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2011, pages 5S-16S
  • Skin Research and Technology, November 2007, pages 417-24
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, September 1985, pages 223-248
5 Niacinamide Active
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
  • International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
  • Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
  • Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
  • Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
  • Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
  • International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
  • Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
  • Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
6 1,2-hexanediol Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

7 Glycolic Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, pH adjuster

7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin
5 scientific references
  • Molecules, April 2018, 23(4), ePublication
  • DNA Cell Biology, February 2017, pages 177-187
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2015, pages 21-26
  • BioMed Research International, 2015, Volume 2015
  • Dermatology Research and Practice, February 2015, Volume 2015
8 Betaine Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent

8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2018, pages 28S-46S
  • Food Science and Biotechnology, October 2017, pages 1391-1397
  • The Journal of Chemical Physics, June 2015, ePublication
  • The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, September 2004, pages 539-549
  • Skin Research and Technology, February 2003, pages 50-58
9 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

10 Water Solvent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
11 Panthenol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol

Hydration Soothing
7 scientific references
  • The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534-547
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346-354
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1-51
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173-180
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361-370
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Volume 3, 2002, pages 427-433
12 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
13 Hydroxyethylcellulose Occlusive
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

14 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
15 Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, tetradecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

16 Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

17 Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
18 Adenosine
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • PubChem, Accessed May 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, September 2020, pages 1-38
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2014, pages 553-554
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, August 2011, pages 526-546
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2006, pages 447-451
  • British Journal of Pharmacology, October 2008, issue 4, pages 475-486
  • PloS One, May 2008 (ePublication)
  • >International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2006, pages 447-451
19 Ascorbyl Glucoside Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Antioxidant

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-O-alpha-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone
11 scientific references
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, December 2020 Supplement, page AB192
  • Nanomaterials, August 2020, pages 1-13
  • Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, May-August 2020, pages 374-382
  • Genes, February 2020, ePublication
  • Cosmetics, October 2019, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2019, pages 378-386
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, May 2019, pages 21-29
  • Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology, December 2018, pages 599-607
  • Nutrients, August 2017, pages 1-27
  • Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, January-March 2013, pages 4-11
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2006, pages 105-113
20 Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the psoralen-free volatile oil obtained from the fruit of Citrus aurantium L. var. bergamia, Rutaceae; Oils, bergamot; bergamot oil bergaptene free

21 Betaine Salicylate Exfoliant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Preservative

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Betaine Salycilate is the product formed by the reaction of Betaine with Salycilic Acid

Anti-Acne
7 scientific references
  • Skin Purging vs Breakout – What Does Skin Purging Look Like?
  • What to Do When You Have Acne and Dry Skin
  • How to Minimize the Look of Post-Acne Marks
  • How to Manage Dehydrated, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
  • Help for Breakouts on the Hairline and Scalp
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Say Goodbye to Body Acne
22 Alpha-arbutin Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

4-Hydroxyphenyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside

Anti-Aging Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone
23 Menthyl Lactate
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

[1R-[1.alpha.(R*),2.beta.,5.alpha.]]-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl lactate

24 Mentha Haplocalix Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Mentha Haplocalix Extract is an extract of the whole plant Mentha haplocalix, Lamiaceae

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?

ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS FRUIT EXTRACT, HYLOCEREUS UNDATUS FRUIT EXTRACT, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, GLYCOLIC ACID, BETAINE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, WATER, PANTHENOL, ALLANTOIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, GLYCERIN, POLYGLYCERYL-10 MYRISTATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ADENOSINE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA FRUIT OIL, BETAINE SALICYLATE, ALPHA-ARBUTIN, MENTHYL LACTATE, MENTHA HAPLOCALIX EXTRACT.

What are the active ingredients in Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?

NIACINAMIDE, GLYCOLIC ACID, PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE.

How do I use Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?

Prep your skin with toner after cleansing. Dispense proper amount from the dropper and apply on cheeks and forehead. Gently pat for better absorption.

What skin types is Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum good for sensitive 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.

Is Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum fungal acne safe?

3 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum while pregnant?

It contains Alpha-arbutin, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?

It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum have?

It lists 24 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Refresh AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum?

COSRX, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
COSRX
Country
Korea
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