1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
COSRX
The Vitamin C 13 serum
face serum
COSRX
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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| ASCORBIC ACID | 13% |
The COSRX Vitamin C 13 Serum, a gentle yet powerful serum that is perfect for anyone looking to achieve a brighter, more even complexion. This serum is formulated with a gentle form of vitamin C, making it suitable for sensitive skin types to use daily without irritation. Regular use of The Vitamin C 13 Serum helps to fade blemishes, dark spots, and freckles, improving the overall tone of your skin. With its potent blend of natural ingredients, including 13% vitamin C, this serum works to brighten and rejuvenate your complexion, leaving you with a more youthful and radiant appearance. Not only does The Vitamin C 13 Serum help to fade hyperpigmentation, but it also helps to protect your skin from future damage. Its powerful antioxidant properties defend against free radicals and other environmental stressors, keeping your skin looking healthy and vibrant.
The Vitamin C 13 serum is a lightweight serum from COSRX, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration and brightening and tone. The ingredient list runs to 25 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. Hydration is handled by Butylene Glycol, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate, 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 Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate and Water.
Brightening: High. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Ascorbic Acid, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide and Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract.
Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from Ascorbic Acid, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione and Tocopherol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Allantoin, Acetyl Glucosamine and Sodium Hyaluronate.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, 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.
The formula contributes little or nothing on 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, silicone-free and microplastic-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
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
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 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Ascorbic acid
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% 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)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycine, N-(N-L-.gamma.-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl)-
14th 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
16th 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)-
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dextrin
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.
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 25 ingredients on the label.
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Calms visible redness and irritation
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
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 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Ascorbic acid
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% 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)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
N-acetyl-.alpha.-D-glucosamine
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Sodium sulphite
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycine, N-(N-L-.gamma.-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl)-
14th 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
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cape Jasmine, Gardenia Florida L., Rubiaceae
16th 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)-
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dextrin
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tocotrienol
20th 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
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Elaeis Guineensis Oil is a natural oil obtained from the fruits of the Palmoil Tree, Elaeis guineensis, Palmaceae
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
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**
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Leguminosae
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
COSRX
Shares 12 key ingredients with The Vitamin C 13 serum: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate
IOPE
Shares 11 key ingredients with The Vitamin C 13 serum: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine
Numbuzin
Shares 10 key ingredients with The Vitamin C 13 serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Numbuzin
Shares 10 key ingredients with The Vitamin C 13 serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
ma:nyo
Shares 9 key ingredients with The Vitamin C 13 serum: Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Glutathione, Acetyl Glucosamine
Abib
Shares 9 key ingredients with The Vitamin C 13 serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine, Allantoin
WATER, ASCORBIC ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, TROMETHAMINE, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, PANTHENOL, ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE, CAFFEINE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM SULFITE, DISODIUM EDTA, GLUTATHIONE, ADENOSINE, GARDENIA FLORIDA FRUIT EXTRACT, ALLANTOIN, DEXTRIN, SQUALANE, TOCOTRIENOLS, TOCOPHEROL, ELAEIS GUINEENSIS OIL, ARGININE, NIACINAMIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ROOT EXTRACT.
ASCORBIC ACID, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, PANTHENOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, NIACINAMIDE.
After cleansing, during the serum phase, shake the bottle lightly once or twice from side to side. Apply a few drops to the skin. Use fingertips to gently massage and absorb the serum, starting from the inside of the face working towards the edges.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily 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.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
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.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
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), PHAs (gluconolactone), Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Benzoyl peroxide, Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 25 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.
COSRX, a brand based in Korea.
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