Garnier
Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream
face cream
Garnier
face cream
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testReduce appearance of dullness and unevenness, up to 72h hydration. Combines the efficacy of Vitamin C in a serum with the lasting moisture of a daily cream with medium UV protection.
Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream is a cushioning cream from Garnier. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 41 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It uses a hybrid filter system — Octisalate, Ensulizole, Tinosorb S and Titanium Dioxide — combining mineral and organic filters. Between them those filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so the formula is broad-spectrum in the meaningful sense: it reaches past 340 nm, where the ageing wavelengths sit. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water and Dimethicone.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, brightening and tone 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 no drying alcohol, paraben-free, sulfate-free, oil-free and no animal-derived ingredients. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top. It carries UV filters, so it belongs in your morning routine.
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.
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
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.
Hybrid mineral and organic filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
A weak filter used mainly as a solvent — it dissolves the crystalline filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone) so they can be formulated at all.
Water-soluble, which makes it the filter of choice for gel and lotion textures that have to feel weightless.
One of the most photostable filters in use, and it stabilises avobenzone and octinoxate alongside it. Oil-soluble, cosmetically light, no white cast.
Strong UVB and short-UVA protection, but it stops before UVA I — a mineral formula leaning on titanium dioxide alone needs zinc oxide beside it for deep UVA.
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.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2.5–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Dimethicone
5th on the list. Regulation caps it at 8%, so it is present at roughly 2–8%.
2-Phenyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-sulphonic acid
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
2,2'-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl]bis[5-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-phenol]
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Isopropyl isodecanoate
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecan-1-ol
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Stearic acid
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Titanium dioxide (CI 77891)
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
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"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.
Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol, Parfum
Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol
Dimethicone
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Mica, CI 77891
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Moisturise" 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 41 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Changes how the product smells or looks
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Forms a film that slows water loss
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
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.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2.5–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Dimethicone
5th on the list. Regulation caps it at 8%, so it is present at roughly 2–8%.
2-Phenyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-sulphonic acid
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
2,2'-[6-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl]bis[5-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-phenol]
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,2',2''-Nitrilotriethanol
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sargachromanol E is a chromene isolated from the alga, Sargassum siliquastrum
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Isopropyl isodecanoate
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecan-1-ol
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosan-1-ol
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Lemon, Citrus limon (L.), Rutaceae
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tin dioxide (CI 77861)
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Stearic acid
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Titanium dioxide (CI 77891)
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucopyranose, C16-18 alkyl glycosides
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxooctadecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (100 mol EO average molar ratio)
21st 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
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, sodium salt, homopolymer, polymer with starch (graft)
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydrogen N-(1-oxooctadecyl)-L-glutamate
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silicon dioxide
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tetradecanoic acid
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecanoic acid
27th 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
28th 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
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid, 2-octanoyloxy-
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Polymer of acrylic acid ester and C10-30 alcohol
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Mica is a series of silicate minerals of varying chemical composition but with similar physical properties. Mica may have well-defined cleavage and split into very thin sheets.
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
CI 77891 is classed chemically as an inorganic colour (see also INCI: Titanium dioxide). It conforms to the formula
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,7-Dimethyl octa-1,6-diene-3-ol
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,7-Dimethyl-6-octen-1-ol
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Vichy
Shares 10 key ingredients with Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream: Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Isostearate, Behenyl Alcohol
CeraVe
Shares 8 key ingredients with Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream: Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Isostearate
Vichy
Shares 7 key ingredients with Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream: Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Glucoside
Missha
Shares 7 key ingredients with Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream: Water, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone
Numbuzin
Shares 7 key ingredients with Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream: Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone
CeraVe
Shares 7 key ingredients with Vitamin C 2 In 1 Brightening Serum Cream: Water, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid
WATER, GLYCERIN, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, DIMETHICONE, PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, SARGACHROMANOL E, OCTYLDODECANOL, ISOPROPYL ISOSTEARATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, CITRUS LIMON FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS PARADISI FRUIT EXTRACT, TIN OXIDE, STEARIC ACID, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, PEG-100 STEARATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE STARCH, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, SILICA, MYRISTIC ACID, PALMITIC ACID, ADENOSINE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, POLY C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE, CHLORPHENESIN, MICA, CI 77891, LINALOOL, GERANIOL, LIMONENE, CITRONELLOL, PARFUM.
SODIUM HYALURONATE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, CITRIC ACID.
Every morning, in just one step, this serum cream acts like a serum and moisturises like a cream. Apply daily all over clean face. Store the bottle in a vertical position to avoid defusing. Tap the bottom if necessary.
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.
Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Isopropyl Isostearate, Peg-100 Stearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they 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.
No — it contains Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol, Parfum.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Dimethicone.
Yes — it contains Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Citronellol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
It lists 41 ingredients, of which 7 are recorded as actives.
Garnier.
It filters UV with Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate), Ensulizole (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid), Tinosorb S (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine), Titanium Dioxide (titanium dioxide).
Yes. Its filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so protection reaches past 340 nm into the deep-UVA range associated with ageing and pigmentation.
It may leave a slight cast. The formula mixes mineral and organic filters, so any cast is usually lighter than a fully mineral sunscreen's.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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