Payot Vitamin C Radiance Serum

Payot

Vitamin C Radiance Serum

face neck serum

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
45%
Combination (dry)
45%
Balanced
75%
Combination (oily)
95%
Oily
95%

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24
Ingredients
5
Benefits
2
Actives
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The instant radiance serum for dull, tired complexions. Formulated with vitamin C and a trio of antioxidant superfruits — pomegranate BIO, goji BIO and açaí — this face serum delivers a luminous boost to skin that has lost its glow. It evens out and refines the skin texture while helping shield the epidermis from daily environmental aggressions. Day after day, it helps reduce the appearance of pigment spots and revives the complexion's natural radiance.

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
AHA Vitamin C

Risks

2
Alcohol
Allergen

Full Ingredients

24 total
AQUA PROPYLENE GLYCOL GLYCERIN 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID Vitamin C DIGLYCERIN ETHOXYDIGLYCOL POLYSORBATE 20 BENZYL ALCOHOL HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE CHLORPHENESIN PARFUM SODIUM CITRATE PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT EXTRACT LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT POTASSIUM SORBATE CITRIC ACID AHA SODIUM HYDROXIDE SORBIC ACID DISODIUM PHOSPHATE POLYSORBATE 60 SODIUM PHOSPHATE CI 19140 CI 14700

About Vitamin C Radiance Serum

Overview

Vitamin C Radiance Serum is a watery-light serum from Payot. The formula is built mainly around hydration. 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. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Diglycerin and Propylene Glycol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Diglycerin, Propylene Glycol and Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract.

Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid.

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. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.

What it does not target

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.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

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 essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

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

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.

Skin concerns

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

Helps with

  • Anti-Aging 5 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Hydration 4 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Oil Control Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy 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.

Key ingredients

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

Propylene Glycol

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

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
Glycerin

3rd 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

Hydration Anti-Aging
3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C

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

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Dark Spot Fading
Diglycerin

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

Oxybispropanediol

Hydration
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract

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

Punica Granatum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Pomegranate, Punica granatum L., Punicaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract

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

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Boxthorn, Lycium barbarum L., Solanaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract

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

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cabbage Palm, Euterpe oleracea, Arecaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
Citric Acid AHA

17th 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

Formula analysis

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

Hydration High

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

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support Moderate

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal None

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 (2)

Supporting ingredients (22)

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

Aqua Propylene Glycol Glycerin Diglycerin Ethoxydiglycol Polysorbate 20 Benzyl Alcohol Hydroxyethylcellulose Chlorphenesin Parfum Sodium Citrate Punica Granatum Fruit Extract Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract Potassium Sorbate Sodium Hydroxide Sorbic Acid Disodium Phosphate Polysorbate 60 Sodium Phosphate CI 19140 CI 14700

What is and is not in it

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

Free from

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

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum

  • Added colour

    CI 19140, CI 14700

What to layer it with

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

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

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
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
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.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Allergen

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
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

4
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

4
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

4
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

3
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

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 Aqua Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Water

2 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
3 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

3rd 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

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
4 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid Active
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

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

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Dark Spot Fading
5 scientific references
  • Free Radical Biology and Medicine, September 2021, pages 151–169
  • Life, May 2021, pages 1–13
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, December 2019, pages 1–9
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, July-August 2018, pages 233–243
  • AAPS PharmSciTech, June 2016, pages 767–777
5 Diglycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

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

Oxybispropanediol

Hydration
6 Ethoxydiglycol Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Solvent

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE

7 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

8 Benzyl Alcohol Texture agent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative, Fragrance / colour

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Benzyl alcohol

Alcohol Allergen
9 Hydroxyethylcellulose Occlusive
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

10 Chlorphenesin Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

10th 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)-

11 Parfum Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

11th 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’. '

12 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

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

Trisodium citrate

13 Punica Granatum Fruit Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Punica Granatum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Pomegranate, Punica granatum L., Punicaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
6 scientific references
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, December 2021, pages 983-990
  • Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, December 2020, pages 477-486
  • Frontiers in Pharmacology, May 2018, ePublication
  • Oncology Reviews, January 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, June 2010, pages S72-S81 and June 2009, pages S5-S9
  • Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, January 2002, issue 1, pages 166-171
14 Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Boxthorn, Lycium barbarum L., Solanaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration
15 Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cabbage Palm, Euterpe oleracea, Arecaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
16 Potassium Sorbate Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate

17 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

17th 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

18 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

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

Sodium hydroxide

19 Sorbic Acid Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

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

Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid

20 Disodium Phosphate pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

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

Disodium hydrogenorthophosphate

21 Polysorbate 60 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

22 Sodium Phosphate pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

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

Sodium dihydrogenorthophosphate

23 CI 19140 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

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

Trisodium 5-hydroxy-1-(4-sulphophenyl)-4-(4-sulphophenylazo)pyrazole-3-carboxylate

24 CI 14700 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

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

Disodium 3-[(2,4-dimethyl-5-sulphonatophenyl)azo]-4-hydroxynaphthalene-1-sulphonate

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Vitamin C Radiance Serum?

AQUA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, DIGLYCERIN, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, POLYSORBATE 20, BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, CHLORPHENESIN, PARFUM, SODIUM CITRATE, PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT EXTRACT, LYCIUM BARBARUM FRUIT EXTRACT, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SORBIC ACID, DISODIUM PHOSPHATE, POLYSORBATE 60, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, CI 19140, CI 14700.

What are the active ingredients in Vitamin C Radiance Serum?

3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Vitamin C Radiance Serum?

Morning and evening, on cleansed face and neck, just before your usual moisturizer.

What skin types is Vitamin C Radiance 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 Vitamin C Radiance Serum good for sensitive 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.

Is Vitamin C Radiance Serum fungal acne safe?

2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Vitamin C Radiance Serum while pregnant?

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.

Is Vitamin C Radiance Serum fragrance free?

No — it contains Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum.

Does Vitamin C Radiance Serum contain alcohol?

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

Is Vitamin C Radiance Serum silicone free?

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

Does Vitamin C Radiance Serum contain essential oils?

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

Is Vitamin C Radiance Serum paraben free?

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

What can I layer with Vitamin C Radiance Serum?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Vitamin C Radiance Serum?

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

How many ingredients does Vitamin C Radiance Serum have?

It lists 24 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Vitamin C Radiance Serum?

Payot.

Brand
Payot

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