Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Description

AQUA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, ALCOHOL DENAT., PEG/PPG/POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL-8/5/3 GLYCERIN, Hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyranetriol, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID (Vitamin C derivative), PPG-6-DECYLTETRADECETH-30, PHENOXYETHANOL, SALICYLIC ACID (Salicylic acid), XANTHAN GUM, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (Vitamin E derivative), LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL (Lavender essential oil (allergen)), DISODIUM EDTA, ADENOSINE (Active), LINALOOL (Regulated allergen), BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL (Vitamin E), Citrus aurantium tachibana peel extract, Peony Root Extract (Tree peony)

My Doctor's Diagnosis: Analysis and Target

Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Correcting Serum by Kiehl's is primarily intended for individuals concerned with pigmentation spots, uneven skin tone, and lack of radiance. This serum aims to correct post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and age spots, while evening out skin tone. Based on my analysis, the formulation of this product focuses on anti-dark spot efficacy, while incorporating moisturizing and antioxidant active ingredients to support overall skin health.

Formula Analysis: Key Assets

Three major active ingredients stand out in this serum:

• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (stabilized vitamin C derivative): known for its brightening action, it inhibits tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanogenesis, thereby reducing the formation of new spots and boosting radiance.
• Salicylic Acid : a gentle keratolytic, it promotes cell renewal, allowing for superficial exfoliation that helps fade existing spots and smooth the skin's texture.
• Adenosine : a soothing and anti-aging active ingredient, it helps improve skin texture and reduce signs of fatigue.

The presence of vitamin E derivatives and antioxidant plant extracts enhances protection against oxidative stress, justifying the overall quality of the formula.

Tips and Application Ritual

I recommend applying this serum in the morning and/or evening to clean skin before moisturizer. It is compatible with moisturizing active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides) and sun filters. However, it is best to avoid combining it with other powerful exfoliants (high concentrations of AHA/BHA) or retinol to limit the risk of irritation.

My Final Verdict & Safety Opinion

This serum from Kiehl's stands out thanks to its clever combination of brightening, exfoliating, and antioxidant ingredients. Its light texture makes it well tolerated, even by combination skin. The only downside is the presence of lavender essential oil and linalool, which can potentially sensitize reactive skin. In conclusion, this is an effective treatment for targeting dark spots, to be incorporated into a suitable routine and always combined with daily sun protection.

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