Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum
Why this score
Concern52 / 55
- No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint17 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Vitamin C.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
Vitamin CWatch if sensitive
The most well-studied form of topical vitamin C, used as an antioxidant and to support collagen signaling and brighten uneven tone. It is acidic and can sting or irritate sensitive skin, and it oxidizes readily once a bottle is opened, which can reduce its effectiveness rather than create a safety issue.
Full ingredient details →1,2-HexanediolGenerally safe
A glycol used very widely in Korean and Western skincare as a lightweight humectant, solvent, and gentle preservative-booster, often in place of traditional preservatives. It has a low reported irritation rate at use levels and is graded low concern in published assessments.
Full ingredient details →Hyaluronic AcidGenerally safe
A humectant that holds water at the skin surface for a more hydrated look. No safety concern.
Full ingredient details →PanthenolGenerally safe
A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →AllantoinGenerally safe
A soothing, skin-conditioning compound (also found in comfrey root) commonly added to calm and hydrate irritated or sensitive skin. It has a long history of safe use with very low irritation potential.
Full ingredient details →Xanthan GumGenerally safe
Xanthan gum is a microbial-fermentation-derived polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize textures, similarly common in food. Cosmetic panel review of this and related microbial gums found them safe as used, with no meaningful irritation signal at typical concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Lower-concern alternatives
Same category, higher PlainScore.
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.