Intense C Gel Serum
Why this score
Concern51 / 55
- Fragrance: watch if sensitive
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.
Transparency12 / 20
- Uses an undisclosed "fragrance/parfum" blend, so its scent allergens are hidden.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint22 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Fragrance.
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
WaterGenerally safe
The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.
Full ingredient details →3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidGenerally safe
A stable vitamin C derivative used to brighten and provide antioxidant support, more shelf-stable than pure ascorbic acid. It is generally well tolerated, though strong vitamin C forms can sting sensitive skin.
Full ingredient details →Citric AcidGenerally safe
Used in tiny amounts to set a product to skin-friendly pH. No concern at those levels.
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 →Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidGenerally safe
A broken-down form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecules intended to penetrate more deeply into the skin. It functions as a humectant and is well tolerated, with the same safety profile as standard hyaluronic acid.
Full ingredient details →Sodium BenzoateGenerally safe
The sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in both foods and cosmetics. Decades of safety review support its use at typical cosmetic concentrations, with mild irritation the main reported issue in sensitive skin.
Full ingredient details →Potassium SorbateGenerally safe
A widely used, gentle preservative also common in food. It is generally well tolerated, though it can occasionally cause mild, transient irritation in people with already-compromised or very reactive skin.
Full ingredient details →Sodium HydroxideGenerally safe
A strong alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust the pH of cosmetics to safe, skin-friendly levels. At the pH found in finished products, sodium hydroxide is neutralized and well tolerated.
Full ingredient details →FragranceWatch if sensitive
An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.
Full ingredient details →Note: this product hides its scent as an undisclosed “fragrance/parfum” blend, so its specific allergens are not on the label.
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.