Transparen C Pro Brightening Moisturizer
Transparen C Pro Brightening Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, fast-absorbing brightening moisturizer powered by 5% stabilized vitamin C (ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate) and Korean citrus yuja. Visibly evens skin tone, fades dark spots, and delivers weightless hydration with a potent blend of 5 molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, licorice root, and ferulic acid. Gentle enough for sensitive skin with visible results in 14 days.
Premium Stabilized Vitamin C
5% Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is oxygen and light stable, penetrates deeper than L-ascorbic acid, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Clinically proven for brightening in Korea and Japan.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPremium Stabilized Vitamin C
5% Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is oxygen and light stable, penetrates deeper than L-ascorbic acid, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Clinically proven for brightening in Korea and Japan.
Korean Citrus Yuja Extract
Naturally rich in vitamin C, yuja visibly brightens skin and gently fades dark spots and discoloration for a more even complexion.
5-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid including crosspolymer HA deliver multi-layer hydration from the surface to the deeper layers of skin.
Soothing Botanical Blend
Centella asiatica, licorice root, allantoin, chamomile, and ginger root calm and soothe skin while rice bran and jojoba support the skin barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. However, contains ferment filtrates (Bacillus ferments, Lactobacillus/Papaya Ferment) which some practitioners advise caution on during pregnancy. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains several triggers: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Esters, Sorbitan Olivate, and ferment filtrates that can feed Malassezia yeast.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and formulated with soothing ingredients like allantoin, centella, and chamomile. The ATIP form of vitamin C is notably gentle compared to L-ascorbic acid.
Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. No heavy pore-clogging oils. 95% of brand study participants reported the product did not cause breakouts.
Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, harsh alcohols, artificial fragrances, phthalates, and common allergens. Vegan and cruelty-free certified.
While ATIP itself provides some antioxidant UV protection, always pair with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ during the day. Vitamin C can make skin more photosensitive.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) 5%Proven
A premium, oil-soluble, stabilized vitamin C derivative. Unlike L-ascorbic acid, ATIP is oxygen and light stable, meaning it remains effective after opening without special packaging. It penetrates skin up to 3x deeper than pure vitamin C and converts to ascorbic acid within the skin.
- Stability: ATIP remains effective at pH below 5 and does not oxidize on exposure to air or light, unlike L-ascorbic acid.
- Penetration: Oil-soluble structure allows it to penetrate through the lipid barrier of skin more effectively than water-soluble vitamin C forms.
- Certification: Recognized as a clinically-proven brightening ingredient by both Korea and Japan functional cosmetics standards.
Citrus Junos (Yuja) Fruit Extract KeyProven
A Korean citrus fruit naturally packed with vitamin C, vitamins A, B5, and B6. Yuja is a staple brightening ingredient in K-beauty, prized for its ability to visibly fade dark spots and even skin tone while providing antioxidant protection.
- Vitamin C content: Yuja contains approximately 3x more vitamin C than lemons, making it a potent natural brightening agent.
- Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols that help neutralize free radicals from UV damage and pollution.
5-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex MultiProven
A comprehensive blend of five forms of hyaluronic acid: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer. Each molecular weight targets different skin layers for complete hydration.
- Crosspolymer HA: Studies show crosslinked HA reduced trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 27.8%, outperforming standard high-molecular-weight HA.
- Multi-depth hydration: Larger molecules hydrate the surface while smaller ones penetrate deeper for plumping from within.
Centella Asiatica Extract ActiveProven
Also known as Cica, this legendary healing herb soothes inflammation, supports collagen synthesis, and strengthens the skin barrier. A cornerstone of K-beauty formulations for calming reactive skin.
- Wound healing: Contains madecassoside and asiaticoside, triterpenoid compounds clinically shown to accelerate skin repair.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation, making it an ideal companion for active ingredients like vitamin C.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract ActiveProven
A multi-functional brightening powerhouse. Licorice root contains glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production, and glycyrrhizin, which provides potent anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Brightening: Glabridin has been shown to inhibit melanin production by up to 50% in vitro studies.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation synergistically with vitamin C.
Ferulic Acid ActiveProven
A potent plant-based antioxidant that stabilizes and enhances the efficacy of vitamin C and vitamin E. Works synergistically with ATIP to boost photoprotection and brighten skin.
- Synergy: Research shows ferulic acid doubles the photoprotective capacity of vitamins C and E when combined.
- Anti-aging: Helps visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark spots caused by UV-induced oxidative stress.
45 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Citrus Junos (Yuja) Fruit Extract, Bacillus/Spirodela Polyrhiza Extract/Volcanic Ash Extract Ferment Filtrate, Bacillus/Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract/Volcanic Ash Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Arginine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Ferulic Acid, Morus Alba Root Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Allantoin, Sorbitan Olivate, Xanthan Gum, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Phytate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM and/or PM on clean, dry skin. Pair with Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment for enhanced brightening. Always follow with SPF 30+ in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean, dry skin. Complete your toner, essence, and serum steps first. If using Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment, apply it to dark spots before this moisturizer.
Apply Moisturizer
Take a pea-to-nickel sized amount and dot across forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Gently press and smooth over the entire face using upward and outward motions.
Allow Absorption
Let the moisturizer fully absorb for about 30 seconds. The lightweight formula sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Apply Sunscreen (AM)
In the morning, always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Vitamin C provides antioxidant support but does not replace sun protection.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want to brighten dull, uneven skin tone
- You have dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or post-acne marks
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to L-ascorbic acid serums
- You prefer a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer
- You want a fragrance-free, clean-formula vitamin C product
- You value K-beauty innovations and gentle-but-effective formulations
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a very rich, heavy-duty winter moisturizer for extremely dry skin
- You prefer high-concentration L-ascorbic acid for maximum potency
- You are on a tight budget (at $52 for 50ml, this is a premium product)
- You want a moisturizer with built-in SPF
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Provides the perfect balance of hydration and brightening without being too heavy or too light. Absorbs quickly and leaves a radiant glow.
Lightweight formula absorbs fast without feeling greasy. The dewy finish may add slight shine on very oily T-zones; blot if needed before sunscreen.
Provides good hydration thanks to the 5-weight HA complex. Very dry skin may need an additional occlusive layer or facial oil on top, especially in winter.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily zones. The fast-absorbing texture is perfect for combination concerns.
Specifically formulated for sensitivity. ATIP is one of the gentlest vitamin C forms. Fragrance-free with soothing centella, allantoin, and chamomile. Patch test recommended.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and non-greasy formula. 95% of testers reported no breakouts. However, not suitable for fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Instant Hydration & Radiance
Skin feels immediately plumped and hydrated. A subtle radiant glow is visible right after application thanks to the hyaluronic acid complex and light-reflecting finish.
95% noticed immediate hydration and radianceBrighter, Less Dull Complexion
Skin tone begins to look more even and luminous. Dullness visibly reduces as the stabilized vitamin C and yuja start working on surface-level discoloration. Texture feels smoother.
95% saw brighter skin after 14 daysVisible Dark Spot Fading
Existing dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation begin to visibly lighten. Skin tone appears more uniform. Fine lines look softened from consistent hydration.
92% noticed smoother, more even skinSignificant Brightening & Clarity
Cumulative brightening effects become pronounced. Dark spots are noticeably faded. Overall complexion appears healthier, clearer, and more youthful with continued daily use.
97% reported less dull-looking skinRatings by platform
285+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Stabilized vitamin C stays effective without special storage or rushing to use before oxidation
- Extremely gentle formula that even sensitive skin can tolerate daily
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well under makeup and SPF
- Visible brightening results within 14 days per brand and user studies
- Clean, fragrance-free formula with no common irritants
- Multi-weight hyaluronic acid provides noticeable hydration boost
- Impressive botanical blend with centella, licorice root, and ferulic acid
Criticized
- Premium price ($52 for 50ml) is steep compared to drugstore options
- Small bottle size may only last 4-6 weeks with twice-daily use
- Not fungal acne safe due to multiple trigger ingredients
- 5% ATIP is gentler but potentially less potent than 15-20% L-ascorbic acid serums
- May not provide enough moisture for very dry skin climates on its own
- Newer product with fewer reviews compared to established vitamin C products
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a different gentle vitamin C form) with jojoba oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. Larger 2 fl oz size. Less elegant formula without the multi-weight HA complex or K-beauty botanicals, but solid brightening at a fraction of the price.
Features a blend of vitamin C derivatives including ethyl ascorbic acid. Includes niacinamide and botanical extracts. Good hydration, but lacks the ATIP stability advantage and the comprehensive Korean botanical blend found in Transparen-C.
Uses a blend of vitamin C sources (ascorbic acid polypeptide, sodium ascorbyl phosphate) with daytime brightening focus. Gel-cream texture is similarly lightweight. Contains fragrance (unlike Transparen-C). Similar efficacy profile but different vitamin C form.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEKiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening Treatment
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. ATIP is inherently stable, so refrigeration is not required (unlike L-ascorbic acid products).
Jar with screw-top lid. While ATIP does not require airless packaging due to its stability, use the included spatula or clean hands to maintain hygiene.
Yes, under 100ml (1.69 fl oz). TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens, which are the primary ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain ferment filtrates (Bacillus ferments and Lactobacillus/Papaya Ferment Extract) which some dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy as a precaution. The 5% ATIP vitamin C derivative is generally considered safe. We recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before incorporating any new skincare product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, and ferment filtrates. If you have malassezia folliculitis, consider a fungal-acne-safe moisturizer like the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Water Gel Moisturizer or a simple gel moisturizer without these triggers.
Yes, with some guidelines. ATIP is a gentle, stabilized vitamin C that pairs well with most actives. You can use it alongside retinol (apply retinol at night, this moisturizer AM or layer this moisturizer over retinol at night to buffer). It pairs beautifully with other vitamin C products like the Transparen-C Spot Treatment. With AHA/BHA exfoliants, apply the exfoliant first, wait for it to absorb, then apply this moisturizer. The soothing botanicals in the formula help offset potential irritation from actives. If you are new to combining actives, introduce them gradually.
This moisturizer works well across most skin types but is especially excellent for normal, combination, and sensitive skin. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture makes it comfortable for oily skin types as well. Dry skin can benefit from the 5-weight hyaluronic acid hydration but may want to layer a heavier cream or facial oil on top in colder months. It is best suited for anyone concerned with dullness, dark spots, uneven tone, or hyperpigmentation who wants a gentle, daily-use vitamin C formula.
According to brand consumer studies, most users notice immediate hydration and radiance (95% in the study). Within 14 days of daily use, 95% of participants reported brighter-looking skin and 97% said their skin looked less dull. Visible dark spot fading typically becomes noticeable around weeks 3-4, with more significant results at the 2-3 month mark with consistent daily use. Results will vary depending on the severity of discoloration and consistency of application alongside daily SPF use.
Apply as the moisturizer step near the end of your routine, after cleansing, toner, essence, serum, and any spot treatments. In a typical K-beauty routine: Cleanser, Toner, Essence, Serum, Spot Treatment (like Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment), then this Moisturizer, and finally Sunscreen in the morning. It can be used both AM and PM. In the evening, apply after all treatment steps and before your sleeping mask if you use one.
This moisturizer has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. It does not contain heavy comedogenic oils or known pore-clogging ingredients. In brand studies, 95% of participants reported that the product did not cause breakouts. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is designed to sit comfortably on the skin without congesting pores. However, individual skin reactivity varies, so a patch test is always recommended if you are particularly acne-prone.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. One of the key advantages of ATIP over L-ascorbic acid is its exceptional stability. Unlike traditional vitamin C serums that can oxidize and turn orange within weeks, ATIP remains stable and effective throughout the 12-month period. The 50ml jar typically lasts 4-8 weeks depending on whether you use it once or twice daily. Store in a cool, dry place and use clean hands or a spatula for best hygiene.
Verdict: The Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Brightening Moisturizer is a well-formulated K-beauty innovation that delivers on its brightening promises through a premium, stabilized form of vitamin C. The 5% ATIP shines in its stability, gentleness, and penetration depth, making this an outstanding choice for sensitive-skin users who have struggled with traditional L-ascorbic acid products. The supporting cast of 5-weight hyaluronic acid, yuja, ferulic acid, and calming botanicals make this more than just a vitamin C cream. It does come at a premium price ($52/50ml) and is not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, but for those seeking a gentle-yet-effective daily brightening moisturizer with clean, K-beauty credentials, this is one of the best options available.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antioxidant
|
Redness
Dark Spots
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|





