Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser
Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser
Product Description
A sulfate-free, pH-balanced daily gel cleanser from Derma E that brightens dull skin while it cleans. Powered by a stabilized Vitamin C ester, licorice root, niacinamide, Madonna lily and a gentle touch of glycolic acid, it lifts away makeup, oil and impurities and leaves skin feeling fresh, soft and visibly more radiant β without stripping.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Intensive Brightening Complex
A stabilized Vitamin C ester teams up with licorice root, bearberry and Madonna lily stem cells to target dullness and the look of dark spots.
Gentle Daily Exfoliation
A small amount of glycolic acid (AHA) helps sweep away dead surface cells for a smoother, fresher-looking complexion.
Sulfate-Free & pH Balanced
Cleanses makeup, oil and impurities without harsh surfactants, so skin feels clean and comfortable rather than tight.
Clean, Vegan & Cruelty-Free
From one of the original California clean-beauty brands β free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, gluten and synthetic fragrance.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains Retinyl Palmitate (a Vitamin A / retinoid) plus glycolic acid. Many dermatologists advise avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy β even rinse-off β so check with your doctor first.
Includes glyceryl laurate and palmitate esters (ascorbyl & retinyl palmitate) that can feed malassezia. The rinse-off format lowers the risk, but it isn't strictly FA-safe.
Plays well with most routines. It already carries mild Vitamin C, AHA and a trace retinoid, so simply space out any strong leave-on acids/retinol and use SPF by day.
Glycolic acid and Vitamin A can increase sensitivity to UV. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended while using this cleanser.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester) ~1% Promising
An oil-soluble, more stable form of Vitamin C. Derma E uses it because it's less likely to oxidize before it reaches the skin, helping to brighten and defend against free-radical stress.
- Function: Antioxidant and skin-brightening agent that supports a more even-looking tone.
- Note: Generally gentler and less acidic than pure L-ascorbic acid, making it suitable for daily use.
𧬠Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2% Proven
One of the best-studied brightening and barrier ingredients. It helps reduce the look of dark spots and uneven tone while supporting skin's moisture barrier.
- Research: Niacinamide is documented in dermatology literature for improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation and skin texture.
- Bonus: Helps regulate the feel of oily skin and calm redness.
β¨ Glycolic Acid (AHA) Low Proven
The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid loosens the bonds between dead surface cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin over time.
- Function: Surface exfoliation that supports glow and a more refined texture.
- Reality check: At cleanser-level concentration and short contact time, exfoliation is gentle rather than treatment-strength.
πΏ Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Extract Promising
A botanical brightener that helps visibly fade discoloration and soothe the skin. It's a core part of Derma E's "Intensive Skin Brightening Complex."
- Function: Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
- Bonus: Anti-inflammatory properties that pair well with the gentle exfoliation.
π₯¬ Green Tea + Madonna Lily Stem Cells Extract Promising
Organic Camellia Sinensis (green tea) and Lilium Candidum (Madonna lily) leaf cell extract round out the brightening blend with antioxidant and tone-evening support.
- Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols that help defend skin against environmental stress.
- Madonna Lily: Plant stem-cell extract used to support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
π °οΈ Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) Trace Promising
A mild, ester form of Vitamin A. It must convert several steps in the skin to become active, so it's gentle β but its presence is the main reason this cleanser carries a pregnancy caution.
- Function: Supports skin renewal and the look of smoother, more youthful skin with long-term use.
- Strength: Far less potent than retinol; in a wash-off product the effect is supportive at best.
20 ingredients
Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glyceryl Laurate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycolic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester), Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum (Madonna Lily) Leaf Cell Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Allantoin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Always the first step. Use morning and night, then follow with your treatment serums, moisturizer and β in the AM β broad-spectrum sunscreen.
π How to Use
Dampen
Wet your face and neck with lukewarm water to prep the skin.
Lather
Pump a small amount into damp hands and massage gently over face and neck for 30β60 seconds.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with water. For best brightening results, let the lather sit briefly before rinsing.
Follow Up
Pat dry and continue with your serum, moisturizer and SPF in the morning.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle daily cleanser that also brightens
- You have dull skin, uneven tone or mild dark spots
- You have oily or combination skin
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, clean formulas
- You enjoy a fresh, natural citrus scent
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (retinyl palmitate)
- You need a strictly fungal-acne-safe routine
- You have very dry skin needing a creamy cleanser
- You're sensitive to citrus oils or essential oils
- You want high-strength leave-on Vitamin C (this washes off)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Sulfate-free lather cleans away excess oil and dulling buildup without over-drying or leaving residue.
Balances cleansing and brightening across both oily and normal zones β a popular all-rounder.
Gentle, low comedogenic risk and niacinamide help blemish-prone skin β but it isn't fungal-acne safe.
Some reviewers with very dry or mature skin find it slightly drying in winter β follow with a rich moisturizer.
Glycolic acid plus orange oil can be reactive for some. Patch test first if your skin is easily irritated.
π Results Timeline
Clean, Soft & Refreshed
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed yet comfortable, with a light glow and an invigorating citrus finish.
90%+ noticedSmoother Texture
Gentle glycolic exfoliation helps skin feel smoother and look fresher with consistent daily use.
70% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
The Vitamin C, licorice and niacinamide blend helps the complexion look more luminous and even.
60% noticedReduced Look of Dark Spots
With ongoing use and daily SPF, the appearance of stubborn discoloration and dark spots can soften.
45% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Gentle, non-stripping everyday cleanse
- Refreshing natural citrus scent
- Brightening + mild exfoliation in one step
- Affordable, clean and vegan formula
- Generous 6 oz bottle lasts roughly two months
β Criticized
- Contains retinyl palmitate β not pregnancy-safe
- Not fungal-acne safe (glyceryl laurate + esters)
- Citrus scent can bother fragrance-sensitive users
- Slightly drying for very dry skin in winter
- Wash-off actives are supportive, not treatment-strength
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Pairs a stronger Vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) with glycolic acid for similar brightening. Trade-off: it includes synthetic fragrance and a dye (Yellow 6), so it's less "clean."
Vitamin C with aloe, rosehip oil and MSM for a gentle brightening wash. Smaller 5 oz size and no AHA, so less exfoliation than the Derma E formula.
An affordable Vitamin C gel wash focused on radiance and hydration. Lacks the licorice/Madonna lily brightening complex and the touch of glycolic acid.
π Comparison with Competitors
Derma E Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser (Featured)
$15.50RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow
~$13TruSkin Vitamin C Cleanser
~$15Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
~$68π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. The color may shift slightly over time due to the natural Vitamin C β this is normal.
Recyclable pump bottle (6 fl oz / 175 ml)
Checked bag only β the 175 ml bottle exceeds the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The formula contains Retinyl Palmitate (a Vitamin A / retinoid) and glycolic acid. Because many dermatologists recommend avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy β even in a rinse-off product β it's best to check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding it to your routine while pregnant or nursing.
No, not strictly. It contains glyceryl laurate plus palmitate esters (ascorbyl palmitate and retinyl palmitate), which can potentially feed malassezia yeast. Because it's a wash-off cleanser with short skin contact, the real-world risk is lower than with a leave-on product β but if you follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine, you may want to choose a different cleanser.
Generally, yes. As a cleanser it rinses away, so it layers easily with most routines. Keep in mind it already includes a mild Vitamin C ester, glycolic acid and a trace retinoid, so introduce strong leave-on acids or retinol gradually, listen to your skin, and always apply broad-spectrum SPF during the day.
It's best suited to normal, oily and combination skin, and to anyone dealing with dullness, uneven tone or mild dark spots. Very dry skin may find it slightly stripping in winter, and sensitive skin should patch test first because of the glycolic acid and orange oil.
Clean, soft, glowing skin is immediate. Smoother texture typically shows within 1β2 weeks, a brighter and more even tone around 4β6 weeks, and softening of stubborn dark spots over 8β12 weeks of consistent use paired with daily sunscreen.
It's your first step. Use it morning and night to cleanse, then follow with toner, treatment serums, moisturizer and β in the morning β broad-spectrum SPF.
The risk is low. We rate it around 2 out of 5: a couple of ingredients like glyceryl laurate can be mildly comedogenic, but because it's a wash-off cleanser the chance of clogging pores is small, and Derma E markets it as non-comedogenic.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Because it uses natural Vitamin C, the color may darken slightly over time, which is normal and doesn't mean it has expired.
Verdict: A genuinely likeable, affordable clean-beauty cleanser that brightens gently while you wash. The natural citrus scent and non-stripping lather earn consistently high marks (up to 4.8/5 at major retailers), and the blend of Vitamin C ester, licorice, niacinamide and a touch of glycolic acid leaves skin fresh and glowing. Just remember it's a rinse-off β the actives support rather than replace a leave-on serum β and the retinyl palmitate means it isn't the right pick during pregnancy or for a strictly fungal-acne-safe routine. For everyday brightening on normal, oily or combination skin, it's excellent value.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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.