Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser
Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A brightening gel cleanser powered by Perricone MD's proprietary Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate), DMAE, and Copper Complex. This non-drying formula removes impurities while visibly smoothing, brightening, and improving skin clarity and tone without stripping natural oils.
Vitamin C Ester Brightening
Proprietary fat-soluble Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate) is more stable and less irritating than pure Vitamin C, helping to visibly brighten and smooth the complexion over time.
Texture & feel
SENSORYVitamin C Ester Brightening
Proprietary fat-soluble Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate) is more stable and less irritating than pure Vitamin C, helping to visibly brighten and smooth the complexion over time.
DMAE Firming Complex
Dimethyl MEA (DMAE) helps visibly lift and plump the appearance of sagging skin, providing firming benefits even in a cleanser step.
Copper & Mineral Complex
Copper Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, and Magnesium Aspartate work together to help visibly improve firmness, elasticity, and energize the skin.
Non-Drying Formula
Gentle surfactant blend with Decyl Glucoside and Cocamidopropyl Betaine cleanses effectively without stripping skin of its natural oils.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains DMAE (Dimethyl MEA) which lacks sufficient safety data during pregnancy. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone present. Consult your healthcare provider before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Ascorbyl Palmitate (an ester) and PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide which may feed malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 comedogenic. As a rinse-off product, the brief skin contact time further minimizes any pore-clogging risk.
Contains Fragrance/Parfum and Limonene (known allergens). Some formulations include Methylisothiazolinone, a preservative flagged as a sensitizer. Patch test recommended.
Safe to use alongside retinol, AHA, and BHA products. As a gentle cleanser, it will not interfere with or deactivate these actives applied afterward.
Perfectly compatible with Vitamin C serums. Using this cleanser before a Vitamin C serum can complement your brightening routine for enhanced results.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAscorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester)Proven
A fat-soluble, highly stable ester form of Vitamin C. Unlike L-Ascorbic Acid, it does not oxidize quickly and penetrates skin more readily due to its lipophilic nature. It acts as an antioxidant, helps brighten skin tone, and supports collagen appearance.
- Type: Fat-soluble Vitamin C derivative (ester of ascorbic acid and palmitic acid)
- Stability: Significantly more stable than L-Ascorbic Acid; does not degrade with light/air exposure as rapidly
- Function: Antioxidant protection, brightening, and supports the visible appearance of collagen-rich skin
Dimethyl MEA (DMAE)Promising
A compound naturally produced by the human brain. In skincare, DMAE is used for its skin-firming and lifting properties. It helps visibly plump the skin surface and may protect against environmental dryness.
- Function: Visibly lifts and firms the appearance of sagging skin over time
- Absorption: Easily and quickly absorbed through the skin
- Benefit: Plumps skin surface and helps defend against drying environmental stressors
Copper GluconatePromising
An essential trace mineral complex found in nearly every cell of the body. Copper is vital for skin health, helping to visibly improve firmness and elasticity by hydrating and energizing the skin. Perricone MD's formula is designed for maximum bioavailability.
- Function: Supports visible skin firmness and elasticity
- Synergy: Works alongside Zinc Gluconate and Magnesium Aspartate as a mineral trio for enhanced skin energy
Zinc Gluconate & Magnesium AspartateSupporting
A mineral duo that supports skin health. Zinc Gluconate helps stabilize formulations, may calm inflammation, and supports antimicrobial function. Magnesium Aspartate aids in moisture retention and cellular energy.
- Zinc Gluconate: Anti-inflammatory properties; may help with acne and clogged pores
- Magnesium Aspartate: Helps attract water to the skin's upper layers for improved hydration
Decyl GlucosideSupporting
A gentle, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant made from glucose and fatty alcohols from coconut. It is one of the mildest cleansing agents available and helps balance the formula's overall cleansing strength.
- Source: Derived from renewable plant-based sources (coconut/corn glucose)
- Irritancy: One of the gentlest surfactants; suitable for sensitive skin formulas
17 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide, Sodium Chloride, Dimethyl MEA, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the very first step in both your AM and PM routines. For best results, follow with your favorite Perricone MD treatment serum and moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils and increase dryness.
Lather a Quarter-Sized Amount
Dispense a quarter-sized amount into your palms. Rub hands together to create a gentle lather before applying to the face.
Massage Gently
Using circular motions, massage the cleanser over your entire face and neck for 30–60 seconds. Focus on areas prone to dullness or congestion like the T-zone.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with warm water until all residue is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have normal to oily skin and want a brightening cleanser
- You struggle with dull, uneven skin tone or loss of radiance
- You want anti-aging benefits starting at the cleansing step
- You prefer a fresh citrus-scented cleanser experience
- You want a cleanser that preps skin for Vitamin C treatments
- You value dermatologist-developed, science-backed formulas
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (contains SLES, may feel stripping)
- You have highly sensitive skin or fragrance allergies
- You are prone to fungal acne (contains esters that feed malassezia)
- You need a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleanser
- You prefer a budget-friendly option (premium pricing at $39 for 6 oz)
- You want a high-concentration Vitamin C product (cleansers rinse off quickly)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. The gel formula effectively removes excess oil and leaves skin fresh without overdrying. Brightening actives help counter post-acne marks common with oily skin.
Great everyday cleanser for normal skin. Non-drying formula maintains skin balance while the Vitamin C Ester and DMAE provide anti-aging and brightening benefits.
Works well for the T-zone without excessively drying cheeks. Those with very dry patches may want to follow with a hydrating toner immediately after cleansing.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate which may feel stripping on dry skin. A cream or oil-based cleanser would be more comfortable. If used, follow immediately with hydrating products.
Contains fragrance, limonene, and potentially methylisothiazolinone (known sensitizers). Patch test strongly recommended. Those with reactive skin should proceed with caution.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and zinc gluconate may help calm breakouts. However, not suitable for fungal acne specifically due to ester ingredients. Good for standard acne types.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Cleansing & Freshness
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed, soft, and refreshed. A subtle citrus scent provides an invigorating wash experience. No tightness or dryness for normal-to-oily skin types.
95% noticed fresh, clean feelImproved Skin Texture
Skin begins to feel smoother and softer after consistent twice-daily use. The gentle cleansing action removes daily buildup without disrupting the skin barrier.
80% noticed smoother textureVisible Brightening
Complexion appears more radiant and even-toned. The cumulative antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C Ester begin to show as dullness diminishes and skin clarity improves.
70% noticed brighter complexionEnhanced Firmness & Tone
With continued daily use, the DMAE and copper complex contribute to visibly firmer, more lifted-looking skin. Discoloration and dark spots appear less noticeable over time.
60% noticed improved firmnessRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed without tightness
- Noticeable brightening and improved radiance over time
- A small amount goes a long way; the tube lasts months
- Dermatologist-developed with science-backed actives
- Free from parabens, phthalates, soy, gluten, and mineral oil
- Effectively removes makeup, dirt, and daily grime
- DMAE and copper complex add anti-aging benefits beyond cleansing
Criticized
- Citrus scent divisive; some compare it to household cleaners
- Premium price ($39) for a wash-off product
- Contains SLES which may be too stripping for dry skin
- Contains fragrance and potential allergens (limonene)
- Not fungal acne safe due to ester-based Vitamin C
- Vitamin C benefits are limited in a rinse-off format
- Some batches may vary in texture and scent per brand
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (a stable Vitamin C derivative) with turmeric and probiotics. Paste texture is thicker than Perricone's gel. Similar brightening claims at roughly one-third of the price, but lacks DMAE and copper complex.
Contains Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Vitamin E, aloe vera, and rosehip oil. More hydrating formula better suited for dry skin. Lacks the DMAE firming technology and mineral complex of the Perricone formula. Fragrance-free.
Not a cleanser but a 10% Vitamin C serum with ceramides for barrier support. Delivers more concentrated Vitamin C benefits than any wash-off product. Consider pairing a gentle drugstore cleanser with this serum for better brightening results at a lower cost.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEDerma E Vitamin C Gentle Daily Cleansing Paste
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after use to preserve active ingredients.
Squeezable opaque tube with flip-top cap. Protects Vitamin C Ester from light degradation.
No — 6 fl oz (177ml) exceeds the 3.4 oz / 100ml TSA carry-on limit. Transfer to a smaller container or purchase the travel-size version if available.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the most commonly flagged pregnancy ingredients. However, it does contain DMAE (Dimethyl MEA), which lacks sufficient safety studies for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We recommend consulting your OB/GYN or dermatologist before adding this to your routine during pregnancy or while nursing.
No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Ascorbyl Palmitate (a fatty acid ester) and PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide, both of which can potentially feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. If you are prone to fungal acne, look for a cleanser free of esters, fatty acids, and polysorbates.
Yes. Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, it is fully compatible with all common actives including retinol, L-ascorbic acid serums, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). The cleanser washes off completely, so there is no risk of negative interactions with leave-on treatments applied afterward. In fact, using this before a Vitamin C serum can complement your brightening routine.
This cleanser is best suited for normal to oily skin types. It excels at removing excess oil and impurities while delivering brightening and firming actives. Combination skin types will also benefit, particularly in the T-zone. However, it may feel too stripping for very dry or dehydrated skin due to its Sodium Laureth Sulfate content. Those with sensitive skin should patch test first due to the fragrance and potential allergens.
You will feel the immediate cleansing benefits — skin feeling soft, clean, and refreshed — from the very first use. Visible improvements in skin texture and smoothness typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Brightening and improved radiance become more noticeable around weeks 3–4. For visible improvements in firmness and dark spot reduction from the DMAE and copper complex, expect 2–3 months of regular use.
This cleanser is the very first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. Apply it to damp skin, massage, and rinse. Then follow with toner, serums (such as a Vitamin C serum or retinol), eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. For a double-cleansing method, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first to remove heavy makeup, then follow with this cleanser as your second cleanse.
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The risk of clogging pores is minimal, especially since it is a rinse-off product that does not stay on the skin. The brief contact time significantly reduces any comedogenic potential of individual ingredients. Users with acne-prone skin generally report good results, though those with fungal acne should look elsewhere due to the ester-based ingredients.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With twice-daily use of a quarter-sized amount, the 6 fl oz tube typically lasts 2–3 months. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed. Discard if the color, texture, or scent changes significantly, as Perricone MD notes that the feel and scent may naturally vary between batches due to the active compounds used.
Verdict: Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Citrus Brightening Cleanser is a solid, well-formulated brightening cleanser that delivers more than your average face wash. The proprietary Vitamin C Ester, DMAE, and copper mineral complex offer legitimate anti-aging and brightening benefits that most cleansers lack. It is excellent for normal to oily skin types looking to improve radiance and skin clarity. However, the presence of SLES, fragrance, and potential allergens limits its appeal for sensitive and dry skin types. At $39 for 6 oz, it sits at a premium price point — and since it is a rinse-off product, the active ingredients have limited contact time with skin. Best used as part of a complete Perricone MD brightening regimen where its benefits compound with complementary serums and moisturizers.
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
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Coco/Isostearamide
|
|






