COSRX Pure Vitamin C 23% Serum: Dermatocare review
COSRX 23% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum, formulated with Adenosine, is not suitable for beginners. It is aligned to Oily, Combination/Normal, Dry skin, with skin concern of Uneven dull skin, Fine lines/Wrinkles.
Overview
Skin type Oily, Combination/Normal, Dry
Skin concern Uneven dull skin, Fine lines/Wrinkles
Specs Premium, Fragrance Free, Has silicone, INCI Listed on Website
Life stage
Formula highlight
- Vitamin C Type: 23% L-Ascorbic Acid, plus Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Conc. not found)
- Has synergistic ingredients: Vitamin E (Tocotrienols, Tocopherol)
- Anti-aging: Adenosine
- Brightening: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract), Acetyl Glucosamine / N-Acetyl Glucosamine
- Soothing: Panthenol, Allantoin
- Barrier repair: Niacinamide (undisclosed strength)
- Emollient: Squalane, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
- Antioxidant: Glutathione (undisclosed strength), Caffeine, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract (incl. Hydrolyzed form)
Keep in mind
- Packing: Dropper packin- close the lid tightly aftre use and finish within 1 month
- Dropper bottle: close the cap tightly after use and finish within 1-3 months of opening
People also ask
This product complies with all applicable cosmetic safety regulations. Evaluations provided are based on Dermatocare's independent database criteria, which apply stricter benchmarks than standard regulatory guidelines.
Sensitive skin Cautious use: Contains ingredients flagged in our database as common contact sensitizers. Performing a 24-hour patch test is recommended prior to use.
Beginner Friendly: No - This formula is better suited to those already experienced with Vitamin C because it contains L-Ascorbic Acid at 23%, well above the concentration where irritation risk increases for new users.
Pregnancy: Cautious Use - Contains ingredients which is flagged on our Pregnancy Ingredient Database for concentration limits. Can be used for short term/intermittent use, as spot treatment, or in rinse off formula. When in doubt consult your physician.
Teens Caution: Compliant with general cosmetic safety standards, but Vitamin C serum is unnecessary or unsuitable for teen skin. Refer to our Teen Skincare Guide
No. It does not contain any ingredients currently flagged under Dermatocare's internal evaluation criteria. Refer to our Ingredients Under Review Guide for full database benchmarks.
No. It does not contain ingredients currently flagged for environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, or aquatic toxicity under Dermatocare's database criteria. Refer to our Environmental Screening Guide for full evaluation benchmarks.
Ingredient list
Aqua/Water, Ascorbic Acid (23%), Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Panthenol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Sodium Hydroxide, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Metaphosphate, Adenosine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Dextrin, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Arginine, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Glutathione, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Methyl Trimethicone, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Beta-Carotene Elizabeth Arden.
Source: https://www.cosrx.com/products/the-vitamin-c-23-serum
Date: 13 September 2026
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Disclaimer
The information, ratings, and recommendations provided on Dermatocare — including ingredient safety scoring, suitability tags, and dermatologist insights — are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical diagnosis, treatment, or a doctor-patient relationship. Product assessments are based on publicly available ingredient lists and scientific literature; formulations may change without notice, and Dermatocare does not assume liability for inaccuracies, adverse reactions, or product misuse.
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