Vitamin C is a huge ingredient in skincare. It's not only a Kbeauty trend but a worldwide phenomenon! It shouldn't be a surprise that Laneige, a Korean beauty brand decided to release the Radian-C series based on Ascorbic Acid and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid - the newest, and more stable derivative of Vitamin C. I tried the entire line which includes Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector, Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule, Laneige Radian-C Cream and Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ to share with you my experience and help you decide if this line is suitable for your skin.
Vitamin C is still a popular ingredient, even if lately we see retinol almost everywhere and popular trends related to this ingredient. The Laneige Radian-C series contains 4 products. I'm not sure if Laneige will expand this series especially when the brand introduced the Perfect Renew series earlier this month.
I also want to add that all the products in this post were bought by me.
This post doesn't go along with the release timeline but all the products are in order related to the steps of the skincare routine.
But why Vitamin C?
Lots of people forgot about Vitamin C for retinol and retinal. There are plenty of reasons why Vitamin C is one of the top active ingredients. It's an antioxidant - it fights free radical damage. It stimulates collagen type I and III as well as elastin production. It protects your skin from photoaging. It boosts the UV protection of sunscreens (that's why we should apply it during the morning routine). It helps with both PIH & PIE. I feel like PIE is still hard for people to treat because products to fight PIE are not promoted by companies in the right way. We need substances with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties more than tyrosinase inhibitors. These are just a few of the positive effects of vitamin C in skincare. It's good to mix vitamin C with other ingredients like vitamin E, niacinamide or ferulic acid. We shouldn't forget about different forms of vitamin C in skincare.
About Laneige
2019 was the year of the Laneige - Cream Skin series, new products in the Water Bank series, Laneige in Europe, Glow Makeup Serum and now Cica Mask! 2021 wasn't worse for the brand - retinol series. 2023 started well for Laneige - with new triple serum and renewed Cream Skin toner. Laneige is a brand with 29 years of tradition. Laneige was established in 1994. The owner of this company is Amore Pacific. The name Laneige comes from the French "La Neige", which means snow. Laneige focuses on water and technology. This brand knows how to make your skin hydrated while fighting other skin problems, but it's not only about skincare! The Two-Tone Bar Lipstick used by actress Song Hye-Kyo in the K-drama Descendants of The Sun sold out quickly. I remember Two Toner Bar Lipstick better from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo with Lee Sung-Kyung. Both actresses made an appearance in Laneige commercials. Actress Kim Yoo-Jung is currently the face of Laneige and Radian-C Cream. It's quite an affordable brand with sweet but not too sugary packaging. The packaging makes me believe that the main targets are teens and young adults. It's like a transition between Etude House and Sulwhasoo if Etude House is a teenage girl and Sulwhasoo is a mature lady.
Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector
It's not the first product from the Radian-C line, but the routine starts with Laneige Radian-C Brightening Treatment Essence or Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector - the name depends on where you're living. For all the details related to packaging, scent and texture please check a separate post related to Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector.
Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Fragrance/Parfum, Taurine, Limonene, Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract is an antioxidant with moisturizing properties. It's a source of Vitamin C and polyphenols. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Alcohol Denat is an immense topic in skincare. Alcohol can be good or bad for your skin, but sometimes the amount makes a poison. Alcohol, after all, is a prominent solvent. It makes active substances penetrate the skin deeper. This effect has its cost - the skin is getting a bit irritated. Some substances can be dissolved only in alcohol. This ingredient has antibacterial properties. It works as a preservative by preventing microorganisms from growing in the product. It has some awful sides too - it can dry your skin, mainly if we use it in large amounts. Sensitive skin is not a fan of this ingredient. Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract is an extract derived from acai fruit. It's an antioxidant. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an oil-in-water emulsifier. Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a synthetic ingredient that has a similar texture to wax. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the adenosine's roles in our bodies is being a neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss.
Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. Sodium Magnesium Silicate is a synthetic thickener. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Taurine is an amino acid that helps with blood circulation and hydration. It makes dull skin more radiant. Limonene is a scent ingredient, and it makes the product smell like lemon or orange. Limonene can enhance the penetration of other substances, but at the same time, it can irritate the skin. Glutathione is an antioxidant that naturally occurs in the skin. It's a tripeptide made out of glutamic acid, glycine and cysteine. It helps with free radical damage and it inhibits melanin which makes it a powerful ingredient to treat pigmentation. Because of the sulfur amount in glutathione, you can use it to moderate sebum production in acne-prone and oily skin types. It speeds up the skin healing process and supports vitamin C and vitamin E, so it's good to use it with both these ingredients. Ascorbic Acid is an antioxidant that stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. It helps with pigmentation - both PIE & PIH. It is better to use vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. Ascorbic Acid can fix what free radicals destroy. Brands recommend mixing ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E. Vitamin C has a cardinal role in strengthening the blood vessels and boosting wound healing. Ascorbic Acid in a concentration above 10% might be too irritative for sensitive skin or rosacea - even some acne-prone skin might not enjoy it. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid or Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a form of Vitamin C. This form is very stable in both oil and water. It's an antioxidant and skin-brightening ingredient. It stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps with PIE & PIH pigmentation - this form shows the best effects on pigmentation and post-UV-exposure skin discolouration. It's better to use Vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. We consider 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the most stable form of vitamin C in skin care, and this version is suitable for sensitive skin. It's good to mix it with niacinamide and vitamin E. This form has weak points - it's the most expensive form of vitamin C. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars.
How does Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector work?
Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector contains Alcohol which is supposed to help with the transport of active ingredients. For sensitive skin, it's not the best choice. In the beginning, I thought it was a good product, but my oily skin felt a bit dehydrated due to the alcohol in this product and started to produce more sebum - that's a natural thing. I would recommend skipping this one and instead choosing Laneige Cream Skin - earlier this month Laneige renewed its cult Cream Skin so you can find the old version in many stores on sale. Once I get my hands on the new version I'll share my review.
Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule
Once you apply essence or effector, the next step is Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule or Laneige Radian-C Spot Serum. Similar to the Essence situation, it all depends on where you live. Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule in Korea contains 17,6% of pure Ascorbic Acid while other countries have 15,2% of pure Ascorbic Acid version. Sadly, ampoules and serums are available only in selected countries. For all the details related to packaging, scent and texture please check a separate post related to Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule.
Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Tromethamine, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Panthenol, Sodium Chloride, Acetyl Glucosamine, Limonene, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Sulfite, Disodium EDTA, Glutathione, Fragrance/Parfum, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Dextrin, Linalool, Citral, Butylene Glycol, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Methyl Trimethicone, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Ascorbic Acid is an antioxidant that stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. It helps with pigmentation - both PIE & PIH. It is better to use vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. Ascorbic Acid can fix what free radicals destroy. Brands recommend mixing ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E. Vitamin C has a cardinal role in strengthening the blood vessels and boosting wound healing. Ascorbic Acid in a concentration above 10% might be too irritative for sensitive skin or rosacea - even some acne-prone skin might not enjoy it. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Dimethicone is a silicone and polymer. Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent with moisturizing properties. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid or Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a form of Vitamin C. This form is very stable in both oil and water. It's an antioxidant and skin-brightening ingredient. It stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps with PIE & PIH pigmentation - this form shows the best effects on pigmentation and post-UV-exposure skin discolouration. It's better to use Vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. We consider 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the most stable form of vitamin C in skin care, and this version is suitable for sensitive skin. It's good to mix it with niacinamide and vitamin E. This form has weak points - it's the most expensive form of vitamin C. Squalane is an ingredient very similar to our sebum. Squalane and squalene sound similar, but there's a difference. Squalane has no double bonds while squalene has double bonds. What does it mean? Squalane is a more stable version of squalene. What I love about this ingredient is how well it works with all skin types, and how our skin needs it. Believe me, if your skin is irritated - go for squalane! This ingredient is usually derived from sugarcane or olives. It acts like an emollient and you need it in your life. Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Sodium Chloride is nothing else than well-known salt. In skin care, sodium chloride is a thickener. We also use it as an exfoliant. Acetyl Glucosamine is a precursor of Hyaluronic Acid. It's an ingredient that helps with skin brightening and elasticity.
Limonene is a scent ingredient, and it makes the product smell like lemon or orange. Limonene can enhance the penetration of other substances, but at the same time, it can irritate the skin. Who doesn't like coffee? Caffeine is an ingredient which we all assign with coffee, but even tea contains some amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is an ingredient that lots of eye care products contain, but is it as effective as everyone thinks? It improves blood circulation, and it might be helpful with cellulite, but don't expect miracles. It's a good antioxidant, and it's great to have it. Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying. Sodium Sulfite is a preservative, it can be helpful in hair care products. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. Glutathione is an antioxidant that naturally occurs in the skin. It's a tripeptide made out of glutamic acid, glycine and cysteine. It helps with free radical damage and it inhibits melanin which makes it a powerful ingredient to treat pigmentation. Because of the sulfur amount in glutathione, you can use it to moderate sebum production in acne-prone and oily skin types. It speeds up the skin healing process and supports vitamin C and vitamin E, so it's good to use it with both these ingredients. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract adds scent and colour to the product, but it also can work as an antioxidant and humectant. Dextrin is an emulsifier with stabilizing properties. Linalool gives a floral scent to products. It can irritate the skin. Citral gives products a lemon scent. It can be sensitizing for the skin. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. Arginine is an amino acid. It helps with protein biosynthesis in adults. According to research from 1964, a lack of arginine might raise your chance to get an HSV infection. Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide that works as a thickener. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol.
Tranexamic acid is an ingredient which I met through pharmacology lectures since it has wide use in healthcare. It's a solution that prevents blood loss - you can use it during heavy menstruations, nosebleeds or even patients after cardiac surgeries are recommended to use. Tranexamic Acid is a synthetic substance related to amino acids. Lately, tranexamic acid became more popular as a pigmentation medication - especially for melasma. It inhibits tyrosinase to slow down melanogenesis. This ingredient is amazing not only for people with pigmentation diseases but also for rosacea. It can be helpful with post-acne scars. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is an ingredient which I prefer to see in skincare than seeing liquorice as food. It's an amazing antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with acne and visible red veins and it brightens the skin. Or I should say it works on pigmentation. What's better than an anti-inflammatory ingredient with brightening properties? Liquorice is not new, since it's a popular ingredient in traditional herbal medicine. It's a source of glycyrrhizinic acid and glabridin. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars. Methyl Trimethicone is a volatile silicone, a type of silicone that evaporates right after product application. It works as a solvent in the products. Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil is an emollient and source of linoleic acid, oleic acid, vitamin E, flavonoids and sterols. It's also a powerful antioxidant suitable for oily skin. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is an extract obtained from the flower, leaf and stem of Centella Asiatica. Centella Asiatica Extract is probably the most popular extract in skincare. It comes under a few names - Asiatic pennywort, tiger grass or Gotu kola. Centella Asiatica's roots are in Ayurveda. This extract is successful because it's a source of triterpene saponins - madecassoside and asiaticoside. Centella Asiatica Extract has anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds up the wound-healing process. You can use it to treat acne since it has soothing and antibacterial properties. It boosts fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin or even helps with hyaluronic acid synthesis. Centella is recommended for rosacea and cellulitis since it helps with blood microcirculation. In hair care, Centella can help with hair growth.
How does Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule work?
Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule is quite a clever solution because we get only 10ml of product to use within a month. Laneige uses two forms of Vitamin C - pure Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and derivative - 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid which is one of the most expensive and effective derivatives. The only thing that might be a problem for some of you - you should start using it right after purchasing, and remember to keep it in the fridge
Laneige Radian-C Cream
Right after Laneige Radian-C Spot Ampoule or Laneige Radian-C Spot Serum, it's time for Laneige Radian-C Cream. This product is based on a patented by Amore Pacific ingredient called Melasolv. It's also recommended by the brand to use it along with Laneige Perfect Renew Youth Retinol Pro. For all the details related to packaging, scent and texture please check a separate post related to Laneige Radian-C Cream.
Laneige Radian-C Cream - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Limonene, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Fragrance/Parfum, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Citrate, Linalool, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Citral, Geraniol
Water hides in a cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. If we want to use water in skincare products, we need to make sure this water is clean and free from minerals, any microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid or Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a form of Vitamin C. This form is very stable in both oil and water. It's an antioxidant and skin-brightening ingredient. It stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps with PIE & PIH pigmentation - this form shows the best effects on pigmentation and post-UV-exposure skin discolouration. It's better to use Vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. We consider 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the most stable form of vitamin C in skin care, and this version is suitable for sensitive skin. It's good to mix it with niacinamide and vitamin E. This form has weak points - it's the most expensive form of vitamin C. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. In the beauty industry, it's an emollient. Many people associate alcohol with something awful for the epidermis, but not every alcohol is nasty. Cetearyl alcohol leaves a moisturizing film on the skin to prevent your skin from transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We use Cetearyl alcohol to create an emulsion. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a combination of coconut oil and glycerin. It's an outstanding emollient, quite common in skincare. It leaves a protective film on the surface of the epidermis to save your cutis from dehydration. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has a significant role in skin care products - it makes the application process effortless. Some people might experience pore-clogging after using Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, but pore-clogging and skin reactions to ingredients are individual. What works for you might not work for someone else.
Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the texture of the product smooth at the touch, and it can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. Methyl Trimethicone is a volatile silicone, a type of silicone that evaporates right after product application. It works as a solvent in the products. Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin) is an emollient. Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is an emollient. It leaves an airy film on the skin. Olivem 1000 is a combination of Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate. It's a natural emulsifier, and beauty companies use it to create an oil-in-water emulsion. Worth mentioning it's a biodegradable formula. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is a surfactant and emulsifier for oil-in-water formulas. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is quite common in SPF formulas since it makes sunscreen more water-resistant. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative. It protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a polymer that works as an emulsifier and thickener. Limonene is a scent ingredient, and it makes the product smell like lemon or orange. Limonene can enhance the penetration of other substances, but at the same time, it can irritate the skin. Polymethyl Methacrylate creates a film to make skin appear flawless without wrinkles or uneven texture. This effect won't stay forever, and that's why we use it in products like foundation or primers. Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer is an emulsifier for oil in water compositions and a thickener. Citric Acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). It's a delicate exfoliant and a buffering ingredient. It adjusts the pH of the formula. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate is a patented ingredient by Amore Pacific. It's hidden under the name Melasolv. This substance is supposed to help with blemishes, pigmentation and uneven skin. Amore Pacific wanted to create a safe formula that safely fights pigmentation disorders. That's why Melasolv doesn't inhibit tyrosinase, but it suppresses the expression of tyrosinase. According to the brand, 0,1% of Melasolv has the same effects as 2% of niacinamide. Melasolv can help you with melasma and lentigo. The formula uses technologies like liposomes and encapsulation to provide deeper penetration of the active ingredient. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh for a longer time. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier. Sodium Citrate neutralizes metal ions, but it also adjusts the pH. Linalool gives a floral scent to products. It can irritate the skin. Tocopherol is an antioxidant known as Vitamin E. It's an oil-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals and makes UVB protection and natural lipid barrier stronger. It's good to mix it with vitamin C for better effects. Oily skin might react with pore-clogging to vitamin E. It is not true that vitamin E works as a preservative or helps with scars. Madecassoside is a bioactive part of Centella Asiatica. It's an antioxidant and can stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis to promote wound healing. It has soothing effects, and it might have anti-ageing properties if we combine it with vitamin C. Citral gives products a lemon scent. It can be sensitizing for the skin. Geraniol makes products smell like geranium. It can be sensitizing.
How does Laneige Radian-C Cream work?
The full description of my experience with Laneige Radian-C Cream you can find in this post.
Laneige Radian-C Cream is the first product from the Radian-C series I've tried, but also my favourite product from this line! It does work with my skin well, and I already used 3 full-size jars of it. I might buy it once again.
Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++
The newest addition to the Radian-C line is Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++. It contains Uvinul A Plus, Homosalate, Octisalate, Titanium Dioxide, Ecamsule and Tinosorb S.
Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ - Packaging
Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ comes in a white tube with orange text - it's a bit different from other products in this line when orange colour was the main one.
Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ - Texture & Scent
Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ has a delicate, orange scent. The cream has a white colour, but it doesn't leave a white scent. It's a moisturizing texture.
Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ - Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Glycerin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dibutyl Adipate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Limonene, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Aluminum Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Fragrance/Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (0.1%), Glyceryl Caprylate, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Alumina, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, C12-15 Alcohols, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Linalool, Ceramide NP, Citral, T-Butyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate or Uvinul A Plus is a sun-protecting agent. It covers the UVA range (320-400 nm), and its peak of protection is 354 nm. Homosalate is a sunscreen agent. It protects the sun from UVB radiation (295-315 nm), and its peak is at 306nm. It's a photosensitive and weak sun-protecting ingredient that's why you can usually find it in a pair with Avobenzone or other substances. Ethylhexyl Salicylate or Octisalate is a sun-protecting agent. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects the skin from UVB radiation (280-320nm), but it has its peak at 306nm which makes it a weak sunscreen. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient with antimicrobial properties. Diisopropyl Sebacate is an emollient common in sunscreens since it helps create a nice formula, it's also common in lip products. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. In the beauty industry, it's an emollient. Many people associate alcohol with something awful for the epidermis, but not every alcohol is nasty. Cetearyl alcohol leaves a moisturizing film on the skin to prevent your skin from transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We use Cetearyl alcohol to create an emulsion. Silica is a mineral-natural ingredient. It's popular in makeup and skincare. It can absorb sebum or thicken the texture. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is a surfactant and emulsifier for oil-in-water formulas. Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is quite common in SPF formulas since it makes sunscreen more water-resistant. Titanium Dioxide (Nano) is a mineral (or physical) sunscreen agent. It protects your skin from UVB and UVA II radiation and might cover some lower waves in UVA I spectrum. It has a typical white colour visible on the skin, unless it's a nano version then this white tint might not be visible at all. This ingredient has a second task - it works as a pigment. Titanium Dioxide works perfectly for skin that needs visible protection like skin with melasma, nice that white pigment works as a barrier or protective film on the skin. It has one additional task, it makes products stay fresh a bit longer. Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid is a long name, that's why you probably know this ingredient as Mexoryl SX or ecamsule. Mexoryl SX was patented in 1982 by L'oreal so when we talk about other brands we stick to the name Ecamsule. This sunscreen protects your skin from UVA radiation (315–400 nm) and it has its peak at 345nm. It's a chemical sunscreen with high stability. Phenyl Trimethicone is silicone and an emollient. It improves the texture of the product and makes it easier to spread on the skin. Phenyl Trimethicone leaves a delicate film on the skin to prevent your skin from TEWL. It's easy to remove it with cleansing products. This ingredient is useful in haircare products since it makes it easier to maintain your hair. In sunscreen, it makes products more resistant to water (it makes sunscreen more waterproof).
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is quite a hard name to remember, that's why you can find people talking about this ingredient by calling it Tinosorb S. It's one of the newer types of sunscreen agents and one of the strongest ones. It's a chemical sunscreen that protects skin from UVA (315-400 nm) & UVB (280-315 nm), and its peak is high. It's a stable sunscreen that works with other sun-protecting substances to protect their early photodegradation. Dibutyl Adipate is an oily emollient. This oil-soluble ingredient dissolves in oils. It creates a hydrating film on the surface of the skin to prevent the skin from dehydration. You can meet it in sunscreens as a solvent. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Tromethamine is a synthetic pH adjuster. Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Limonene is a scent ingredient, and it makes the product smell like lemon or orange. Limonene can enhance the penetration of other substances, but at the same time, it can irritate the skin. Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is a thickener, it helps create elegant, non-sticky formulas. Aluminum Stearate is a pigment and thickener. Polymethyl Methacrylate creates a film to make skin appear flawless without wrinkles or uneven texture. This effect won't stay forever, and that's why we use it in products like foundation or primers. Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a dispersing agent for mineral sunscreens and pigments. It makes the white cast less visible. It can work as a thickener. Fragrance (Parfum) is a scent composition. It can cause allergic reactions. Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide that works as a thickener. Caprylyl Glycol is an oily emollient and humectant. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (0.1%) or Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a form of Vitamin C. This form is very stable in both oil and water. It's an antioxidant and skin-brightening ingredient. It stimulates collagen (type I and III) and elastin production. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid helps with PIE & PIH pigmentation - this form shows the best effects on pigmentation and post-UV-exposure skin discolouration. It's better to use Vitamin C during the morning routine because it boosts the efficiency of sunscreen. We consider 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the most stable form of vitamin C in skin care, and this version is suitable for sensitive skin. It's good to mix it with niacinamide and vitamin E. This form has weak points - it's the most expensive form of vitamin C. Glyceryl Caprylate is a natural oily emollient and emulsifier. It creates a delicate film on the surface of the skin. It has some antimicrobial properties.
Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate is a patented ingredient by Amore Pacific. It's hidden under the name Melasolv. This substance is supposed to help with blemishes, pigmentation and uneven skin. Amore Pacific wanted to create a safe formula that safely fights pigmentation disorders. That's why Melasolv doesn't inhibit tyrosinase, but it suppresses the expression of tyrosinase. According to the brand, 0,1% of Melasolv has the same effects as 2% of niacinamide. Melasolv can help you with melasma and lentigo. The formula uses technologies like liposomes and encapsulation to provide deeper penetration of the active ingredient. Glyceryl Stearate is an emollient with emulsifying properties. Alumina or Aluminum Oxide absorbs sebum and prevents your makeup from caking. It's also a thickener. Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. Stearic Acid is a fatty acid that works as an emollient and emulsifier. Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is an oil-in-water emulsifier, suitable for vegans. Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid, and an oily emollient. It works as an emulsifier. Linalool gives a floral scent to products. It can irritate the skin. Ceramides naturally occur in the skin - it's like cement in the skin. Ceramide NP (also known as Ceramide 3) strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. Citral gives products a lemon scent. It can be sensitizing for the skin. t-Butyl Alcohol is a solvent with a scent similar to camphor. It's common in perfumes. Geraniol makes products smell like geranium. It can be sensitizing. Myristic Acid is a fatty acid. It works as an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Lauric Acid is a fatty acid, it has antibacterial properties. It works as an emulsifier and cleansing agent.
How does Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ work?
The last step of the Laneige Radian-C routine is Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++. I tested a sample, but honestly, it's worth buying a full size!
My reasons why this sunscreen is worth a try are pretty simple: moisturizing formula, no white cast and no migration on eyelids aka it doesn't sting the eye. Besides Vitamin C, Laneige added Ceramides and Panthenol to the formula to make it suitable for all skin types. It's a hybrid sunscreen since it mixes both chemical and mineral sun agents. The formula is biodegradable in 76,9%. Laneige recommends using it with effector and cream which for me is weird since the ampoule works perfectly for the morning routine. Vitamin C boosts UV protection.
Overall, I only tested a sample, but the product gave me a positive impression.
Where to buy Radian-C products?
I'm going to be super honest with you - I had issues finding one shop that carries the entire line, but I found some places where you can find Radian-C products.
I bought my Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector at local Sephora, but if Sephora in your area doesn't sell it then YesStyle has Laneige Radian-C Advanced Effector** for $52,17/150ml. You can use my referral code BETWEENDOTS to save on your next order on YesStyle. You can also try Stylekorean** where Effector costs $34.30.
10ml of Laneige Radian-C Vitamin Spot Ampoule costs $21 on Stylekorean**.
Full size (30ml) of Laneige Radian-C Cream costs $21 on Stylekorean**. If you want to buy a Laneige set then Olive Young** has a set of full size (30ml) Laneige Radian-C Cream with two miniatures (2x7ml) for $31.20. You can use my code BETWEEND0 to save on your order. A set of 3 miniatures 10 ml each costs $14.85 on YesStyle** and it's probably the best deal right now. You can use my referral code BETWEENDOTS to save on your next order on YesStyle.
Full-size (50ml) of Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ costs 21$ on Stylekorean**, but you can also get a 10ml miniature for $4.90 on Stylekorean**. YesStyle full-size Laneige Radian-C Suncream SPF50+ PA++++** costs $29.09. You can use my referral code BETWEENDOTS to save on your next order on YesStyle.
The Laneige Radian-C line is worth a try, it's a bit disappointing that Melasolv was used only in the cream and sun cream, but still Cream, Sunscreen and ampoule are worth a try.
Have you ever tried products from this line before?
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