Shop Neutrogena Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Serum
Serum★ Popular
Neutrogena

Collagen Bank 15% Vitamin C Serum

~$15· 0.5 fl oz
RadianceDark spotsFine lines & firmness

Tracked ingredients

Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.

Evidence behind the ingredients

Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.

Vitamin CStrong evidence13 citations

Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.

Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866 — concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C

2017Mechanism onlyPMID:28805671View source ↗

MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Ascorbic Acid and derivatives (whitening). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — L-ascorbic acid and stabilized derivatives (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) are approved whitening actives in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex; authorized concentrations documented in Jeon JS et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2016;38(3):286-93 (PMID:26564311)

2016Regulatory approvalMFDS:AscorbicAcid-WhiteningView source ↗

Lee WJ et al., Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Regulates the Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Cultured Sebocytes, Annals of Dermatology 2015;27(4):376-82 — stable vitamin C derivative MAP suppresses inflammatory biomarkers in sebocytes, supporting anti-acne use

2015Mechanism onlyPMID:26273151View source ↗
PHAModerate evidence6 citations

The mildest exfoliating acid. Refines texture and hydrates at the same time, and it's sensitive-skin friendly.

Peng Y et al., Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone-Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(3):e70025 — 5% gluconolactone serum improved erythema and moisturization over 30 days

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40111222View source ↗

Kantikosum K et al., The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 2019;12:151-161 — gluconolactone cosmeceutical added benefit on top of adapalene without hindering treatment

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30858720View source ↗

Green BA et al., Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids, Clinics in Dermatology 2009;27(5):495-501

2009Positive — efficacyPMID:19695482View source ↗
3 more citations view all on the PHA page ↗

Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.

Layering conflicts

Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.

  • Benzoyl peroxide breaks down vitamin C, making both less effective. Use one in the morning and the other at night.

  • Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.

  • Sensitive skin may flush.

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