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Shop Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum
Serum
Olay

Luminous Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum

~$30· 1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

What it's good for

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

  • Ascorbyl GlucosideModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A gentler, more stable form of vitamin C. Same brightening benefits with less chance of stinging.

    Good for: Brightening, Antioxidant

  • DimethiconeStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A silicone that sits on your skin as an invisible, non-greasy shield. Reduces water loss, protects against irritants (think soap, friction, incontinence), and is FDA-recognised as a skin protectant from 1-30%. The reason your favourite primer feels silky and your barrier cream actually works under makeup.

    Good for: Barrier repair, Hydrating

  • GlycerinModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

    Good for: Hydrating

  • NiacinamideStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.

    Good for: Brightening, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory

  • PanthenolModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

    Good for: Hydrating, Barrier repair

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.

Ascorbyl GlucosideModerate evidence6 citations

A gentler, more stable form of vitamin C. Same brightening benefits with less chance of stinging.

Takada A et al., Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2024 — significantly reduced solar lentigo hyperpigmentation without adverse effects

2024Positive (efficacy)PMID:39769217View source ↗

Muller B et al., A Bayesian network meta-analysis of 14 molecules inhibiting UV daylight-induced pigmentation, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2024;38(8):1566-1574 — network MA including ascorbyl glucoside 2% among depigmenting agents

2024Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:38433524View source ↗

Jacques C et al., Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside: An ascorbic acid pro-drug with longer-term antioxidant efficacy in skin, International Journal of Cosmetic Science 2021 — comparable antioxidant protection to higher-dose ascorbic acid with better stability

2021Mechanism onlyPMID:34679221View source ↗
DimethiconeStrong evidence5 citations

A silicone that sits on your skin as an invisible, non-greasy shield. Reduces water loss, protects against irritants (think soap, friction, incontinence), and is FDA-recognised as a skin protectant from 1-30%. The reason your favourite primer feels silky and your barrier cream actually works under makeup.

Beeckman D, Verhaeghe S, Defloor T, et al. A 3-in-1 perineal care washcloth impregnated with dimethicone 3% versus water and pH neutral soap to prevent and treat incontinence-associated dermatitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011;38(6):627-634.

2011Positive (efficacy)PMID:21952346View source ↗

Saary J, Qureshi R, Palda V, et al. A systematic review of contact dermatitis treatment and prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(5):845-855. (Barrier creams containing dimethicone prevent irritant contact dermatitis.)

2005Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:16243136View source ↗

FDA OTC Final Monograph, 21 CFR Part 347 — Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use; dimethicone listed at section 347.10 as a Category I active ingredient at 1-30%.

2003Regulatory approval21CFR347.10View source ↗
GlycerinModerate evidence6 citations

A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection

2022Positive (efficacy)PMID:35167133View source ↗

Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin

2021Positive (efficacy)PMID:31869257View source ↗

Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration

2017Positive (efficacy)PMID:28889318View source ↗
+2 more ingredients
NiacinamideStrong evidence10 citations

A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.

Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42278444View source ↗

Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026

2026Positive (efficacy)PMID:41240206View source ↗

Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:39171587View source ↗
PanthenolModerate evidence5 citations

Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40613435View source ↗

Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD

2022Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:35887707View source ↗

Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser

2019Positive (efficacy)PMID:30897983View source ↗

Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.

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