Review: It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector with Vitamin C Derivatives

I first came across the best-selling line from It's Skin, the Power 10 Formula when I got samples of It's Skin Power 10 Formula CO Effector with Phyto Collagen. It's a line of different ampules, each targeting a specific skin problem. CO stands for collagen and helped to firm up the skin. I got pretty impressive results, not really in terms of skin firming because I don't think my skin has started sagging yet, but my skin looked pretty resilient, bright, and smooth. So I decided to buy the whole version and got this sample for free from my purchase. This one, VC effector, contains vitamin C to help brighten the skin.

Description (taken from the sample):

• This is a high-potency serum with vitamin C derivatives to retexturize skin's surface and for radiant, transparent and more even complexion and tighten pores leaving fresh sensation to the skin all day long.
• By synergistic effect of green tea extract and PGA, your skin looks visibly healthy and smooth

My impression:

This product is from the Power 10 Line which is the top selling line from It's Skin and VC is the best seller within this product line. Needless to say I expected great things from this ampule. I usually use Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream to brighten my face from its usual unhealthy yellow jaundice-like color, and Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Essence to whiten my skin from the summer because I tan super easy, so I was excited to see how this would compare.

The serum are clear/cloudy liquid stored in 30ml ampules. Yes, only 30ml, but since they're quite watery in consistency you don't need that much to spread it all over your face each time. One sample is enough to last me 3-4 days with nightly usage. I also like how it's watery so I can put on other creams that target my other skin problems (because I definitely have more than one) without having to worry about if 2 things are going to clog my pores and break me out.

I used this as the last step of my skincare routine at night, after Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner toner. I didn't use another cream after this sample because I wanted to see what this product could do to my face alone. So this power effector basically replaced Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Sleeping Mask as my night cream. I applied pretty generously and it didn't clog my pores or break me out. It was actually hydrating enough alone for me (who has oily/combination skin).

I wasn't too impressed with this ampule. Let's go over each of their claims. It made my skin a bit lighter in color, but I wouldn't say it brightened because for some reason my skin looked pale instead of radiant every morning after I put this one at night. It may have tightened my pores but the difference is very small to nothing. My skin didn't look healthy. However, it did leave my skin looking smooth and I think it evened my complexion.

Interestingly enough, I thought It's Skin Power 10 Formula CO Effector with Phyto Collagen made my skin more radiant and brightened my skin, even though it's primary target is to firm the skin.

Summary:

Not as impressive as I expected it to be (to be a best seller within a best selling line)
Didn't really brighten but made my skin paler, no radiance
Evened my complexion and left my skin smooth
$14 for 30ml on eBay

Grade: 3/5 because it just didn't do what it advertised

Value: 2.5/5 because it's not the cheapest and hard to obtain overseas

Repurchase? Nope, I'll be sticking with the CO Effector for now