Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 for dry skin
Ascorbic Acid Ester
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Titanium Dioxide
Astaxanthin
GlycerinHigh
- HighDry Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- HighSafety
A great choice for dry skin; a few sunscreens fit it even better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Highly suitable for your dry skin, this product effectively moisturizes with glycerin and provides antioxidant support through tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, addressing your concerns about dryness and flakiness.
- The inclusion of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine further aids in barrier repair, complementing the humectant action for enhanced skin comfort.
- The formulation is safe for your skin, with no identified risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh or prohibited ingredients.
How to apply
- Apply this moisturizing sunscreen daily in your AM routine. Use it every morning as the final step of your skincare routine.
- Apply after your moisturizer and before putting on makeup. This ensures proper sun protection for your skin.
- Gently spread an even layer over your face and neck. Avoid rubbing too hard to keep your dry skin happy.
- Apply on completely dry skin for the best coverage and protection. Make sure your face is clean before application.
- Avoid the immediate eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.
People Say
★4.4Overall rating based on 800+ reviewsUsers frequently praise this moisturizer for its unique, whipped texture that feels lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue or white cast. While many report a visible "glow" and improved skin tone over time, a significant number of users experience "pilling" when layering it under makeup or other products.
Highlights
Brightens and glows Often Mentioned
- “adds a tiny bit of radiance”
- “imparts a subtle glow to the skin”
- “skin looks beautiful but NOT SHINY”
- “unveils brighter-looking, more radiant skin”
Lightweight whipped texture Often Mentioned
- “whipped and airy consistency”
- “absorbs well with no greasy feeling”
- “light in consistency, does not feel heavy”
- “fluffy... wonderful texture”
Pills under makeup Often Mentioned
- “doesn't sit well under foundation”
- “pills under makeup”
- “rolls off the skin”
- “clumps when rubbed”
Invisible SPF protection Sometimes Noted
- “mineral based SPF... no white cast”
- “absorbs... no white streaks”
- “good protection... without thickness”
- “perfect base... protects against environmental aggressors”
Smooths skin surface Sometimes Noted
- “skin felt smoother and softer”
- “minimizes fine lines and wrinkles”
- “pores look smaller”
- “leaves skin feeling tight and soft”
Strong scent Sometimes Noted
- “strong citrus smell”
- “unpleasant odor”
- “scent is too overpowering”
- “smells like vitamins”
Insufficient hydration Rarely Noted
- “not moisturizing enough for dry skin”
- “leaves skin feeling tight”
- “need a separate moisturizer”
- “drying after a few hours”
Packaging issues Rarely Noted
- “lid is difficult to close”
- “heavy glass jar”
- “jar design is unhygienic”
- “product dries out in jar”
Sources: lovi.care, perriconemd.com, dermstore.com, ulta.com, lookfantastic.com, walmart.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 a great fit for dry skin?
This product is a great fit for your dry skin because glycerin effectively moisturizes to tackle dryness and flakiness, while hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine helps repair your skin barrier for lasting comfort. It also delivers antioxidant support with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and is safe to use without harsh ingredients that might cause irritation.
Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for dry skin?
Glycerin, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine make this moisturizer a great fit for dry skin by boosting hydration, providing antioxidant support, and helping repair the skin barrier. These ingredients work together to leave dry skin feeling soft and comfortable without irritation.
What does Ascorbic Acid do for dry skin?
Ascorbic Acid helps dry skin by improving moisture levels and hydration in the outer layer of the skin. It also helps support the skin barrier function to keep moisture locked in.
Experimental Dermatology, 2008Skin Research and Technology, 2008
What does Alpha Lipoic Acid do for dry skin?
Alpha-lipoic acid helps make dry skin feel smooth and soft by supporting moisture levels and improving texture. When combined with other antioxidants or hydrating ingredients, it may also help protect the skin barrier and maintain a healthy appearance.
Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2012The British Journal of Dermatology, 2003
Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This product goes in the morning routine as your moisturizer and spf step, right after a hydrating toner. It effectively moisturizes your dry skin with glycerin while protecting against sun exposure.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
Can I use this moisturizer with retinol, and in what order?
Yes, you can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying your retinol first, letting it absorb, and then following with this cream. This order helps keep your dry skin comfortable and is unlikely to cause irritation.
How often should I use it?
Use this moisturizing spf every morning as part of your daytime routine to protect and hydrate your dry skin. Daily application helps improve skin moisture and barrier function while keeping your skin soft and comfortable.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021
Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This moisturizer is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin, as its safe formula lacks harsh ingredients and relies on soothing components like glycerin. It helps keep skin comfortable without triggering irritation.
Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol).
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Astaxanthin-loaded polyhydroxybutyrate microbeads achieved 98.1% encapsulation efficiency with sustained release, reduced degradation by 2-fold compared to unencapsulated astaxanthin, and showed no cytotoxicity or skin irritation in human cells and tests.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024Topical formulations containing ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, coenzyme Q10, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and attenuated inflammatory signs compared to untreated skin and vehicle in 25 Japanese volunteers exposed to sodium dodecyl sulfate.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Topical 30% P407 gel loaded with ALA cubosomes reduced facial lines, nearly resolved fine lines in the periorbital and upper lip areas, and improved skin color and texture without irritation or peeling in volunteers.
European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014Application of 5% cubosomal alpha lipoic acid gel twice daily for 6 months significantly improved global aesthetic scores and increased epidermal thickness compared to placebo in 20 aging female faces.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017Treatment with a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid for 12 weeks reduces skin roughness by an average of 50.8% compared to 40.7% with placebo in women with photoaged facial skin.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2003Microfine titanium dioxide does not penetrate human skin when formulated in an oil-in-water emulsion with the pigment dispersed in the aqueous phase, compared to oily dispersions and liposomal encapsulation which allow deeper skin penetration.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2000Replacing microsized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide with nanoparticles in sunscreens eliminates opaqueness and alters UV protection balance while inducing (photo)cyto- and genotoxicity and penetrating viable skin layers during long-term exposures.
Nanotechnology, Science and Applications, 2011Microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not penetrate the stratum corneum of porcine skin in vitro, indicating that their use in sunscreens does not pose a health risk from internal exposure.
Toxicology in Vitro, 2006Oral astaxanthin supplementation significantly restored moisture content and improved elasticity but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth compared to placebo in humans.
Nutrients, 2021Combining oral and topical astaxanthin in 30 healthy females improved skin wrinkles, age spots, elasticity, texture, and moisture, while 6 mg daily oral supplementation in 36 healthy males improved crow's feet wrinkles, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss.
Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2012Twice-daily application of a novel topical antioxidant formulation safe, well-tolerated, and effective in improving overall skin quality, fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, and hyperpigmentation in 32 healthy female subjects over 12 weeks.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Polyester-8, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Isohexadecane, Bisabolol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 60, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Thioctic Acid, Astaxanthin, Titanium Dioxide
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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