# Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Perricone MD](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/perricone-md)
Category: [Sunscreens and SPF moisturizers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/sunscreens)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for dry skin; a few sunscreens fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- 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.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin): High (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dark-spots): Superior
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/mature-skin): Superior
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid Ester, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Astaxanthin, Glycerin

## 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Astaxanthin-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, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38072340/))
- Topical 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/))
- Topical 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, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical 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, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Topical 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, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24056055/))
- Application 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, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27873449/))
- Treatment 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, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14616378/))
- Microfine 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, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503414/))
- Replacing 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, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24198489/))
- Microfine 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, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16182508/))
- Oral astaxanthin supplementation significantly restored moisture content and improved elasticity but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth compared to placebo in humans. ([Nutrients, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34578794/))
- Combining 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, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22428137/))
- Twice-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, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37608511/))
- The 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, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten 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, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Users 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.

- Liked: Brightens and glows (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight whipped texture (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Pills under makeup (often mentioned)
- Liked: Invisible SPF protection (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Smooths skin surface (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient hydration (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)

## 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/53e9a436d82fca2a189dd08aa21de2fd.mp4

## 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.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### 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.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### 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.
Sources: [Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/), [Skin Research and Technology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19159387/)

### 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.
Sources: [Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22236139/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14616378/)

### 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.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### 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.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### 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.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### 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.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol).

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-double-repair-face-moisturizer-uv-spf-30/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$31.00 at Amazon
- [ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/elemis/pro-collagen-marine-cream-spf-30/for/dry-skin) — High fit — CA$154.00 at Amazon
- [No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream SPF 30](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/no7/protect-and-perfect-intense-advanced-day-cream-spf-30/for/dry-skin) — High fit — CA$33.18 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## 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
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/perricone-md/vitamin-c-ester-photo-brightening-moisturizer-spf-30/for/dry-skin