After 12 weeks, this retinol and vitamin C combo visibly improved hyperpigmentation and sun damage in 44 women—with most improvements showing up by week 8. The trade-off: expect dryness in weeks 1-2, but it went away by week 12. The encapsulated retinol formulation (0.5%) paired with 30% vitamin C actually delivered measurable results.
44 women used a two-product regimen (retinol treatment + vitamin C moisturizer) for 12 weeks. Researchers graded skin improvements, took photos, and tracked side effects at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12.
Funding not disclosed in abstract