When I received a bag of goodies from Kiehl’s, I am particularly excited to use the serum because I still haven’t found a serum with Vitamin C that is comfortable to wear during the daytime. And I felt like it was the one. I have acne-prone skin so it means I also prone to dark spots left by it. But does it work? Scroll down to read my Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution review.
WHAT IS IT?
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is, as the name suggests, a serum that diminishes the appearance of dark spots. This dark spot corrector claims to be formulated to have a visible impact on a broad spectrum of dark spots. The clear and corrective formula visibly diminishes the number and intensity of dark spots and discolorations. With a potent, latest-generation clarifying complex of Activated C, white birch, and peony extracts, the formula penetrates skin’s surface to help correct the appearance of dark spots and unify skin tone. With daily, continuous use, skin is visibly brighter, more even, and radiant with a visible improvement in clarity.
INGREDIENTS
The Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution contains Salicylic Acid which is an acne-fighting ingredient. And it also contains Citric Acid and Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) which both has anti-aging benefits. But just like any other Vitamin C serum, those with sensitive skin may want to be wary of this product. This serum also contains Alcohol Denant, and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil plus mixed with Citric Acid and Salicylic Acid, all those products are bad for those with sensitive skin. You can learn more about it and this serums complete list of ingredient analysis in Skin Carisma.
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: After cleansing your face, apply dark spot serum over entire face both day and night under your ideal moisturizer. During the day, protect skin by layering it with sunscreen. Before bedtime, replenish skin by layering with your preferred hydrating moisturizer.
SCENT: All the products from the Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective line has the same distinct smell which is like a mixture of soap and some citrus fruit.
PACKAGING: As expected from Kiehl’s, the packaging feels a bit luxurious. The box doesn’t look fancy but it is packaged in a glass bottle with a sturdy pipette.
FORMULA: Unlike other Vitamin C Serum I used in the past, this one is the lightest and the only that feels comfortable to wear in the daytime even if you live in a humid country. It reminds me of the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop but less sticky, sting, and warm feeling. The serum looks really clear as well and I’ve been using this for almost three months now and it still hasn’t oxidized! Most serums with Vitamin C starts to turn yellow the moment you opened it so by a month or two, you’ll already see its color change. But this one didn’t!
RESULT: As mentioned above, this is the lightest Vitamin C serum I ever used, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. This is literally the only one I can really use during the daytime under my sunscreen for my oily skin. (Unless the CosRx Triple C Serum is true to its claim for oily skin.) However, its effect takes too long. On my first week of using the Kiehl’s Clear Corrective Dark Spot Solution, I didn’t really saw any improvement unlike with Klairs and Purito Pure Vitamin C Serum that I used in the past. The only thing I noticed is it helps to dry out my pimples faster.
Within 3 months of using this product, I still have visible dark spots but they are lighter than before. I didn’t actually notice when did they start to lighten. And it makes me wonder if it is because I started using the other Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective products as well, if so then this serum only works if I use it with the products from the same brand and line? And it’s not really a bizarre thought because there are other skincare products out there that really only works if you use them with products from the same brand and line like the Drunk Elephant. (SIDE NOTE: Why only expensive products do this?) Some people may be okay with just using one brand’s entire line for their skincare but personally, I don’t like to limit myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed using this product, it really works, and the only Vitamin C comfortable to wear in the daytime. But eliminating the dark spots is really REALLY slow. And you probably need another product from the Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective line to see a faster result. I’m not the only one who has noticed its slow work, my fave beauty blogger GeekyPosh noticed it too.
VERDICT
PROS: It is the lightest Vitamin C serum I ever used. The most comfortable for those with oily skin, daytime, and humid weather. It doesn’t leave a sticky residue and doesn’t sting as well. It doesn’t oxidize, unlike other Vitamin C.
CONS: Works really slow, but at least it still works. It’s just, the results take longer to appear than most Vitamin C serum from Korean Brands. Plus, it’s really pricey.
WHERE TO BUY?
The Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution is available in BeautyMNL for P2,995 for 30ml. This is also available in 50ml for Php3,995 in Kiehl’s Philippine branches in Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Makati, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Greenbelt 5, and The Block SM City North EDSA.
You can also purchase this in Sephora for $50 in a 30ml bottle, and $79 for a 50ml bottle.
What do you think of this Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Drak Spot Solution review? Do you use a Vitamin C serum in your skincare routine? Share your thoughts below!
**I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced by the brand or its affiliates.