Allergen & irritant analysis
2 flaggedThis serum from COSRX lists 25 ingredients. AllerNote's analysis flags 2 common irritants in the INCI list. That includes 1 EU-labelled fragrance allergen (citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil). No parabens, MI / MCI (isothiazolinones), formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, SLS / SLES sulfates were detected in the listed ingredients.
- Sodium hydroxideStrong alkaline substance that can be highly corrosive and irritating in high concentrations; used safely in cosmetics only in neutralized, low concentrations for pH adjustment.
- Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilContains potential sensitizers (e.g., limonene, linalool) and is a known fragrance allergen. Unpurified versions can be phototoxic.
Not detected: parabens, MI / MCI (isothiazolinones), formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, SLS / SLES sulfates. Contains: added fragrance.
Based on what's flagged, take extra care if you're among:
- People with fragrance allergy or fragrance-sensitive skin
Generated from this product's ingredient list and AllerNote's allergen database — educational, not medical advice or a substitute for patch testing.
Benefits
Key Ingredients
- 1AntioxidantsShields skin from free radical damage.
- 2AHAExfoliates skin for a brighter complexion.
- 3BHAUnclogs pores and reduces excess oil.
- 4Vitamin CBrightens, evens tone, and supports collagen.
- 5NiacinamideStrengthens, smooths, and brightens skin.
- 6Hyaluronic AcidHydrates by attracting and holding water.
- 7ArbutinGently brightens and evens skin tone.
- 8ExfoliatorsRemoves dead skin cells to smoothe texture.
Full Ingredient List
25INCI (full list, INCI order): actinidia chinensis fruit extract, hylocereus undatus fruit extract, hippophae rhamnoides water, butylene glycol, niacinamide, 1, 2-hexanediol, glycolic acid, betaine, sodium hydroxide, water, panthenol, allantoin, hydroxyethylcellulose, glycerin, polyglyceryl-10 myristate, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, sodium hyaluronate, adenosine, ascorbyl glucoside, citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, betaine salicylate, alpha-arbutin, menthyl lactate, mentha haplocalix extract
Tap any ingredient to see details
Potential Concerns
- May Worsen RosaceaCan trigger flare-ups in rosacea-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions
Does AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum contain fragrance allergens?
Yes — analysing the INCI list, AllerNote found 1 of the EU-labelled fragrance allergens: citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil. If you're fragrance-sensitive or patch-test positive to a fragrance mix, treat AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum with caution and patch test before full use.
Is AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum paraben-free?
No parabens were detected in AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum's listed ingredients. Worth keeping in perspective: parabens are among the least common cosmetic allergens, so "paraben-free" matters far less for reactive skin than avoiding fragrance or the preservative MI/MCI.
Is AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum suitable for sensitive or allergy-prone skin?
It depends on your specific triggers. AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum contains 0 flagged allergens and 2 irritants (listed in the analysis above). If none are on your personal allergen list it may suit you, but patch test first — add your allergens to AllerNote to check AHA/BHA Refresh Vitamin C Booster Serum against your own profile.

