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Skin concern

Dull skin

Primary source

Dull skin: skin that looks tired, sallow or dull, a descriptive sign most often tied to sun damage, dryness or slowed surface renewal. It is a cosmetic description. The strongest evidence comes from a 2020 human trial: In a split-face randomized controlled trial of 50 women, a serum with 20% vitamin C, vitamin E and raspberry leaf cell culture extract significantly improved skin radiance measured by Glossymeter GL200, along with skin colour and elasticity, over 2 months. 2 ingredients have evidence for Dull skin: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol.

The two studies measured gloss/luminosity or colour scores over weeks on small groups, and both are photoageing-related. Dullness overlaps with photodamage and dehydration, which share the evidence.

Where the definition comes from

Source wording

“UV-induced photoageing is associated with a sallow complexion, deep coarse wrinkles and loss of elasticity … remodelling of the dermal extracellular matrix is a major contributing factor.” — Bradley et al., Maturitas 2015 (PMID 25616779).

Over-the-counter anti-ageing topical agents and their ability to protect and repair photoaged skin Maturitas (Bradley EJ)

Ingredients at a glance

2020 · 50 people · women aged 30-65 · PMID 31975502

Ingredient Measured outcome Based on Certainty Year
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol Skin effect Human trial Moderate 2020
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol Skin effect Human trial Low 2021

Studies and results

  1. 1 Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) Tocopherol Skin effect
    Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial

    In a split-face randomized controlled trial of 50 women, a serum with 20% vitamin C, vitamin E and raspberry leaf cell culture extract significantly improved skin radiance measured by Glossymeter GL200, along with skin colour and elasticity, over 2 months.

    Human trial · 2020 · 50 people · women aged 30-65 · Women aged 30-65 applying the serum to one side of the face for 2 months, with the untreated side as control. · Split-face with an untreated.

    PMID 31975502

    Read the full finding →
    Source:Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial
  2. 2 Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) Tocopherol Skin effect
    Novel Vitamin C and E and Green Tea Polyphenols Combination Serum Improves Photoaged Facial Skin

    In 31 women aged 43-65, a serum combining vitamins C and E with green tea polyphenols produced statistically significant improvements in all clinically graded parameters over 12 weeks, including enhanced skin smoothness and radiance, plus an ultrasound-measured increase in skin density.

    Human trial · 2021 · 31 people · healthy women aged 43-65 (mean 57.9) · Women aged 43-65 with photoaged facial skin, applying the serum twice daily for 12 weeks. · Radiance was a clinical grading parameter.

    PMID 34491027

    Read the full finding →
    Source:Novel Vitamin C and E and Green Tea Polyphenols Combination Serum Improves Photoaged Facial Skin

Study limits

Study conditions and measured outcomes.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol Human trial · 2020

    Split-face with an untreated.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol Human trial · 2021

    Radiance was a clinical grading parameter.

Products with a basis for this

24 products · C15 Brightening Super Booster · Pure Vitamin C12 Serum · 2020 · 50 people · women aged 30-65 · PMID 31975502

Common questions

Which ingredients have been studied for Dull skin?
Ingredients with evidence for Dull skin: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol.
How many people were studied?
2 findings · 2020 · 50 people · women aged 30-65 · PMID 31975502
What can I use for Dull skin?
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Tocopherol · 2020 · 50 people · women aged 30-65 · PMID 31975502
Can I use these every day for Dull skin?
Women aged 43-65 with photoaged facial skin, applying the serum twice daily for 12 weeks（2021 · 31 participants · 31 healthy women aged 43-65 (mean 57.9) · PMID 34491027）

Other concerns

Acne marks and scars Acne and breakouts Barrier damage Blackheads Bumps and rough texture Closed comedones Combination skin Dark circles Dark spots Skincare for deeper skin tones Dehydrated skin Dryness Eczema and atopic dermatitis Hyperpigmentation Large pores Loss of firmness Melasma Skincare for men Oily skin Skincare while on acne medication Peeling and flaking Perioral dermatitis Skincare during pregnancy Psoriasis Facial redness Rosacea Sebaceous filaments Sensitive skin Sun damage Sun protection Teenage skin Uneven skin tone Wrinkles and fine lines