Review: Rovectin – Vita Brightening – Dark Spot Serum

Where to purchase: Rovectin: LINK / Yesstyle: LINK / Skinsider: LINK

Price: ~£25

Volume: 30ml

Made in: South Korea

What is it + What does it do?: A brightening (and hydrating) serum that aims to reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, using ingredients that help prevent melanin production in the skin.

Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types. Particularly Dull Skin.

What I think: I would agree. I particularly think Oily and Combination Skins may prefer this over dry skins, due to the water-like gel texture of this serum.

Vegan?: Yes

Cruelty Free?: Yes

How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.

pH: 5.5

Malesezzia suitable?: No

EU-Allergen Free?: Yes

Packaging: Plastic tube with a cap (easy to travel with and doesn’t spill), with a pump mechanism.

Directions: Apply an appropriate amount on skin after cleansing.

How I use it: I use this in the PM, pumping 3-4 pumps for both the face and neck (doesn’t irritate my neck).

Key Ingredients: The Skin brightening Ingredients include Niacinamide which inhibits melanin production in the skin at concentrations between 2-4% (after 8 weeks of use (Reference). 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which is a Vitamin C derivative that doesn’t replicate Vitamin C’s antioxidative capabilities, but does help to brighten the skin at 2%. Arbutin (Beta-Arbutin) hinders Tyrosinase’s (enzyme) ability to create melanin (aka dark spots in the skin). Turmeric Root Extract is a skin-brightening substance. Ascorbic Acid aka Vitamin C is a potent Antioxidant and skin-brightener (inhibits Tyrosinase full-stop). So as you can see, this contains a potent cocktail of skin-brightening ingredients to help fade dark spots and reduce pigmentation. The one issue is we don’t know the % amount of the actives in here, but there can still be an effect with so many skin brighteners in one formulation,

Note: The key ingredients were extracted with Vacuum distillation under low temperate to minimise damage to the active ingredients.

As you can see from the images down below by Rovectin, after 4 weeks (1 month), there was a reduction in dark spots, blemishes and freckles by 7.48% which would/should hopefully continue as time goes on. 

(Note: We don’t know the details of this experiment i.e. what variables were controlled and how they measured/monitored this change in pigmentation and how many volunteers were used).

Other Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (also helps regulate sebum) / Ferulic Acid + Green Tea Extract (Antioxidants) / Adenosine + Arginine (Conditions the skin) / Sodium Hyaluronate (Hydrating) / Liquorice + Beta-Glucan + Panthenol + Borago Seed Oil (Soothing + Hydrating).

Full Ingredients: Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Methyl Propanediol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Arbutin, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Holy Basil Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Thiamine HCL, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Adenosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Pentylene Glycol, Erythritol, 4-Butylresorcinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Citric Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phytate, Beta-Glucan, Arginine, Dextrin, Lecithin, Tromethamine, Linolenic Acid, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Carbomer

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture: This is a gel serum that is pumped out (viscous and can hold its shape). It’s easy to massage into the skin. It also feels soothing when applying onto the skin (almost like water but remains a gel). It doesn’t take too long to absorb and is lightweight enough for my Oily-Combo Skin (and also feels hydrating).

Sticky?: No

Greasy?: No

Balls up?: No

• As you can see, this is a yellow-tinted serum (you don’t see a colour change i.e. oxidation).

This almost looks like an Aloe Vera Gel

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes.

Summer or Winter?: Oily Skin: All seasons. Dry Skin: May prefer in the Summer as this is more hydrating than it is emollient.

Layerable?: Yes.

Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this is a gel serum that isn’t sticky or tacky and glides along the skin (and absorbs) well. The yellow tint it has does NOT tint the skin.

Fragrance?: Fragrance + EO Free (I don’t get a scent for this).

Good Under Makeup?: Yes

How long have I been using this?: 3 Months

Will I use until Completion?: Yes

How Long will that take?: <1 month (I have 1/5th left and use this every other day).

The Effect?: Initially: Hydrated Skin that somewhat feels refreshed. Long Term: improvement in skin radiance (Reduced dullness) and a decrease in the look of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (post-acne marks) as I use this diligently when I have a pimple and while it’s recovering.

What I like:

• Fragrance + EO Free
• Cruelty-Free
• Lighweight
• Did not irritate / ruin my skin
• Did not ball up
• Not sticky / tacky
• Helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation
• Easy to use (travel-friendly) packaging

What I don’t like:

• Not very moisturising / emollient
• I wish the brightening actives % was disclosed

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4 (nearly 3.9)/5 – A lovely, lightweight gel serum that is an a handy addition to one’s pigmentation-reducing routine. I say an addition, as I would not recommend this as your sole item to get rid of dark spots ( I would recommend either a 10-15% Vitamin C serum as well and/or Retinoids and/or exfoliating acids as well) but I recommend it as a great supplement to help brighten stubborn spots. In terms of overall skin radiance however, this serum is fine to use on its own and should help make the skin look livelier. I really enjoy the texture of this product and it suits my Oily-Combination skin well. No it’s not creamy, emollient or moisturising (the product recommended below is more emollient), but it’s hydrating and sits fine under a moisturiser.

Would I repurchase?: Yes.

Dupe?: The Numbuzin – Vitamin Concentrate Serum LINK contains EVEN MORE skin brightening and conditioning ingredients.

• The Isntree Niacin-C Ampoule (Swatches + Review HERE) Contains Niacinamide and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid to help brighten the skin.

• The Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum – LINK contains Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin to help brighten the skin.

My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

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