Frequently asked questions

Question 1

Why does Gleamin build everything around vitamin C?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C is one of the most researched ingredients for a brighter, more even-looking skin tone. It's an antioxidant, it slows the enzyme that starts pigment production, and it supports collagen. Trends come and go; vitamin C has decades of evidence behind it, so it's at the heart of every Gleamin formula. Read more in Vitamin C for dark spots: how it works and how to use it.

Question 2

How does Gleamin keep vitamin C stable?

Accepted Answer

Pure vitamin C breaks down quickly in light, air and water, so we rely on stable forms and protective packaging. We mostly use stable forms that hold up in a formula and convert to vitamin C in the skin: sodium ascorbyl phosphate, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. We add botanicals naturally rich in vitamin C, such as Kakadu plum and desert lime, and choose packaging that keeps light and air out.

Question 3

What products does Gleamin sell?

Accepted Answer

Gleamin makes nine vitamin C skincare products for face, body and intimate skin. For your face: the Vitamin C Clay Mask, our best-selling 10-minute mask with Kakadu plum, desert lime and turmeric; the Superactive Serum, our 15% vitamin C serum with 4% niacinamide; the Clarifying Brightening Cleanser, a cream-to-foam vitamin C cleanser; the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer, a lightweight vitamin C cream with ceramides; and the Supernutrient Oil, a nourishing face oil with 3% vitamin C. For your body and intimate skin: the Illuminating Intimate Serum for the bikini line and inner thighs; the Advanced Brightening Body Cream, a nightly body cream; the Glow Body Bar, an exfoliating vitamin C and turmeric bar; and the Vitamin C Bright Hand Cream, a non-greasy hand cream. Shop the range in our Amazon store.

Question 4

Is Gleamin only for dark skin?

Accepted Answer

No. Our products are for anyone with skin prone to dark spots or uneven tone, whatever your skin tone. We formulate with melanin-rich skin in mind because deeper skin is the most likely to be left with lasting marks after a breakout, a rash or irritation, so every formula is made to be gentle and steady rather than harsh. That gentle approach suits lighter, olive and medium skin too. Start with one product at a time, patch test on your inner arm and wear sunscreen every morning. Not sure where to start? See our products or read how vitamin C works on dark spots.

Question 5

Are Gleamin products suitable for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

Our formulas are made to be gentle: we pair active ingredients with soothing, hydrating ones, and we use stable forms of vitamin C that don't need a stinging low pH. Our Vitamin C Clay Mask, Superactive Serum, Advanced Brightening Moisturizer and Supernutrient Oil are dermatologist tested. In a repeat insult patch test on 52 adults, supervised by a consulting dermatologist (Princeton Consumer Research, 2023), no irritation or allergic reactions were observed. Every skin is different, though. Patch test a new product on your inner arm for a few days, introduce one product at a time, and start the Superactive Serum every other night before building up.

Question 6

Are Gleamin products dermatologist tested?

Accepted Answer

Four Gleamin products are dermatologist tested. The Vitamin C Clay Mask, Superactive Serum, Advanced Brightening Moisturizer and Supernutrient Oil were each patch tested in repeat insult patch tests on 52 adults, run by Princeton Consumer Research in 2023 and supervised by a consulting dermatologist. No irritation or allergic reactions were observed.

Question 7

Are Gleamin products fragrance-free?

Accepted Answer

Our face products, including the Vitamin C Clay Mask, Superactive Serum, Advanced Brightening Moisturizer, Supernutrient Oil, Clarifying Brightening Cleanser and Illuminating Intimate Serum, contain no added fragrance. Some body products, such as the Advanced Brightening Body Cream, do contain fragrance. It is always listed in the ingredients on the label.

Question 8

Is Gleamin cruelty-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gleamin products are cruelty-free.

Question 9

Are Gleamin products gluten-free and sulfate-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our products are gluten-free and sulfate-free.

Question 10

Where are Gleamin products made?

Accepted Answer

Gleamin products are made in Canada and in Texas, United States. The vitamin C botanicals in our clay mask, Kakadu plum and desert lime, come from Australia, where the mask was first made. Each product's country of origin is printed on its packaging.

Question 11

What is the Gleamin Illuminating Intimate Serum for?

Accepted Answer

The Illuminating Intimate Serum is made for the skin of the bikini line, inner thighs and underarms, which is thinner and more delicate than facial skin. It pairs niacinamide, alpha arbutin and vitamin C, three gentle ingredients that work on different steps of pigment production. It's for external use only. Read Brightening your bikini line: what works (and what scars).

Question 12

What is in the Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask?

Accepted Answer

The Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask combines a vitamin C blend of Kakadu plum and desert lime from Australia with turmeric root powder and extract, kaolin and Hydroclay to lift away oil and buildup, and aloe vera and glycerin to keep skin comfortable. It also contains kale extract, grape seed and safflower oils, and vitamin E. Iron oxides give it its warm color.

See the full ingredient list on the Vitamin C Clay Mask page or the Amazon listing, and read Inside Our Vitamin C Clay Mask.

Question 13

Is the Vitamin C Treatment Mask the same as the Vitamin C Clay Mask?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Vitamin C Treatment Mask and the Vitamin C Clay Mask are the same Gleamin product: our 10-minute mask with Kakadu plum, desert lime, turmeric and clay. Some people also call it the Gleamin turmeric mask. You may see the older names in past posts, reviews and search results. Today it's called the Vitamin C Clay Mask, and that's the name to search for in our Amazon store. Everything about it lives on the Vitamin C Clay Mask page.

Question 14

Is the Vitamin C Clay Mask dermatologist tested?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Vitamin C Clay Mask is dermatologist tested. The formula went through a repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) on 52 adults, run by Princeton Consumer Research from October to November 2023 and supervised by a consulting dermatologist. No irritation or allergic reactions were observed. The same testing covered the Superactive Serum, the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer and the Supernutrient Oil. A patch test result doesn't mean no one will ever react, so if your skin is sensitive, try a little on your inner arm first.

Question 15

What sizes does the Vitamin C Clay Mask come in?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin C Clay Mask comes in two jar sizes: 2.5 fl oz (75 mL) and 5 fl oz (150 mL). The 2.5 oz jar gives about 20 full-face uses and the 5 oz jar about 40, so at twice a week they last roughly 10 and 20 weeks. Using it only on your T-zone or a few spots makes a jar go further. Both sizes are the same formula, and you'll find them in our Amazon store.

Question 16

Did the Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask formula change?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Vitamin C Clay Mask was upgraded in 2024. We added Hydroclay, which helps the mask spread more smoothly, dry with little to no flaking, feel more hydrating after rinsing and stay stable for longer. The jar also grew from 2.1 oz to 2.5 oz. The heart of the formula didn't change: Kakadu plum and desert lime for vitamin C, turmeric, and a 10-minute wear time. If you loved the original, it should feel familiar, just smoother.

Question 17

What is Gleam C?

Accepted Answer

Gleam C is Gleamin's own vitamin C blend of Kakadu plum and desert lime, two Australian fruits naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols. Instead of a single lab-made molecule, it gets its vitamin C from whole fruit extracts, so it brings along the fruits' other antioxidants too. Gleam C is the vitamin C behind our Vitamin C Clay Mask. The blend still comes from Australia, where the mask was first made in 2019.

Question 18

Does the Vitamin C Clay Mask dry out your skin?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin C Clay Mask is made not to leave skin tight or dry. Kaolin and Hydroclay lift away oil and buildup, while aloe vera, glycerin, saccharide isomerate and plant oils help skin feel hydrated when you rinse. To keep it comfortable, leave it on for 10 minutes rather than until it cracks, rinse with warm water, and follow with serum and moisturizer. If your skin still feels tight, use it less often or only on oilier areas like the T-zone.

Question 19

What is in the Gleamin Superactive Serum?

Accepted Answer

The Superactive Serum is Gleamin's most concentrated formula, with 15% vitamin C from two stable forms, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It pairs them with 4% niacinamide, bakuchiol (a plant-based alternative to retinol), turmeric leaf extract and hyaluronic acid. It is fragrance-free, vegan and free of essential oils, and comes in a 1 fl oz (30 mL) opaque pump bottle. The full ingredient list is on the Superactive Serum page and its Amazon listing.

Question 20

Is the new Superactive Serum different from the old Gleamin vitamin C serum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Superactive Serum was fully reformulated in 2024 and is a different product from the earlier Gleamin vitamin C serum. Vitamin C went up to 15%, niacinamide went from 1% to 4%, and bakuchiol was added. The texture changed too. The old serum was water-like; the new one is a true serum that feels slightly dewy or tacky at first and settles as it absorbs. If you used the old version, expect a different feel, and start every other night for the first week or two.

Question 21

Is the Vitamin C Advanced Energy Cream the same as the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vitamin C Advanced Energy Cream is the earlier name of what is now the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer. It's a daily face cream with 3% vitamin C plus vitamin C-rich botanicals, including oil-soluble tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, plus three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, turmeric and electrolytes (magnesium, manganese and zinc PCA). It is fragrance-free and comes in a 1.7 fl oz (50 mL) jar. See the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer page.

Question 22

What is the Gleamin Supernutrient Oil?

Accepted Answer

The Supernutrient Oil is a rich, deeply hydrating face oil with 3% vitamin C in its oil-soluble form, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Cloudberry seed oil makes up about 42% of the formula, alongside jojoba, pumpkin seed and turmeric oils, squalene and vitamin E. It is fragrance-free, vegan and dermatologist tested (repeat insult patch test on 52 adults, 2023), in a 1 fl oz (30 mL) dropper bottle. Read more on the Supernutrient Oil page.

Question 23

What is the Gleamin Clarifying Brightening Cleanser?

Accepted Answer

The Clarifying Brightening Cleanser is Gleamin's cream-to-foam face wash, previously called the Vitamin C Active Cleanser. It combines three forms of vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid plus desert lime and lilly pilly extracts) with a blend of BHA, PHA and AHA exfoliating acids, papaya enzyme and turmeric. It cleanses and gently exfoliates without leaving skin tight, so it's a good first step in a brightening routine, especially for oily and breakout-prone skin. See the Clarifying Brightening Cleanser page.

Question 24

Is the Illuminating Intimate Serum safe for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

The Illuminating Intimate Serum is made for sensitive intimate skin. It is pH-balanced, and it pairs its brightening ingredients (4% niacinamide, alpha arbutin and vitamin C) with soothing allantoin, panthenol and centella asiatica. Every skin is different, so patch test on your inner arm for 2 to 3 days first, use it on external skin only, and stop if it stings, itches or burns. If you have a rash, broken skin or a skin condition in the area, check with a doctor before using it. More on the Illuminating Intimate Serum page.

Question 25

How much niacinamide is in the Illuminating Intimate Serum?

Accepted Answer

The Illuminating Intimate Serum contains 4% niacinamide, within the 2 to 5% range used in most research on uneven skin tone. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) reduces the transfer of pigment to surrounding skin cells and supports the skin barrier, which matters in areas that deal with friction and shaving. In the serum it works alongside alpha arbutin and vitamin C, which act on earlier steps of pigment production, plus turmeric. See the Illuminating Intimate Serum page.

Question 26

Will the Illuminating Intimate Serum change my natural skin color?

Accepted Answer

No. The Illuminating Intimate Serum isn't designed to change your natural skin color. It helps areas darkened by friction, shaving and irritation look more even with the skin around them, by gently slowing the extra pigment that irritation triggers. Your natural tone stays yours. Results are gradual: give it 8 to 12 weeks of daily use, and expect them to vary from person to person. Cutting down friction and irritation helps it work.

Question 27

Are Gleamin products vegan?

Accepted Answer

The Superactive Serum, the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer and the Supernutrient Oil are vegan, as stated on their Amazon listings. All Gleamin products are cruelty-free, gluten-free and sulfate-free. For any other product, check the ingredient list on its Amazon listing or product page, since listings are the most current source, or email support@gleamin.com and we'll confirm for you.

Question 28

Can I use a retinol body cream every night?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most people can use a retinol body cream every night once their skin is used to it. Start every other night, build up slowly and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on exposed skin during the day. It isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Question 29

Should I use the Advanced Brightening Body Cream in the morning or at night?

Accepted Answer

Use the Advanced Brightening Body Cream at night. Retinol is best used in the evening, and the cream has time to sink in while you sleep.

Question 30

Can I use the Advanced Brightening Body Cream on my bikini line or inner thighs?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend using the Advanced Brightening Body Cream on your bikini line or inner thighs. With retinol and fragrance, it's made for body skin, not delicate intimate areas. For the bikini line and inner thighs, use the Illuminating Intimate Serum.

Question 31

Does the Advanced Brightening Body Cream have a scent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it has a light floral scent. If you're sensitive to fragrance, patch test on your inner arm first. The full ingredient list is on this page.

Question 32

Will the Advanced Brightening Body Cream help dark knees and elbows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, used regularly, the Advanced Brightening Body Cream helps knees, elbows and other uneven-looking areas look brighter and more even over 8 to 12 weeks. Results vary. Gentle exfoliation, moisture and sunscreen on exposed areas all help.

Question 33

Can I use the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer day and night?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use a dime-sized amount on your face and neck morning and night, after your serum. In the morning, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Question 34

Can I wear the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer under makeup and sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It's lightweight and absorbs quickly. Give it a minute to settle, then apply sunscreen and makeup as usual.

Question 35

Is the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer good for oily or combination skin?

Accepted Answer

It's a lightweight cream rather than a heavy balm, so many people with combination skin like it. If you're very oily, try it at night first, or use a little less on your T-zone.

Question 36

Does the Advanced Brightening Moisturizer contain fragrance?

Accepted Answer

No. There's no added fragrance. The full ingredient list is on this page.

Question 37

Do I need a serum if I use a brightening moisturizer?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to, but they work well together. The Superactive Serum delivers a concentrated dose of vitamin C and niacinamide, and the moisturizer seals in hydration on top.

Question 38

Can I use the Glow Body Bar every day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's made for daily use. If your skin is sensitive or dry, start 1 to 3 times a week and build up as your skin gets used to the exfoliation.

Question 39

Can I use the body bar on my face?

Accepted Answer

We don't recommend it. The pumice and fragrance are made for body skin. For your face, try the Vitamin C Clay Mask or a gentle facial cleanser.

Question 40

Can I use the Glow Body Bar right after shaving?

Accepted Answer

It's best not to use the Glow Body Bar right after shaving, since an exfoliating bar can sting on nicks or razor bumps. Use it before you shave, or wait until the next day.

Question 41

Will the Glow Body Bar dry out my skin?

Accepted Answer

The Glow Body Bar is made with shea butter, rice bran oil and glycerin so it doesn't leave skin feeling dry. For the softest results, follow with a moisturizer such as the Advanced Brightening Body Cream.

Question 42

When will the Glow Body Bar be available?

Accepted Answer

It's coming soon to our Amazon store. Check back on this page for the link.

Question 43

Can I use the Clarifying Brightening Cleanser twice a day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most people can. If your skin starts to feel dry or tight, cut back to once a day, usually at night.

Question 44

Can I use an exfoliating cleanser with a vitamin C serum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The cleanser rinses off, so it's a gentle way to get exfoliating acids into your routine. Follow with serum and moisturizer, and wear sunscreen in the morning.

Question 45

Is the Clarifying Brightening Cleanser OK for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

It can be, with a slow start: it's made to cleanse without stripping, but it does contain exfoliating acids. If your skin is sensitive, start once a day and patch test first.

Question 46

Is the Clarifying Brightening Cleanser the same as the Vitamin C Active Cleanser?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Clarifying Brightening Cleanser is the newer name for our Vitamin C Active Cleanser.

Question 47

Where can I use the Illuminating Intimate Serum?

Accepted Answer

On the external skin of the bikini line, inner thighs, underarms, the crease under the bottom and other places where skin rubs together. It's for external use only, so keep it away from mucous membranes and the eyes.

Question 48

Is the Illuminating Intimate Serum gentle enough for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

It's designed to be: we made it for delicate areas, with a pH suited to intimate skin and comfort-focused ingredients like allantoin, panthenol and centella. Every body is different, though, so patch test on your inner arm first and start once a day. If you notice itching, burning or a rash, stop and check with a doctor.

Question 49

Can I use the Illuminating Intimate Serum right after shaving or waxing?

Accepted Answer

Not right away: give your skin a break first. Wait until it feels calm, usually a day after waxing or a few hours after shaving, and never apply it to nicks, cuts or broken skin.

Question 50

How long does the Illuminating Intimate Serum take to work?

Accepted Answer

Most people notice a change over 8 to 12 weeks of twice-daily use. Results vary, and friction keeps adding new marks, so pair the serum with breathable fabrics and gentle hair removal.

Question 51

Can I use a regular face serum on my bikini area instead?

Accepted Answer

Some people do, but many face serums contain strong acids or high-strength actives that can sting delicate skin. The Intimate Serum was built for these areas. Read what works (and what to skip) for the bikini line.

Question 52

How long do I leave the Vitamin C Clay Mask on?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes. Rinse it off before it dries completely and cracks, and don't leave it on for more than 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Question 53

How often should I use the clay mask?

Accepted Answer

Start with 1 to 2 times a week. If your skin feels comfortable, you can build up to 3 times a week. On the other days, a vitamin C serum like our Superactive Serum keeps your routine going.

Question 54

Will the turmeric in the Vitamin C Clay Mask stain my skin?

Accepted Answer

It shouldn't: the mask is a bright turmeric yellow, but it's made to rinse off clean with warm water. Rinse well around the hairline and brows, and use a dark or dedicated towel just in case.

Question 55

Does the Vitamin C Clay Mask help with dark spots?

Accepted Answer

Used regularly, the mask helps skin look brighter and more even, so dark spots look less noticeable over time. Most people see a gradual change over 8 to 12 weeks, and results vary. Daily sunscreen makes a big difference too. For stubborn or spreading dark patches, talk to a dermatologist, who can check the cause and discuss prescription options.

Question 56

Is the Vitamin C Clay Mask OK for sensitive skin?

Accepted Answer

It's dermatologist tested and made to be gentle: it was patch tested on 52 adults under a consulting dermatologist's supervision, with no irritation or allergic reactions observed. Everyone's skin is different, so patch test on your inner arm first, start once a week and skip it on broken or irritated skin. *Repeat insult patch test, Princeton Consumer Research, 2023.

Question 57

Where can I buy the Gleamin Vitamin C Clay Mask?

Accepted Answer

Right now Gleamin sells only on Amazon. You'll find the 2.5 fl oz jar and the 5 fl oz jumbo jar in our Amazon store.

Question 58

Do I use a face oil before or after moisturizer?

Accepted Answer

After. Oils seal in what's underneath, so apply serum, then moisturizer, then a drop of Supernutrient Oil. You can also use the oil on its own after your serum if your skin likes a lighter routine.

Question 59

Can vitamin C dissolve in oil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some forms can, and the oil uses one: tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a form of vitamin C that dissolves in oil rather than water. It's known for being stable and gentle. Read more in All About Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

Question 60

Can I use face oil on oily skin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in small amounts: many people with combination skin enjoy it at night or on drier areas like the cheeks. If your skin is very oily or breaks out easily, start with a drop a few nights a week and see how it feels.

Question 61

How much Supernutrient Oil should I use?

Accepted Answer

A dime-sized drop is enough for your face and neck. Warm it between your fingertips and press it in rather than rubbing.

Question 62

How often should I use the hand cream?

Accepted Answer

As often as you like. Apply after washing your hands or whenever they feel dry. Consistent use gives the best results.

Question 63

Does the Vitamin C Bright Hand Cream help dark spots on hands?

Accepted Answer

With regular use, it helps the backs of your hands look brighter and more even over 8 to 12 weeks, and results vary. Daily sunscreen on your hands matters just as much. New, changing or unusual spots are worth showing to a dermatologist.

Question 64

Is the Vitamin C Bright Hand Cream greasy?

Accepted Answer

No. It's made to absorb quickly and leave hands soft rather than slick, so you can get on with your day.

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