KORA ORGANICS: NONI BRIGHT VITAMIN C SERUM REVIEW

By: Skin Care Ox

Written By: Diane Elizabeth K. // First Published: 06/18/2020

Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum promises to be a potent treatment for aging skin that uses several kinds of vitamin C to boost collagen production and reveal brighter, tighter, more youthful looking skin. However, can the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum really live up to those promises? As a luxury serum, does the Noni Bright provide enough benefit for the cost? Does it work well for all skin types or just some? What about sensitive skin types who typically avoid vitamin C serums? Will the high concentration of vitamin C cause irritation or redness? To answer these questions, and many others, about the Noni Bright Serum, we got our hands on this popular vitamin C serum and let our reviewers test it themselves for four weeks. The results?

Below, you’ll find a complete summary of our in-depth review of the Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum. Our reviews are organized into three categories: The Clean Ingredient Score (is the product made with clean ingredients?), Product Design & Effectiveness Score (does it actually work?), and the Online Customer Review Score (what is everyone else saying?). Combined, this review should provide everything you need to decide if this organic luxury vitamin C serum is right for you. Enjoy!

KORA ORGANICS NONI BRIGHT VITAMIN C SERUM REVIEW

Product Name: Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum

Product Description: A powerful vitamin C serum made with a blend of 12% ascorbyl glucoside (water soluble vitamin c) and natural super fruits known for their high vitamin C content (such as acerola, kakadu, and noni). Size: 1.01 oz Packaging: BPA free Tube w/ Pump Dispenser Consistency: Gel Scent: Fruity/Citrus Samples Available: No

Price: 68

Currency: USD

Availability: InStock

Overall
4.5
  • Clean Ingredient Score
  • Product Design & Effectiveness Score
  • Online Customer Review Score

Where to Buy?

CLEAN INGREDIENT SCORE
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Kora Organic’s Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum earned a Clean Ingredient Score of an “A-” for its 99% natural and 70% organic formula (as certified by COSMOS and ECOCERT). The formula contains 38 ingredients of which 3 are certified organic, 34 are certified natural, and 4 are synthetic (this excludes citral, limonene, and linalool which are natural components of the essential oils used in the body oil and were not added to the formula, but were listed due to EU labeling requirements). The entire Kora Organics line is cruelty free and the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum is GMO free, gluten free, vegan, contains no artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives.

Clean Ingredient Summary

| CERTIFIED ORGANIC | VEGAN | NON-GMO | CRUELTY FREE | GLUTEN FREE

Top Clean Ingredients

  • 12% Ascorbyl Glucoside: A stable and water soluble derivative of pure ascorbic acid/vitamin C which absorbs quickly.
  • Ascorbic Acid: Natural, water-soluble form of the Vitamin C molecule that has been isolated from the other compounds naturally found in whole Vitamin C. Considered the best form of topical Vitamin C if formulated correctly.
  • Kakadu Plum: An Australian fruit known for its naturally high vitamin C content and rich, bioavailable antioxidant profile.
  • Acerola Cherry: One of the richest natural sources of vitamin C on the planet, acerola cherry is also high in antioxidants and carotenoids.
  • Noni Fruit: The star ingredient in most Kora Organic formulations. Derived from the South Pacific Islands, noni fruit has been used as a superfood in health and beauty concoctions for centuries. Known for its high antioxidant, vitamin A, and vitamin C concentrations.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate: A water soluble salt of hyaluronic acid with a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid. The lower molecular weight allows the sodium hyaluronate molecular to penetrate the skin at a deeper level than hyaluronic acid (which has a larger molecular weight).

Preservatives Used:

  • Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate: Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 1
  • Potassium Sorbate: Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 2
  • Sodium benzoate: Natural or Synthetic | Preservative | EWG Score: 1-3
  • Sodium salicylate: Synthetic | Preservative | EWG Score: 1

Concerning Ingredients
  • Potassium Sorbate: Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and can be derived from natural sources such as fruits. It is used primarily as a preservative instead of parabens because of its strong antimicrobial anti-fungal properties. Potassium sorbate has caused some controversy because of evidence that it can cause irritation due to allergic reactions in rare cases. There is scant evidence, however, that the low concentrations used in skin care (below .5%) create a high risk for skin irritation. (source | source)
  • Sodium Benzoate: A salt product of benzoic acid. Sodium benzoate is often used as a preservative and anti-corrosive in cosmetic formulations. While sodium benzoate is generally fine on its own, it can form a toxic byproduct called benzene when combined with vitamin c/ascorbic acid. Although the amount of benzene created in this reaction is minimal, it still remains in the formula and may be absorbed through the skin. (source | source)
  • Citral: A natural compound of certain essential oils. While natural versions are well tolerated, synthetic versions can possibly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 3). Due to a change in labeling regulations in the EU, manufacturers are required to list geraniol on ingredient labels even if it only exists in the product as a natural constituent of essential oils contained within the product. (source | source)
  • Limonene: A natural compound of certain essential oils. While natural versions of limonene have some benefits, synthetic versions can possibly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 4-5). Due to a change in labeling regulations in the EU, manufacturers are required to list limonene on ingredient labels even if it only exists in the product as a natural constituent of essential oils contained within the product. (source | source)
  • Linalool: A natural compound of essential oil. While natural versions of linalool have some benefits, synthetic versions can possibly lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions (hence the EWG rating range of 3). Due to a change in labeling regulations in the EU, manufacturers are required to list linalool on ingredient labels even if it only exists in the product as a natural constituent of essential oils contained within the product. (source | source)
All Ingredients

Ingredients as of: 06/18/2020

aloe vera leaf juice*, ascorbyl glucoside Synthetic | Vitamin C | Ascorbic Acid + Glucose | EWG Score: 1 , glycerin^, water, lactobacillus ferment, lactobacillus/acerola cherry ferment, potassium hydroxide Natural | pH Adjuster | EWG Score: 2-5 , dicaprylyl carbonate Synthetic | Skin Conditioning | Emollient | EWG Score: 1 , capsicum fruit extract, lactobacillus, lemon peel extract, coconut fruit extract, kakadu plum fruit extract, noni fruit extract*, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate Natural | Humectant | EWG Score: 1 , olive leaf extract, zinc PCA Natural | Anti-Acne | Skin Conditioning | Humectant | EWG Score: 1-3 , lysolecithin Natural | Surfactant | EWG Score: 1 , sclerotium gum Natural | Emulsion Stabilizing | Skin Conditioning | EWG Score: 1 , xanthan gum Natural | Binder | Stabilizer | EWG Score: 1 , pullulan Natural | Antioxidant | Binder | EWG Score: 1 , caprylic/capric triglyceride Natural | Derived from coconut or palm kernel oil | Emollient | EWG Score: 1 , ascorbic acid/vitamin c Natural | Antioxidant | EWG Score: 1 , leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 1 , clary sage extract, orange peel extract, potassium sorbate Natural | Preservative | EWG Score: 2 , sodium phytate Natural | Chelating Agent | EWG SCore: 1 , sodium benzoate Natural or Synthetic | Preservative | EWG Score: 1-3 , citric acid Natural | Preservative | EWG Score 1-2 , sodium salicylate Synthetic | Preservative | EWG Score: 1 , acai juice*, tocopherol/vitamin E, silica, maltodextrin Natural | Plant Sugar from corn, potato, or rice | Binder | EWG Score: 1 , alcohol, soybean oil, quartz, citral Natural | Component of Essential Oils | EWG Score: 3 **, limonene Natural | Fragrance | EWG Score: 4-5 **, linalool Natural | Fragrance | EWG Score: 3 **. *ingredient from organic farming. **from essential oils. ^made using organic ingredients.

PRODUCT DESIGN & EFFECTIVENESS
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Kora Organic’s Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum earns a Product Design & Effectiveness score of an “A-.” Our reviewers trialed the Vitamin C Serum, once per day in the morning as directed, for four weeks. Vitamin C serums can sometimes take a few weeks to begin showing results, so we wanted to give the Noni Bright serum appropriate time to work its magic.

The Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum comes packaged in a BPA free pump bottle which keeps light, air, and moisture away from the formula. The pump dispenses a sizable amount of the serum with each full pump, so it is feasible to use only a half-pump per use to extend the life of the product. The serum itself has the consistency of a thick gel that easily spreads across the skin. In order to avoid a sticky or tacky feeling, it is important to continue massaging the serum into the skin until fully absorbed. Once fully absorbed, the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum does not leave any noticeable residue on the skin. The scent of the Noni Bright is very challenging to describe. It is almost like a mix of fruits, citrus, and a hint of soap. The scent is noticeable at first, but fades really quickly as the product is fully absorbed. After the serum is fully absorbed, the skin feels slightly tight and a little dry; thus, it is advised that you wear an additional serum or use a moisturizer in conjunction with this product.

After four weeks of using the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum, the results were mixed but generally positive. While the majority of our reviewers experienced positive results such as “brighter skin” and “definitely firmer skin tone,” there were a number of reviewers who expressed some issues with the product. On the positive side, our reviewers were pleased with the consistency of the formula–it spread well, absorbed fast, and layered well with other products. Reviewers described the scent of the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum as “lemony,” “citrus,” “kinda soapy,” and none of the reviewers found the scent to be offensive. Even many self-described sensitive skin types  with a previous aversion to vitamin C products experienced positive results from using the Noni Bright. The combination of high concentration, bioavaiable vitamin C and skin plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid (for moisture) and pullulan (creates an instant tightening effect) lends itself to both short term effects (tighter/plumper skin) and long term benefits (vitamin C supported collagen production). On the critical side, a small minority of reviewers reported not noticing any changes to their skin over the one month trial. This included no change to their skin’s tone and texture. While they loved the formula and had no issues using the product daily, these reviewers didn’t experience enough benefits to warrant a repurchase. Additionally, a even smaller few of our reviewers experienced breakouts/white heads shortly after using the Noni Glow.

Product Effectiveness Summary

Works Best For: Dry Skin | Oily Skin | Combination Skin | Mature Skin

Official Usage Instructions: Apply 1 to 2 pumps daily onto clean skin in the morning before moisturizer.

Ease of Use: Easy to incorporate into an existing skin care routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing, as a standalone serum  or layered with other serums. May require additional massaging for full absorption. 

Most Notable Results

  • Brightens skin
  • Firms & tightens skin
  • Absorbs with gentle massage
  • Plumps fine lines and wrinkles
  • Non-greasy
  • Citrus scent

Claims Not Met

  • None: This product did not make any claims of effectiveness that we did not experience during our trial.

ONLINE CUSTOMER REVIEW SCORE
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We analyzed 648 reviews for the Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum from retailers such as Kora Organics, Detox Market, and Sephora. At the end of our analysis, the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum earned an Online Customer Review score of 4.5/5.0 stars or an “A-“.  Overall, online customer reviews for the Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum are positive. The majority of customers find the product to be lightweight, easily absorbed by their various skin types, not sticky or greasy, and does a good job of  brightening dark spots, softening scars and uneven skin, and tightening overall skin tone. Customers raved at how the serum seemed to work well with their sensitive or sensitized skin types (such as acne). On the critical side, the most common negative review for the Noni Bright serum was that the customer didn’t see enough of an impact in their skin to warrant a repurchase. Less common points of criticism included breakouts, a tacky feeling on the skin, and displeasure with the scent. See Pros and Cons for more details.

Customer Review Summary

Reviews last evaluated: 06/18/2020

Pros

  • Brightens dark spots
  • Tightens skin
  • Softens fine lines and wrinkles
  • Non-tacky when fully absorbed
  • Works well for sensitive skin types
  • Softens & smooths acne scars
  • Pleasant scent

Cons

  • May cause breakouts for some skin types
  • Results may not be as visible for some
  • Formula is tacky and must be fully massaged into the skin before layering
ABOUT THE BRAND
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This Product Was Made By...

KORA ORGANICS

website: Shop True Botanicals | year founded: 2006

Founded by world-renowned supermodel Miranda Kerr and developed by a team of expert formulators, Kora Organics is a global organic and natural skin care brand. Kora Organics products are vegan, cruelty free, and certified organic and certified natural by Ecocert and COSMOS which exclude the use of chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and colors, TEA, DEA, glycols, silicones, PEGS, ethoxylated ingredients, formaldehyde, mineral oils, phthalates, and GMOs (just to name a few). Instead, Kora Organics uses active botanicals, gemstone infusions, and rich plant extracts including the brand’s signature noni fruit extract and their rose quartz infusions.    
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

about-author_diane-elizabeth125

This Article Was Written By...

Diane Elizabeth K., Founder at SkinCareOx.com

Diane Elizabeth founded Skin Care Ox in 2016 after her personal struggle to find truly clean, natural, and organic products. Leveraging her background in biomedical engineering, scientific research + analytics, and entrepreneurship, she created Skin Care Ox to be an easy-to-use resource to find real clean beauty options. Since then, her articles have been read by over 3 Million people and have helped millions choose cleaner alternatives. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and growing family.
Review Standards & Process

Skin Care Ox product reviews are 100% brand neutral. Skin Care Ox does not accept compensation in exchange for reviews. Additionally, there are no paid advertisements on Skin Care Ox. From time to time, brands will submit products to our team for review. Whether we procure the products ourselves or they are submitted to our team for review---our reviews remain honest and neutral.

Skin Care Ox is primarily funded through affiliate commissions. Meaning, when you purchase a product via a link from our website, we earn a small commission on the sale from the retailer (at no additional cost to you). Skin Care Ox is a member of numerous affiliate networks representing hundreds of cleans beauty brands and retailers. Because of this, no single brand or company has control over our review decisions.

Finally, every product we review undergoes our Research and Review Process. This includes faithfully trialing the products for a minimum of two weeks, rigorously researching each ingredient, and consolidating real user reviews from across the web.

PRODUCT BADGES LEGEND
100% NATURAL

100% NATURAL

The product contains only natural ingredients (non-synthetic or lab created). It does not contain anything artificial or synthetic.

100% ORGANIC

100% ORGANIC

The product has been formulated with 100% organically sourced and/or certified organic ingredients.

GMO FREE

GMO FREE

This product does not contain ingredients which have been genetically modified.

GLUTEN FREE

GLUTEN FREE

All of the ingredients contained in the product are free from gluten, wheat, and ingredients which are commonly contaminated with gluten.

VEGAN

VEGAN

The product is made without animal products or byproducts such as beeswax, honey, milk, eggs, etc.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

CERTIFIED ORGANIC

The product has received an official organic certification from a third party organization such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA Certified Organic), ECOCERT, Australian Certified Organic, and others.

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Kora Organics – Noni Glow Facial Oil Review

SUMMARY: A lightweight certified organic facial oil designed to enrich dry, aging skin with potent natural antioxidants such as noni fruit extract, rosehip oil, and seabuckthorn oil to smooth and brighten. Non-greasy and great for dry or oily skin types! Click to read more...

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