Latest news with #CEFerulicVitaminCSerum
Cosmopolitan
08-08-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
This £17 vitamin C serum is going viral for containing the same ingredients as a £165 cult favourite
When e.l.f.'s £17 vitamin C serum launches with the *exact* same ingredients as a cult £165 serum, you gotta pay attention. Vitamin C is one of the most transformative skincare ingredients. Stay loyal to it and this antioxidant will fade hyperpigmentation, bumpy texture, fine lines and dullness. We're talking mega glowy and smooth skin, people. The only issue? Similar to other powerhouse ingredients, like retinol, finding a formula that does what it promises without having to spend a fortune can take a bit of trial and error. Many will agree that one of the best vitamin C serums out there is the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum. It's considered the gold-standard by dermatologists – and I, as well as many friends and editors, agree that it truly is amazing for brightening. The only issue? It's £165. Yep, plot twist. I'm not here to compare an award-winning serum to another, because the Skinceuticals serum truly is one of a kind and worth the investment if you can afford it. But what I will say is that e.l.f. launched the Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum and it contains the same percentage of ingredients as C E Ferulic. Even better? it's £17. Both serums contain 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, so you're probably wondering: how? Well, in May, the patent expired on the Skinceuticals version and opened the doors for similar products to launch. Thankfully, e.l.f. served 🤌. Let's break down the ingredients list, because whether you're spending £17 or £165, it's important to know exactly what you're putting on your face. 15% vitamin C: The star of the show is a potent percentage of vitamin C. If you're unfamiliar with the benefits of this glow-booster – it is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin against damaging free radicals, which are produced by UV radiation and pollution. When your skin is exposed to these stressors, it can cause dehydration and premature signs of ageing. See vitamin C as a bodyguard, stopping all those nasties from accessing your skin. In turn, it will smooth texture and pigmentation. Not to mention the lit-from-within glow your complexion will have. 1% vitamin E: Vitamin C and vitamin E are two antioxidants that, when combined together, protect the skin from damaging free radicals that can contribute to early aging. Vitamin E also keeps the skin feeling soft and plump, and prevents it from losing moisture. 0.5% Ferulic Acid: As brilliant as vitamin C is, it's an unstable ingredient which can oxidise and degrade when exposed to air or light. So often, vitamin C serums are formulated with ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps to stabilise vitamin C and maximise its benefits. Think of it as an extra power boost – as it even helps calm inflammation in the skin, too. Vitamin C is one of my favourite skincare ingredients, so I was very excited to see what the buzz was about. Firstly, I was impressed with the packaging: The glass, opaque bottle with a pipette applicator prevents sunlight and air from reaching the formula, both of which can degrade and destabilise vitamin C. The texture of the serum is almost oil-like which, as someone who stays clear of facial oils, I was unsure of. However, I'm impressed at how well the formula sinks into my skin without leaving a greasy slick. So even if you have oily/combination skin like myself, I never feel like the consistency is too heavy or rich. Upon first application, the serum leaves a slight shine (which I personally love) but this wears off as the formula sinks into the skin. I'd also say there is a very slight stickiness to start with but, again, this quickly disappears after it absorbs. It also layers well underneath my moisturiser and SPF and feels lightweight and hydrating throughout the day. What I love most about e.l.f.'s vitamin C serum is how well it has brightened my complexion and given me back a radiant glow, just in time for my upcoming sunny holiday. As a chronic post-acne skin picker, scars have started to fade and my overall tone just looks more unified. And I'm not the only one who loves it, with one user saying: 'I got this a week ago and I took pictures to show the progress. I definitely noticed a difference immediately. I look forward to seeing if it makes my dark spots completely disappear! The applicator is easy to use and it comes out pretty lightweight and quick.' Shop the e.l.f., Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum, £17 Clare Stephenson is the Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan and Women's Health, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Clare has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need. When she's not typing away, Clare is in front of the camera creating shopping content for Cosmo's TikTok Shop, testing the most viral beauty products to know. Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders. Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling along London's Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or horseback riding in the countryside. Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson
Graziadaily
29-07-2025
- Health
- Graziadaily
Meet The New Plumping, Firming and Brightening Serum Dermatologists Swear By
SkinCeuticals has earned its place as one of the pioneers of skincare. Its C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum, for example, has amassed reams of fans across the globe, including dermatologists who are quick to lend their name to the brand. And now, says Dr Wassim Taktouk, Aesthetic Doctor at the Taktouk Clinic, a new launch is set to reach star status. 'SkinCeuticals new A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is a leap in anti-ageing skincare,' he says. The serum, which is triple-patented and clinically backed, is already making waves. But what exactly makes this new launch so exciting? 'Glycation is the natural process that accelerates visible signs of ageing, breaking down collagen. This serum is an ideal option for my patients wanting an at-home treatment to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity.' Here's why SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum is set to become your new summer favourite. In short? Quite a lot- though that won't exactly surprise brand devotees. The serum is inspired by collagen-stimulating treatments like ultrasound, which can help achieve a more lifted look. It works by flooding the skin with active ingredients - including a high concentration of 30% Proxylane and 4.6% Wild Fruit Flavonoids, known for their ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and laxity caused by collagen decline and glycation. There are also what the brand calls 'synergistic ingredients' - including Rhamnose and Gentiana Lutea Root Extract. These work together to brighten, leading to a more even skin tone and plumper visage. And there's proof, too: In a clinical study of 76 subjects, the skin in three areas was visibly lifted- the jawline, the forehead, and cheeks. There was also a reduction in the appearance of nasolabial folds. While these firming results are best seen with consistent use, some effects are immediate- skin is hydrated for up to 24 hours and, in just one hour, the skin barrier is strengthened.* Consider this one of the key 'hard workers' in your skincare routine. • 30% Proxylane: A patented active ingredient that targets laxity and wrinkles. • 4.6% Wild Fruit Flavonoids: Blueberry, pomegranate and cassia alata act as an antioxidant-rich power. • Rhamnose: A hydrating hero, well-known for its ability to boost elasticity. • Gentiana Lutea Root: A powerful antioxidant that brightens and protects. The serum should be applied once or twice daily. Simply take one dropper of the formula and dispense it into the palm of your hand. Dab across the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck before blending in. Rachael Martin, Grazia Beauty Director, says: When I hear of a new SkinCeuticals launch, you can bet it has me at hello. This one, in particular, is a launch I can get behind. Made with more mature skin in mind, my mum has been testing this on my behalf - and she has more than just a few thoughts. Mum said her skin felt plumper and more lifted after just a month of consistent daily use. High praise - I will say that her skin does look more fresh and radiant, suggesting that the 15+ years of glycation research have truly paid off within the brand's efficacious formula. I'm confident in saying this isn't just another serum. It's research-driven, backed by experts and clinical studies, and boasts a luxe formula that visibly lifts where you need it. With patents and real results to support it, if you're feeling gravity a bit more these days, adding this into your regimen is a great idea. All of the glow, and none of the downtime. Shop the SkinCeuticals serum, as well as the full complementing routine below. Shop: SkinCeuticals Complete Your A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum Routine One of the brand's bestsellers, this antioxidant-rich serum helps to fortify the skin's defences against environmental aggressors - great for improving 8 signs of ageing. It's been an integral part of my own beauty routine for years and trust me when I say the tone- and texture-improving formula gets to work quickly. I have sensitive, combination skin and often find Vitamin C serums can cause breakouts- but not this one. I apply it every morning before my moisturiser and SPF. This skin-firming serum contains a potent concentration of Proxylane- 30% to be exact -and 4.6% Wild Fruit Flavonoids. This powerful combination helps visibly reduce signs of ageing caused by collagen decline and glycation, including the appearance of wrinkles and laxity. Use daily for best results. A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a potent corrective cream designed to reverse visible signs of ageing linked to collagen decline and glycation, such as the appearance of wrinkles, laxity, and dullness. Formulated with 18% concentrated Proxylane (+20% more than the previous A.G.E. Interrupter), this advanced cream smooths 5 visible wrinkle types, including fine lines, deep wrinkles, and location-specific creases like nasolabial folds. Apply twice daily- in the morning after Vitamin C and before SPF, and again in the evening after retinol. Dark circles and wrinkles can stem from collagen decline, but this next-gen eye cream may be the answer. Targeting the effects of collagen degradation and glycation, A.G.E. Advanced Eye features 0.2% Glycyrrhetinic Acid and 3% Matrix 3000 Peptide to minimise the appearance of wrinkles. It also contains 0.5% Caffeine and Inclusive Optical Effects to diffuse light and brighten. 'This is hands down the best eye cream I have ever used,' says Dr Taktouk. High praise indeed. If you're after an ultra-light SPF that won't pill, consider this your go-to. Made with 1% tranexamic acid and 2% niacinamide, this SPF not only protects against UV light but also helps to reduce discolouration. Apply two finger lengths as the final step in your morning routine. *Instrumental test, 30 subjects.
