Latest news with #SkinCeuticalsCEFerulic
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Vitamin C showdown: e.l.f. Bright Icon vs. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. In the realm of skincare, few ingredients shine as brightly as vitamin C. In my book, it's the ingredient that most dermatologists would recommend as a seamless integration into anyone's skincare routine, as it's best known for giving skin a youthful, glowing boost. While its reputation for brightening, firming and defending against environmental stressors has made it a staple in many routines, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. As soon as I heard the 411 about the new e.l.f. SKIN Bright Icon Vitamin C + E Ferulic Serum, I knew the fresh-on-the-shelves product was a contender against the beauty industry favorite: the SkinCeuticals C + E Ferulic. What to know? The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is $182 — an item that many anti-aging enthusiasts would vouch for being worth the investment — and the new e.l.f. SKIN serum is only $16. 'The new Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum is all about giving your skin a healthy, radiant glow,' Robin Shandler, chief innovation officer at e.l.f. Beauty, exclusively told Post Wanted. 'It helps brighten dullness, even out your skin tone, fade the appearance of dark spots, and over time, can make your skin feel firmer and smoother, while boosting overall radiance. All in all, it's your go-to if you're looking for brighter, more even, and visibly refreshed skin.' As a full-time beauty product tester and commerce reporter, I had to put both serums side by side on my bathroom vanity to put them in a beauty duel. Here's my comprehensive review comparing the budget-friendly option to the gleaming and adored predecessor. e.l.f SKIN Pros: More lightweight than the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, absorbing quickly into the skin Contains the same trifecta of ingredients as the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: 15% vitamin C (though SkinCeuticals contains L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C), 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid Delivers a glowing, hydrated finish when incorporated into your skincare routine, and is fitting for most skin types Cons: More research needs to be conducted to assess how e.l.f. SKIN's serum works for the skincare user who's keen on anti-aging Not the best for extremely oily skin types, though it works well on moderately oily skin, and combination skin The e.l.f. SKIN Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum is new to the brand's lineup (which, ahem, I've tested most of). It contains 15% of the superstar ingredient vitamin C, along with vitamin E and ferulic acid to serve as a triple threat against discoloration, dark spots and fine lines. It's supremely amazing for $16 — and is something I still can't get over. SkinCeuticals Pros: Well-studied to relay the connection between consistent use of this serum and anti-aging benefits Contains the purest form of vitamin C Hydrating on the skin, working well for different skin types Cons: Hefty price tag Potent scent SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a high-potency antioxidant serum that helps protect the skin from environmental damage while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin brightness — exactly why it's all-the-buzz. It combines 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and 0.5% ferulic acid: three powerful antioxidants that work synergistically to neutralize free radicals caused by UV rays, pollution and infrared radiation. With consistent use, it delivers long-lasting antioxidant protection and is frequently recommended by dermatologists for those looking to boost their anti-aging routine. In addition to its protective benefits, C E Ferulic also helps boost the skin's firmness and radiance with continued use. The serum has a lightweight, slightly tacky texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, and though it comes at a premium price point, it may be a worthwhile investment for you due to its clinically proven efficacy and visible results. Packaging and First Impressions e.l.f. SKIN's Bright Icon Serum arrives in a vibrant orange bottle with a minimalist design, exuding a youthful and approachable vibe. The dropper dispenses the serum smoothly, and the lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. On the other hand, SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic comes in a classic amber glass bottle with a dropper. The serum has a slightly thicker consistency and a distinct scent that, undoubtedly, some users find off-putting. However, its effectiveness has garnered a loyal following, and the e.l.f. SKIN serum has a pretty similar (though not as potent) scent. Ingredient Breakdown e.l.f. SKIN's Bright Icon Serum boasts a 15% concentration of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), complemented by vitamin E and ferulic acid. This combination aims to brighten the complexion and provide antioxidant protection. SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic features a potent 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid, along with vitamin E and ferulic acid. This formulation is designed to neutralize free radicals, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while enhancing skin firmness. Essentially, the ingredient cocktail is near-exact, though SkinCeuticals delivers a 'better' form of vitamin C, according to the dermatologists I've consulted in my years of beauty reporting. 'L ascorbic acid is the water-soluble form [of vitamin C],' Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, shared with me in an interview all about vitamin C. 'It's most easily absorbed by the skin, unstable in sunlight and air (oxidizes) and is tricky in formulation; this results in the different qualities of vitamin C serums.' However, while the e.l.f. SKIN serum doesn't contain L-ascorbic acid, it still holds a game-changing formula, with its low cost even more of a reason to grab it. 'At the heart of this breakthrough serum is a powerful triple threat of powerful ingredients: 15% Vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid to help fade dark spots, even out skin tone, smooth texture and give your skin that lit-from-within glow — without clogging pores,' Shandler explained. 'This combination delivers results at a fraction of the price at $16, proving that effective skincare doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag.' My Review I've been using the new e.l.f. SKIN serum for a few weeks now, and I can attest that my skin looks brighter and healthier, sans any greasy residue that I've experienced. The serum's lightweight texture makes it suitable for layering with other products, and I consider the e.l.f. SKIN serum and the brand's Holy Hydration! SPF 30 Face Cream ($13) to be a dynamite pairing. SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic is renowned for its ability to deliver visible results, including a more radiant complexion and diminished fine lines. Its stability and efficacy have been backed by numerous recent clinical studies. It does have a thicker consistency, but it's not difficult for skin to absorb. Price Comparison If your skincare shelf were a battlefield, Vitamin C is essentially that noble knight valiantly fighting dullness, fine lines and pollution-induced gloom. And, in this kingdom of serums (well, not a kingdom; it's really my bathroom), two contenders square off with glowing swords: the celebrity-status SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and the new, budget-savvy upstart e.l.f. SKIN Bright Icon. Let's talk royalty first. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has held the throne in dermatologists' offices and luxury vanities for years. At a whopping $182 for one ounce, it doesn't just promise results, it demands them. Meanwhile, e.l.f. SKIN, that drugstore darling of Gen Z and budget-conscious skincare nerds, dropped its Bright Icon serum with a price tag of $16. And, yes, you read that correctly — only $16. It's almost criminally affordable, especially when it's claiming to house the same star-studded trio: vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid. Comparing the Formulations Victoria Giardina First up: formulation. The formulations are near-exact. The e.l.f. SKIN serum is clad with 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, while the SkinCeuticals serum contains 15% L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C), 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. As mentioned, L-ascorbic acid is what the pros will stand behind for being the purest form of vitamin C but, in all honesty, the e.l.f. SKIN serum is your best bet if you simply want to incorporate vitamin C into your routine and aren't super particular about its prototype. Texture-wise, the SkinCeuticals pours out like a watery elixir — thin, fast-absorbing and just a touch sticky. The smell isn't my cup of tea, but the serum as a whole has gained a following because of its anti-aging prevention and slowdown with consistent use. In contrast, the e.l.f. SKIN serum is slightly more viscous, with a scent that's a bit more pleasant than SkinCeuticals' version. It's citrusy and almost cheerful. It's a small win in the morning skincare routine, but I still *cannot* get over how e.l.f. SKIN whipped up a $16 serum that's pretty exact to the SkinCeuticals prodigy, even down to a similar scent. 'This serum is great for everyone — whether your skin is oily, dry or somewhere in between,' Shandler noted. 'If you're looking for a healthy, radiant glow while also tackling things like dark spots, uneven tone or dullness, this one's for you! It's effective, easy to use and fits seamlessly into whatever routine you already have going.' Final Verdict: How to tell if e.l.f. SKIN or SkinCeuticals is best for you Now to the results: SkinCeuticals is backed by decades of research and peer-reviewed studies. It's been clinically shown to improve photodamage, firm skin and neutralize free radicals. Dermatologists don't just recommend it, but they probably worship it after hours. The e.l.f. SKIN serum, on the other hand, is newer to the game. Anecdotal reviews are promising: users report brighter, smoother skin, and some even dare to whisper 'dupe.' But there's no clinical data yet to back those claims. When it comes to packaging, SkinCeuticals sticks to its minimalist, brown glass bottle, medicine dropper, no-nonsense labeling. It screams 'prescription-grade.' It's basically the Harvard grad of serums. While I appreciate a serum that can stand all tall and professional on my shelf, I also appreciate how e.l.f. SKIN plays up the fun factor. The packaging is sleek and modern with playful branding. It's a serum that says, 'I'm serious about skincare, but I also drink oat milk lattes and listen to skincare podcasts.' Shelf life is a huge factor with L-ascorbic acid. SkinCeuticals' formula stays stable for around six months after opening, thanks to patented technology and airtight manufacturing. With e.l.f.? The jury's still out, but it may have a faster oxidation time, meaning your serum may turn amber faster. You may think, 'Well, that's OK,' however, this matters. Oxidized Vitamin C is less effective and can be potentially irritating. If you opt for the e.l.f. SKIN serum, storage and usage speed are key. In terms of feel on the skin, SkinCeuticals disappears quickly, but can leave a tacky layer that plays well under sunscreen. The e.l.f. SKIN takes a little longer to absorb and can feel a tad heavy for super oily skin types. For my combination and sensitive skin, it fares well. Alas, we hit the philosophy of skincare. The target SkinCeuticals customer is all about investment, efficacy and science. It's the serum for those who see skincare as a serious business. If you view skincare as an extension of your healthcare — and not just self-care — the OG SkinCeuticals serum may be worth that $182 price tag. As a 20-something-year-old, e.l.f. SKIN is more my speed. It's for the experimentalist. The student, the budget beauty warrior who believes glow shouldn't cost a small mortgage payment. It's just as fitting for the crowd who's just starting their active ingredient journey or wants to stretch their dollar. Would a dermatologist ever recommend e.l.f. SKIN over SkinCeuticals? Honestly, I'm not too sure. But, would a savvy skincare TikToker tell you it's a pretty good dupe for a fraction of the price? Absolutely. This doesn't mean e.l.f. SKIN isn't up to snuff. But if you want immediate, clinical, almost surgical precision results, SkinCeuticals wins, hands down. But, if you're in your 20s, on a budget and hoping to dip your toe into antioxidants without emptying your wallet, e.l.f. SKIN makes a compelling case. Think of it like this: SkinCeuticals is the Michelin-starred restaurant. You book a table, pay top dollar and expect culinary miracles. e.l.f. is the local food truck with a cult following—it might not have the pedigree, but sometimes, it hits the spot. 'It took us more than 4 years and a whole lot of trial and error, but we finally unlocked the secret to perfecting a formula that delivers brighter, smoother, glowier skin with every drop,' Shandler noted, emphasizing how this formula is top-quality and the real deal. There's also the question of ethics. e.l.f. is cruelty-free and vegan, which is a major draw for conscious consumers. SkinCeuticals is owned by beauty powerhouse L'Oréal, which complicates the cruelty-free conversation. The Bottom Line So, where does that leave us? In a surprisingly neck-and-neck battle, where SkinCeuticals reigns supreme in potency and prestige, but e.l.f. SKIN sneaks in as the crowd-pleasing underdog with a heart (and price tag) of gold. Bottom line: If you've got $182 to burn and crave clinical-grade transformation, stick with the SkinCeuticals classic. But if you're ballin' on a budget and want to keep your skin (and conscience) clear, e.l.f. SKIN Bright Icon Serum just might be your new vitamin C MVP. This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
Irish Independent
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Triona McCarthy: My must-have faves and ultimate go-tos for skincare and make-up from the last 20 years
Do You C It? When I first started writing this beauty column, older beauty editors raved about this product. I thought it was incredibly expensive and I had way too many other things I wanted to buy back then. Fast forward to today, the 20th anniversary of the launch of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (€185, and although it's still a bit of a splurge, I religiously use it. It has truly earned its title as the gold standard in vitamin C. The award-winning formula features a potent blend of 15pc pure vitamin C, working tirelessly to shield your skin from environmental damage, enhance firmness and texture, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. The Alpha Peel Another non-negotiable in my skincare routine is the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (€25, These peels are nothing short of incredible. This two-step treatment is an absolute powerhouse, with a gentle blend of multiple acids designed to exfoliate, nourish and protect your skin from pesky free radicals. They polish, brighten and even out your skin tone, while the alkaline formula enhances radiance and boosts collagen production. Trust me, when my skin is misbehaving, this is my go-to miracle worker! What's the Skinny? J'adore the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick (€60, This beauty wonder, which seemingly came out of nowhere, has become a new icon, with everyone on TikTok and Instagram raving about it. So much so that it was nearly impossible to find with shades disappearing faster than I could grab them at Brown Thomas. The foundation promises 24-hour wear and hydration, delivering that coveted blurring 'filter' effect. Its smooth coverage effortlessly evens out your complexion and erases imperfections, while the lightweight formula keeps your skin looking fresh instead of cakey. Use as a foundation, a targeted concealer or for quick touch-ups on the go. Poco Loco I'm thrilled to include an Irish product in my round-up of beauty icons. Poco Beauty Universal Glow (€30, via ADVERTISEMENT Learn more This innovative beauty product has become a cult favorite, and for good reason. It's infused with SPF 30 and acts as a primer, colour corrector and moisturiser all rolled into one. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it brightens the skin and improves texture, delivering that coveted 'lit-from-within' glow. A Rare Beauty If you want a blusher that delivers a radiant glow that lasts all day, try Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (€28, Selena Gomez launched her brand back in 2019, and the blush comes in 13 shades with both matte and dewy finishes. It has a long-lasting formula that blends and builds colour easily. Trick I'm intrigued by Salma Hayek's famous beauty tip – but hey, it's working for her. She says that you should never wash your face in the morning because, at night, your skin is rebuilding some of the oils that you need to keep your skin young and help balance the PH. According to Salma, you don't want to get rid of these oils, so splash your skin with water or do something mild to it rather than going in with the full cleansing routine. This is a great topic to discuss with any of your beauty obsessed friends! Treat There's a good chance you'll adore Chanel's latest eau de toilette, Chance Eau Splendide (€130, as much as I do. A floral heart of rose geranium from the fields of Grasse, tangy raspberry notes, a hint of mysterious white musk and whispers of iris and violet. The perfect summer scent. Treatment Exosomes are quickly becoming the buzzword in beauty. These tiny, powerful messengers can supercharge your skin rejuvenation and Dermalogica is right at the forefront with their innovative EXO Booster Microneedling treatment, available at select Dermalogica salons, including the Skin Essence on Dublin's South Anne Street ( Having experienced this treatment myself, I was amazed. I walked out of the salon glowing. Trust me, this treatment is a game changer.
New York Times
25-03-2025
- Health
- New York Times
The Best Vitamin C Serums
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Having launched its first vitamin C serum in 1997, SkinCeuticals can take a lot of credit for the explosion of the entire antioxidant skin-care category. The late Sheldon Pinnell, the dermatologist behind the serum, published a watershed study in 2001, in the journal Dermatologic Surgery , proving the effective absorption of a low-pH, L-ascrorbic acid serum. And SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic launched in 2005. In label-blind testing, our panelists truly favored its simple elegance. The serum is born from extensive scientific research. Pinnell was the chief of dermatology at Duke University Medical School when he founded SkinCeuticals, based on his research about antioxidants. Specifically, he studied the effective penetration of 15% vitamin C derivative L-ascorbic acid, alongside vitamin E and ferulic acid at a sub-3.5 pH. (Other brands have wisely piggybacked off of this knowledge—18 of the products we tried contained ferulic acid, and 26 contained vitamin E.) It contains a particularly effective vitamin C derivative. L-ascorbic acid is the active ingredient here, and it's especially good at absorbing into skin. Other options—like the 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid in Olay Vitamin C + Peptides—have to react with the skin before penetrating. (Think of it as L-ascorbic flying direct and other derivatives making connecting flights.) Skin feels noticeably firmer. It's rare when a skin-care product delivers immediately noticeable improvement. One benefit of vitamin C is that it can help skin feel firmer, and our testers clocked that right away. 'It made my skin feel tighter, which gave me the vibe that it was really working,' one said. (Still, at least one panelist said the SkinCeuticals serum made her skin feel a little too tight.) The liquid has a nice viscosity. Many other serums were too dribbly and ran right off of our testers' faces. The SkinCeuticals serum, however, 'is liquid but still has movement to it,' one panelist said. 'That gives it a self-care angle,' versus feeling like you're just sloshing water on your face. Flaws but not dealbreakers At $182 per ounce, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is by far the priciest vitamin C serum we recommend. Ounce for ounce, it costs $97 more than our next-most-expensive pick. And the Timeless 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum boasts a similar ingredient panel, but it costs less than $30. Several testers commented on the formula's initial—yet fleeting—stickiness. It also had mixed results throughout the day, leaving a few testers with an oily sheen. The fragrance is a turnoff. The SkinCeuticals serum's scent defies exact pinpointing—different testers detected notes of shredded wheat, soy sauce, or hotdogs. No one noted it as a positive. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Housed in a bottle with an airtight pump, these gel-like drops contain a mild, efficacious vitamin C derivative that absorbs quickly and leaves skin looking smooth. With water and glycerin as the first two ingredients, the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum glides on like a liquid, nourishes like a gel—and makes skin feel smooth and not at all sticky. It earned rave reviews from multiple testers—including several with very sensitive skin—who preferred it to many products that were five times more expensive. If you've never used a vitamin C product before, this is a great one to try. The mellow drops go easy on your complexion. Here, the primary vitamin C derivative is sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is known for being milder than the L-ascorbic acid of SkinCeuticals. Accordingly, our testers noted how gentle this serum felt on skin, with none of the tingling or stinging that some other water-based options triggered. It absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup. Although it's not as dewy and rich as the La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum, the Naturium serum still has a lush heft that many water-based blends lack. Testers appreciated how quickly it absorbed and dried without any stickiness and that it could be worn under makeup. It delivered all-day benefits. Several testers noted that the Naturium serum minimized redness and neutralized surface grease. 'It made my oily skin look like normal skin,' one tester said. 'My skin looked and felt smooth, even at the end of the day.' That makes sense, given the formula's inclusion of standby moisturizers, like hyaluronic acid, as well as the bonus of calming botanical additives, like aloe and papaya extract. There is no discernible scent. Testers loved what it lacked—this fragrance-free serum has virtually no aroma, whereas contenders like Dr. Brenner C Serum and Prequel Lucent Brightening Vitamin C Serum were notably unpleasant. Flaws but not dealbreakers The Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum's bottle garnered mixed reviews. Compared with droppers, the airtight pump seemed cleaner and less wasteful, though it did occasionally sputter and emit foamy drops. Testers were also split on the portability and handiness of the tall, slim tube (some found it perfectly grabbable, while others deemed it too tall to pack in a travel case). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter With a luxe consistency and quenching formula, this serum can double as a light moisturizer. THD ascorbate, the vitamin C derivative, remains stable in a creamy mixture, and the zesty scent is a nice add. Dry skin is thirsty for moisture, and the Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum comes through with a luscious formula powered by THD-ascorbate, a form of vitamin C that stays stable in creamy suspensions. Our only lotion-like pick, this one glides over skin in a sheer layer, but it takes a few minutes to fully sink in. Once the slight tackiness dissipates, other skin-care products and cosmetics go on smoothly. The creamy formula nourishes skin. With squalane, jojoba, and glycerin in the mix here, this serum contains some of the key ingredients we looked for in contenders for our guide to the best moisturizers. But it also has the active derivative tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, which maintains its effectiveness even in a creamy suspension. (L-ascorbic acid is more potent, but it wouldn't stay stable in a lush formula like this.) 'There was no tingling or redness, and I loved the creamy texture—not too heavy, but hydrating,' one dry-skinned tester said. It dries down quickly and sits well under other skin-care products. Some vitamin C creams we tried were too heavy or greasy under moisturizer or makeup. (Testers liked the thin, creamy Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum, but they found it was too slick or pilly under other products.) This emollient formula, however, left an almost matte finish and created a fine base for subsequent skin-care steps. It has a zippy, faintly citrusy fragrance. Vitamin C serums tend to have either an indescribable musty funk (like the SkinCeuticals serum) or a cloying orange-soda essence. The C.E.O. serum strikes the perfect balance, with one tester calling it out for its 'subtle, enjoyable scent.' In fact, it is the only one we recommend with both tangerine- and orange-peel extracts. The bottle feels luxe. Some other lotion formulas we tried came in less-impressive packaging. The $20 Vanicream Vitamin C Serum's pump felt flimsy, as did the $68 Drunk Elephant's. Testers appreciated the substantial feel of the Sunday Riley glass bottle and the fluid mechanism of its pump. Flaws but not dealbreakers At $85 per ounce, the Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum isn't cheap. Essentially, you pay a lot for a less-efficient vitamin C derivative: THD ascorbate doesn't have the proven-research wind power of the also-pricy SkinCeuticals serum. For dry skin, however, the creamy formula may be worth the trade-off. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter The little yellow bottle pumps out a tingly serum powered by fast-acting L-ascorbic acid. The sticky residue requires a little time to dissipate. Timeless Skin Care's 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum shares most of its ingredients with old-school classic SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic—but it costs 85% less. The watery formula is a bit too runny, yet the product does absorb quickly and feels zesty on the skin. It contains effective ingredients at an affordable price. The SkinCeuticals serum contains 12 ingredients. The Timeless Skin Care serum has 11. And eight of the ingredients overlap. In keeping with the science, both products contain an effective mixture of L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. What's more, the Timeless Skin Care serum has a 20% concentration of L-ascorbic acid, compared with the 15% in the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum. While that 5% boost was a selling point for some of our testers, it is the upper limit of concentrations that dermatologists recommended to us. And some users—especially those with sensitive skin—may find it irritating. It smells almost nice. Like the Sunday Riley serum, the Timeless Skin Care serum was remarkably not malodorous. Unlike the fragrance-free—though musty—SkinCeuticals serum, this one contains a perfuming agent, benzyl alcohol, that imparts a vaguely sweet smell. Skin looks brighter and smoother. On skin, antioxidants even out tone and improve texture, and our testers noticed benefits very quickly. One tester reported an 'immediate brightening effect' upon application. Another perceived her complexion to be smoother and more evenly toned within just one day. It comes in an opaque bottle with an, so it doesn't require kid-glove treatment. Knowing how finicky L-ascorbic acid can be—it degrades with exposure to light and air—it doesn't make a lot of sense that so many brands package their serums in glass bottles with dropper delivery systems. Not only does Timeless Skin Care serum come in an opaque bottle, but it also has an airtight pump, which overall makes this serum easier to apply (though, of course, it's still very runny). Compared with the Naturium serum's taller packaging, this squat yellow bottle was preferred by some testers for packing in small travel bags. Flaws but not dealbreakers The Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is very runny. The similarly formulated SkinCeuticals serum has glycerin, which likely gives the drops a little more body. Timeless Skin Care's serum, by contrast, is watery; some testers said they felt like they were wasting product as it dribbled off of their hands and faces. As this serum absorbs, some people have found that it tingles (a reaction several of our testers noted while trying vitamin C products). At least one of our testers noticed that the Timeless Skin Care serum's zestiness lasted for about five minutes—but she actually enjoyed the feeling. 'It was like when I use Listerine, and the sensation means it's working,' she said. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter With the notable exception of its plastic packaging—which is truly horrible—there's a lot to recommend the Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum. The plump, pearlescent formula left skin soft and smooth, with a hint of fresh fragrance. It has a rich texture. Unprompted and entirely coincidentally, several of our testers used the word luxurious to describe this serum. And the formula packs in a lot of high-achiever ingredients, with the 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (vitamin C) rounded out with gently smoothing additions, such as niacinamide and lactic acid. 'It's a little thick out of the dropper, but then feels liquid while massaging into my skin,' one tester said. 'Applying this is a treat. It feels luxurious.' The silky finish sets it apart. Unlike many of the other plush and viscous contenders in this category, the Olay serum absorbed quickly and left a sheer, smooth finish. Meanwhile, the RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum we tested required upwards of 10 minutes to sink in and dry down—not ideal when you're waiting to start the next step in a skin-care routine. Flaws but not dealbreakers As is true of many of these serums, the Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum's fragrance was polarizing. One tester called out the subtle fruit scent as a positive, while another panelist, who generally preferred the unscented options, bemoaned the fact that 'the tangerine smell doesn't fade.' The bottle feels cheap. Of all our picks, the Olay serum is the only one that comes in a clacky plastic bottle. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter A hearty gel, this 10% ascorbic acid formula noticeably brightened skin during our testing. But the powdery scent is a bit off-putting. La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum's has a unique texture that seemingly melts into skin to leave a sheer, touchable finish. The orange-tinted drops are juiced up with skin-care all-stars like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid. Testers loved how the formula perked up their complexions, though they were less keen on the baby powder–meets–medicinal scent. The plush serum is packed with complexion-friendly ingredients. In this viscous formula, the vitamin C derivative ascorbic acid (a twin to L-ascorbic) is at a 10% concentration, and it's second only to water on the ingredients list. While La Roche-Posay's serum does have a fairly long list of ingredients, with 29 (among our picks, only the Naturium serum had more, with 35), it does contain key moisturizers, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. One tester pointed out that this serum made her skin look noticeably less ragged after just a few days. Another minimalist panelist copped to using this serum in lieu of her usual face cream for a few days. (However, the emollient formula gums up the dropper and gloms onto the bottle, making the experience untidy.) It has a unique texture and superior absorption. This serum is our only pick with salicylic acid, which is beloved for its ability to combat skin's surface oils, and it can have a mattifying effect. Indeed, while the Olay serum is silky on skin, La Roche-Posay's serum feels plush—like the difference between satin and velvet. 'It melted into my skin and felt super soft, with a powder finish,' one tester said. (By contrast, the Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, which has a similar texture, tended to dry out skin. And the Buttah Vitamin C Serum we tested made one tester's skin look more oily.) For a drugstore brand, this one has some decent bells and whistles. La Roche-Posay's serum shares shelf space with the Olay serum, but its packaging and presentation registers as a significant upgrade, with a glass bottle that's more in line with the pricey SkinCeuticals serum. The powdery fragrance also feels a bit fancy, though some of our scent-averse testers deemed it unacceptable, to such a degree that they didn't want to put the serum near their faces. Others found the scent inoffensive, 'but not delicious, which is what I hope for if I'm spending the extra time to use a serum.' Flaws but not dealbreakers Pricewise, La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is on the high end among drugstore contenders. At $45 a bottle, it costs more than double the similar Vanicream Vitamin C Serum we tried. And it's also slightly pricier than another drugstore formula we recommend from Olay. The white dropper got dirty. Beyond its tendency to get gummy, the dropper didn't always deliver a precise portion. And the white rubber tip turned discolored and dingy, which doesn't scream 'self-care.' I have been reporting stories about skin care and beauty for more than 25 years. While working for several lifestyle magazines, I've written many best-of-beauty roundups that reflected the real-life needs and feedback of readers. I've interviewed dozens of dermatologists and dug into hundreds of academic articles about skin care, ingredients, and efficacy. Although I wish I had the energy to mimic my 15-year-old's hour-long skin-care routine, my own regimen is streamlined and simple. I wear moisturizer both day and night, and I slather my lips with balm at all hours. And (child of the '70s, teen of the '80s here) I am a rueful and belated adopter of sunscreen. When I add a step or a product to my minimalist routine, I want it to be easy, enjoyable, and effective. I consider myself an excellent judge of products and the experiences they offer. Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I'm never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards. Sunshine, air pollution, smoke, and just getting older, day after day—all of it leads to the formation of free radicals that can harm your skin, making it look lined, slack, discolored, and otherwise damaged. Because free radicals are oxygen molecules with unstable unpaired electrons, applying an antioxidant like vitamin C can neutralize and stabilize the molecule. Generally, your skin does not benefit from the vitamin C that you get in your diet or oral supplements. Topical vitamin C, on the other hand, can help improve skin tone, soften the appearance of lines, renew collagen production, and treat hyperpigmentation—though definitive studies are limited, and stable versions of even reliable vitamin C derivatives are elusive. As much as Krupa Koestline, the cosmetic chemist we interviewed for this story, likes vitamin C formulations, she still considers it to be among the most overrated skin-care ingredients. And she agreed with other experts we spoke to that vitamin C is best used as a tool of prevention, not repair or reversal, in one's skin-care routine. Anecdotally, however, we know that plenty of people—lots of Wirecutter staffers among them!—swear by this step in their skin-care and self-care routines. On the continuum between 'need to have' and 'nice to have,' sunscreen and moisturizer are firmly planted in the former, and a vitamin C serum lands much closer to the latter. Even so, dermatologists we interviewed recommend adopting it as a step in your morning skin-care routine, after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen (vitamin C has been shown to enhance the effects of SPF). Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Our picks ranged widely in color and texture. Down from top: Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum, Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, La Roche Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Two picks with similar formulations and differing prices. From top: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which is $180, and Timeless Skin Care 20% C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, which is $27. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter As with many skin-care products, with vitamin C serums, the options can seem both overwhelming and duplicative—with price tags that range from about $10 to more than $200. For this guide, we polled colleagues—from beauty newbies to the skin-care–obsessed—to discover the products they swear by, those with results they love, or ones they've rejected for myriad offenses (like sticky textures and cloying fragrances). We dipped into skin-care sub-Reddits. We visited popular beauty retailers in person and online, to suss out newcomers and old favorites. We also interviewed dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist to get their insights. And we read health articles and academic studies about vitamin C and its effects on skin. Through that reporting, we arrived at some metrics for the ideal formula: a vitamin C concentration of 5% to 20% an ideal pH for each specific type of vitamin C derivative we tried reliably effective derivatives of vitamin C Ultimately, we picked products that contained the following derivatives or modified versions of the chemical compound: L-ascorbic acid (sometimes labeled as 'ascorbic acid') is considered the gold standard for absorption, and it is especially effective when paired with additional ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is more stable, but not as potent: Your skin needs to enzymatically convert it to L-ascorbic acid. 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is stable and effective in different formulations—it can be in a creamy serum for dry skin or a watery one for oily skin. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is found in oil-based formulas, and it penetrates the skin nicely. Ascobyl glucoside is a milder product, in that it doesn't have as much power in neutralizing free radicals. Lastly, we kept in mind that dermatologists generally recommend products with fewer components, so we dropped serums containing more than 35 ingredients. We used those parameters to winnow an initial list of 60 considerations down to a test set of 30. I personally tested 34 products over the course of three months. And by testing each formula against our ideal criteria, I arrived at a tighter list to send to eight Wirecutter panel testers, who were grouped by skin type and included people in a range of ages and with diverse skin tones. Our panel testers evaluated the vitamin C serums across four categories: overall experience and perceived benefits, texture, absorption, packaging and fragrance. Experience and perceived benefits. Each final pick earned high praise for how skin felt and looked after application, as well as for how long the temporary benefits lasted. Each final pick earned high praise for how skin felt and looked after application, as well as for how long the temporary benefits lasted. Texture. Formulations for vitamin C serums vary between creamy lotions, dewy drops, and watery liquids. Our testers compared products within those categories, and they chose the ones that felt best both in their hands and on their faces. Formulations for vitamin C serums vary between creamy lotions, dewy drops, and watery liquids. Our testers compared products within those categories, and they chose the ones that felt best both in their hands and on their faces. Absorption. Lots of the serums we tested seemed to just form a tight film on top of the skin, or they left a long-lasting stickiness. Several also caused unpleasant tingling sensations. The best contenders were granted some initial tackiness but then sank in elegantly, with just a little tingling and minimal sensitivity. Lots of the serums we tested seemed to just form a tight film on top of the skin, or they left a long-lasting stickiness. Several also caused unpleasant tingling sensations. The best contenders were granted some initial tackiness but then sank in elegantly, with just a little tingling and minimal sensitivity. Packaging and fragrance. To warrant a spot in a daily skin-care routine, a product should at the very least have user-friendly packaging and an inoffensive fragrance. Testers gravitated toward brands that offered upgraded experiences, like a chic dropper, a handy air-tight pump, or fresh, zesty scents. We liked the cool, fresh feel of Clarins Bright Plus Face Brightening Dark Spot Serum, but we were turned off by the floral fragrance and the fussy dropper. Although we were intrigued by Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum's gentle formula, it felt tight on our skin after it dried. With both the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives12% Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum and the Olay Super Serum, we loved how emollient the drops felt. But they were edged out by the Olay and La Roche-Posay serums, which also have other exfoliants (like salicylic or lactic acid) in play. While the Melano CC Essence has long-time fans on the Wirecutter staff, we were frustrated by the fact that it took almost a month for our order to arrive. The Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum and the RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum both had nice, plump consistencies, but we didn't love how sticky they felt as they dried. The TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum drops, on the other hand, looked unappealing—one tester likened it to snot—and it remained tacky on the skin. For oily skin (liquid serums) In this category, we wanted to tamp down shine, not enhance it, but that's exactly what the Buttah Vitamin C Serum, the Dr. Brenner C Serum, and the Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum all ended up doing: They made our skin feel greasy. We loved how affordable Geek & Gorgeous 101 C-Glow was, but it left a lasting stickiness on our skin. Similarly, Maelove The Glow Maker was also just edged out due to a tacky texture, as well as its medicinal smell. We loved how quickly Obagi Professional-C Serum absorbed—but on the flip side, liquid dribbled all over the place, wasting (a pricey!) product. Testers were deeply split over the odor: Some found it fine, others didn't want it anywhere near their faces. Multiple testers said the Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster made them look shiny, but it also felt sticky. And the Prequel Lucent C Brightening Vitamin C Serum had a thin, adhesive feel and a musty–meets–chem-lab aroma that was deeply unpleasant. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF has a cult following and over a decade of great online reviews, but we preferred the brand's CE Ferulic formula. (Plus, we broke two fingernails trying to remove the stubborn shrink-wrapped plastic protecting over its dropper.) Nothing extraordinary stood out to recommend either The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% or The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C And EGF Serum. Both felt sticky, and The Ordinary's serum even seemed to accentuate redness and pimples, as opposed to minimizing them. The formula for the Vichy Liftactiv 16% Vitamin C Brightening Serum seemed fine, if a little greasy. And it really lost points due to its fussy bottle and odd detachable plastic nozzle. YonKa Serum C20 was a hands-down favorite for fragrance, with a fresh, subtle smell. Testers liked the self-care aspect of the emollient serum, but they ultimately deemed it a bit too greasy for daytime wear. For dry skin (sheer lotion serums) Biossance Squalane and Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum rubbed in easily, but it left behind a greasy film. While its creamy texture felt hydrating at first, the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum triggered a mild tingling sensation and a little redness. The Derma-E Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid had an artificial scent, like old-school baby aspirin. While testers appreciated that the Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum had virtually no fragrance, they disliked that the smooth formula never seemed to fully absorb into skin, and it pilled under moisturizer. Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate also felt too heavy on skin. A close runner-up to Sunday Riley C.E.O. serum, the Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum has a sheer consistency that sinks into skin easily. For all of its refinement, though, it smells like a pile of rotting leaves. The only overwhelming positive for Vanicream Vitamin C Serum was its lack of fragrance. Otherwise, testers appreciated how it made skin look glowy, but they didn't love the tube-pump combo packaging. This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter. Esther Williams, MD, dermatologist, email interview, September 23, 2024 Arielle Nagler, MD, dermatologist, phone interview, September 23, 2024 Neelam Vashi, MD, dermatologist, video and email interviews, September and October, 2024 Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist, video interview, October 1, 2024
