SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic is on the top of the game when it comes to ascorbic acid serums. It is a patented formulation in which ascorbic acid is at a high concentration and at the right pH, which provides optimal results. A lot of brands try to create similar formulations, but when it comes to ascorbic acid and ferulic acid combination SkinCeuticals’ serum is unmatched.
Ascorbic acid is a potent ingredient that works even at low concentrations, but the best results are seen with higher amounts like 15%. Ascorbic acid helps to fight against environmental aggressors like free radicals, corrects photodamage (damage caused by UV rays, e.g. hyperpigmentation). Also, it stimulates collagen production hence improving wrinkles and sagging skin.
This serum contains 15% of ascorbic acid as well as 1% of vitamin E and 0.5% of ferulic acid, which help to stabilise ascorbic acid and boost the serum’s antioxidant properties. It’s worth mentioning that this serum stays fresh for up to 12 months after opening (a very long period for an aqueous ascorbic acid product). On top of that, there are moisturising glycerine and hyaluronic acid. The formula is fragrance-free and suitable for even sensitive skin types. However, with ascorbic acid just like with exfoliating acids or vitamin A derivatives, it’s best to introduce it slowly. If you want to start using an ascorbic acid serum first use a product with a lower concentration of ascorbic acid and then step up the strength.
This serum is marvellous. If I wanted to describe it in one word, I would say it’s skin-transforming. Only after two weeks of using this serum, my skin looked so much different it was clearer, glowing, plump, and hydrated. My hyperpigmentation was much lighter, and the skin looked healthy and well-rested every day. Also, the serum alone kept my skin well-hydrated, I didn’t have to use an additional hydrating serum every day.
The results of using this serum were quite noticeable, and people around it saw them too. I can understand why this serum is so expensive because it makes a significant change in the look of your skin. And it works for wrinkles, I’d had a line from frowning on my forehead, and this serum flattened it. It looked as if someone injected a filler in that line. After discontinuing to use the product, the effects lasted for a few weeks. The glow vanished, and the line on my forehead sort of returned, but it isn’t as pronounced as before. It’s standard that to maintain the results of the serum, I’d have to keep using it.
I highly recommend this serum to anyone who seeks an excellent ascorbic acid serum that makes a difference. This serum will transform the look of your complexion and improve the condition of your skin. It helps with hyperpigmentation and elasticity of the skin. The results come pretty quickly. I know the price is high, but this is a top-notch product. Last but not least, do not forget to use sunscreen and especially when you use an ascorbic acid serum.
Ingredients:
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluroniate (skinceuticals.co.uk)
7 responses to “SkinCetuicals C E Ferulic – Review”
Unfortunately, the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a bit out of my price range. I thought I might try the LRP Pure Vitamin C10 serum, as both brands are owned by L’Oréal, and the LRP might be closer in terms of results, than other CE Ferulic like dupes. As you have tried both the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and the LRP C10 serum, would you say there is no comparison? That they are completely different. Or do you think the LRP one would be closer than dupes by other brands, and you might get somewhat similar results? If that makes sense. Also are the textures of the products very different? Sorry for the questions 🙂
But it seems the SkinCeuticals gives very dramatic results, while the LRP is very subtle?
You don’t have to apologise. It’s good that you’re asking these questions because probably more people have similar questions, so I am glad that I can clarify these things.
Regarding the texture differences, the CE Ferulic is a liquid serum, pretty standard; the LRP’s vitamin C serum has a viscous gel texture similar to their hydrating serum.
They both work, but in my opinion, the CE Ferulic gives better results than the C10 Serum. But are they worth justifying the price? I am not sure. The CE Ferulic needs less time to show results, as it works faster. Also, it is more stable, the CE Ferulic has a shelf life of 12 months after opening, whereas the C10 has only 3 months. Regardless, the C10 is a pretty good serum; the 10% concentration of ascorbic acid is within the optimal range to yield results. You will see differences in the appearance of your complexion with both, but you may need to use the C10 Serum a bit longer.
From affordable vitamin C serums, I would say that the Melano CC Essence by Rohto is excellent and worth considering. Rohto have their own patents on ascorbic acid formulations. I have been using it for years now, and if I am not mistaken, it’s the best selling vitamin C product in Japan. Many people also like the Timeless 20% Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid Serum. There is also Vichy’s vitamin C serum, supposedly more stable than the C10 Serum, as it comes in small ampoules. I have tried the Tiam My Signature C Source from the CE Ferulic dupes, but it oxidised shortly after opening, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
Thank you once again for your reply and suggestions.
It’s very helpful to hear your thoughts on how the CE Ferulic and C10 compare. I’m not aware of anyone else that has tried both, and reviewd them.
While I would love to try the CE Ferulic some day, I think I will pass on the C10 for the moment. I am very curious about the Melano CC Essence now. It’s not a brand I’m familiar with. I will also look in to your other suggestions.
Thank you again for your reviews, and replies.
P.S. I’m also looking at the LRP Retinol B3 Serum. It seems like a very mild retinol, with only 0.1% retinol, and 0.3% retinyl palmitate. So I think it should be pretty well tolerated, and easier to incorporate into a routine, than a potentially harsh, more potent retinol. I would love to see you review this product, if you review retinoids.
You’re very welcome!
I would say try the Melano CC Essence first. It costs about three times less than the C10 Serum, and you won’t be disappointed with it. You can get it from Amazon JP or Yesstyle. There is also a newer version released this year, but I haven’t got the chance to try it yet.
Retinol is not that harsh unless your skin is particularly sensitive. If you don’t experience any irritation or flushing from the PC serum with tranexamic acid and niacinamide, then you should be OK with retinol.
The LRP Retinol B3 Serum contains 0.3% retinol and a bit of retinyl palmitate, not the other way around.
I follow the maxim ‘go big or go home’ when it comes to retinoids. I prefer prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene (Differin); they are cheaper and give better results. There is also much more scientific literature on these two. But, I understand that not everyone wants to deal with the side effects like dry skin. So, I may review a retinol product in the future, but I don’t think it would be the LRP serum.
Thank for your reply.
Yes, the Melano CC looks like a great option to try. Thank you for telling me where I can get it.
Sorry, my mistake, the LRP Retinol B3 contains 0.1% retinol and 0.2% retinyl palmitate. Also 2% niacinamide and 10% glycerin. I am always a bit worried about trying prescription retinoids, because of the potential side effects, and it is very difficult to get in my country. I was also looking at the Geek and Gorgeous A-Game 10. It uses retinaldehyde. But I do see your point about “go big or go home”, and this would stiff be weaker and less studied than tretinoin and adapalene.
Thank you for all your help.
My pleasure!
You can get Differin from iherb.com and Amazon US. But, I’d advise you to discuss it with your GP first.
Also, since you try to fade hyperpigmentation spots, I suggest you look into Skinoren. I don’t know if it’s an OTC medicine in your country, but in several EU states, it is. I have listed a few pharmacies which ship medication worldwide in my review of Skinoren.