SKINCARE | Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Serum Review

Over the summer, I have had the pleasure of trying a number of new skincare products. There are times when I feel like I am in lab with my potions and lotions cocktailing what will be going on my face. Skincare comes in a range of comfort levels and when I first started taking my skin more seriously, I wanted a routine that was easy and didn't require too much thought. Now that I have the main parts of the routine figured out, it's time to mix things up! I have dabbled with treatments like chemical peels and microderm abrasion, but when it comes to "scientific skincare" Skinceuticals has always at the forefront. My first exerience with Skinceuticals was in 2011 when I received a sample of the Hydrating B5 Gel in a Topbox. It was the most fascinating thing in the world because it was a gel and yet when I applied it to my skin, every crack in my skin seemed to fill up and look seamless. Scientific sorcery is what that was!

After a quick consult via email of my skintype and concerns, I was sent three products in the summer to try out. Each product deserves their own review because I guarantee, if I try to talk about all of them in one post I would be cheating you of what they are all about. Skinceuticals is most well-known for its "antioxidant science", being the first cosmeceutical company to have a clinically proven topical vitamin C formulation. Much of the motivation behind their, now extensive product line, is that sunscreen is not enough. Photoaging is caused by free radicals that still make their way into our skin which lead to signs of aging. Antioxidants are able to neutralize them which is why we are always on the hunt for the next free radical fighter! Vitamin C is the current craze in the world of skincare now so the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic* (30mL/$162.00) was the first product that I absolutely had to try. 


"C E Ferulic is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced environmental protection against photoaging by neutralizing free radicals that can accelerate the appearance of aging."

Intended for dry, normal and sensitive skin types (honestly ANY skintype should love this!), the key players in this serum are: 15% L-
ascorbic acid (Vitamin C - the L refers to molecular orientation and most effective form), 1% alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) and 0.5% ferulic acid (a plant-based antioxidant). This is a serum that is intended to diminish the appearance of fine lines and even dark spots. The addition of ferulic acid to topical Vitamins C and E has been shown to double the protective power of the two hence double the photoprotection of the skin (Lin et al, October 2015). This is like the Asian skincare dream right HERE. 

What I found most interesting about this product was the fact that this is specifically a daytime serum to be applied once in the morning after cleansing all over the face, neck and chest. This can then be layered with moisturizer and sunscreen. Note that the bottle is dark which is ALWAYS something to look for when a product has vitamin C because it reacts with light. Do not be fooled by vitamin C products in clear bottles!


Ingredients: 740019 - Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate

The ingredients list is a short one which is comforting in that the main ingredient, ascorbic acid, is not diluted by fillers. It is also nice to see the actual ingredient ascorbic acid. Though other forms may still be beneficial, there is more scientific support for ascorbic acid in its purest form (Campos et al., October 2015) The 15% topical concentration is also another quality that stood out as I prefer an antioxidant with a bit of a punch. When it comes to anti-aging and radiant skin, I will admit that for me, the bigger the number, the better!

When I first applied this serum, the first thing I noticed was the scent. It wasn't orangey goodness, which is what we've all been led to believe! If anything, the scent was slightly bitter and on the strong side, but disappeared quickly once on the skin. The consistency was like water (this serum is oil-free after all) and absorbed into my skin right away. It did also leave an ever so slightly tacky residue on my hands. Since the percentage of ascorbic acid is quite high, I felt a slight tingling to my skin which disappeared once moisturizer was applied. 
Make sure to use sunscreen with this product (as you should at all times anyway). I try to use a minimum of SPF 30 when using high concentration acids to minimize the formation of brown spots. 


Final verdict: I used this serum for 4 weeks in the summer and loved it. Every antioxidizing millilitre of it. Once I got used to the scent and the morning tingling sensation on my skin, this serum was a pure delight. The best example of my skin during this review period would have been in this makeup look. My skin's texture was so beautifully even and unblemished and though I don't get breakouts often, I do get whiteheads around my cheeks and forehead. Zoom in on those photos and you will see nothing but smoothness! The reviews of this serum long term look promising and though the price tag is not for the faint of heart, wouldn't you rather spend on a serum that acutally works? All I can say about my skincare routine is that THIS serum is here to stay. It has worked beautifully with my love of natural skincare and almost acts like a supercharger for every product that goes on top!

Skinceuticals is available at www.skinceuticals.com or at your local dermatologist. I found three in my neighbourhood that carry it!

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