Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.If you're deep in the skincare community, you've probably heard that
SkinCeuticals' 20-year patent on its iconic
C E Ferulic Serum expired earlier this year. Since then, at least one major brand (e.l.f.) has released a budget-friendly alternative to the C$220 serum. Not so coincidentally, SkinCeuticals recently sent out a mailer promoting the cult-favorite serum, alongside the
Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50, which launched last summer. Honestly, before all the buzz around the patent expiration, I had never even heard of the C E Ferulic Serum (probably because it’s way out of my budget), so this is actually my first time trying it. To read my thoughts on both products, click......
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| SkinCeuticals | C E Ferulic Serum |
SkinCeuticals | C E Ferulic Serum (C$220 for 30 ml):Formulated with 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is a daytime antioxidant serum that helps brighten the skin, improve firmness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The low pH and addition of ferulic acid help stabilize the vitamin C, allowing the formula to remain effective for up to six months after opening. The serum has a thin, watery texture that absorbs easily into the skin. While it isn’t greasy, it does leave a slightly dewy, slippery finish.
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| SkinCeuticals | C E Ferulic Serum |
More noticeably, however, is its scent. Thanks to ferulic acid, the serum has a distinct smoky, meaty odor often described as “hot dog water.” Though the serum is safe for nighttime use, it’s best suited for daytime, when its antioxidant protection is most beneficial. Unfortunately, the strong scent makes it difficult for me to wear during the day, especially if I’m heading out into the world (yes, the smell is that offensive). Overall, while there’s no doubt this is one of the most stable and effective vitamin C serums available, the high price is hard to justify given the number of comparable and affordable alternatives on the market.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate. |
| SkinCeuticals | Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 |
SkinCeuticals | Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 (C$62 for 30 ml): Formulated with both mineral (7% zinc oxide) and chemical (8% homosalate, 5% octocrylene, 5% ethylhexyl salicylate) UV filters, the Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 is marketed as a broad-spectrum, everyday sunscreen suitable for sensitive and redness-prone skin. Packaged in an airless pump bottle, the sunscreen has a light lotion consistency that blends easily onto the skin. Due to the zinc oxide content, the formula isn’t fully transparent, but on my skin tone, I didn’t notice a white cast. That said, those with deeper skin tones may still experience some visible residue.
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| SkinCeuticals | Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 |
The finish isn’t greasy per se, but it is very dewy, so much so that my skin looked shiny throughout the day, even with regular blotting. Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend this sunscreen for oily or combination skin types. Honestly, I’m not sure what makes this product stand out. Many other brands, including La Roche-Posay, Supergoop, and numerous Asian beauty brands, offer hybrid sunscreens with more lightweight, elegant textures, often at a lower price point. Overall, this is a perfectly decent sunscreen. It’s not terrible, but it’s far from exceptional. With so many great alternatives available, I really can't recommend this.
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| SkinCeuticals | Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 |
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Homosalate, Zinc Oxide, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Steareth-20, C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Oryza Sativa Cera / Rice Bran Wax, Butylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Bisabolol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dextran. |
| SkinCeuticals | Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 |
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