We do a lot to improve the quality of our skin and look younger.  Of the many solutions, creams, exfoliants, and serums that we try, how many are effective and how many just create more problems?  I have tried some pretty ridiculous products looking back and I have no idea why I would use some of the products that smelled so bad.  Furthermore, for years I was under the false impression that in order for a product to work it would sting and burn because that means that it is “powerful” and I can feel it working.

Luckily, I have since determined that the best products don’t hurt to use and they don’t cause further damage to my already sensitive skin.  In the past I have been a fan of Mario Badescu products particularly the face masks.  But the Vitamin C Serum falls pretty short of the mark.

It uses 7.5% ascorbic acid which is a form of Vitamin C.  The highest concentration that you should ever use is 20% and Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum falls short of that.  Sometimes it has been known to irritate skin.  The most well known sources of Vitamin C are in fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and others.  A lot of these are highly acidic so it’s not surprising that products which contain Vitamin C are likely to be irritating and acidic.  Have you ever squirted grapefruit juice in your eye?  It’s kind of like that.  But there are other forms of Vitamin C which may not be as irritating or painful.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum Ingredients

• Propylene Glycol:Most commonly found in brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In  cosmetics this is used as a humectant to prevent moisture and water from escaping. It is recommended that users avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as it is a strong skin irritant and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage
• Ascorbic Acid: A water-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C that cannot penetrate the surface of the skin. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Oxidized Vitamin C increases  free radical formation and may cause skin irritation, burns and rashes
• Cucumber Extract: Soothes and refreshes the skin while reducing inflammation
• Hyaluronic Acid: Helps vitamin C penetrate deep into the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is often referred to as the “fountain of youth”, it  has the ability to retain and hold moisture to the skin, and also helps support the formation and maintenance of collagen. Once collagen production starts to deteriorate is when our skin loses it’s tone and elasticity
• Other Ingredients: Ale vera gel, collagen, lavender oil, ginseng extract

Pros

• Some quality ingredients
• Not too expensive
• Mario Badescu has good products

Cons

• Can cause acne
• Doesn’t make a huge difference in reducing scars, sun spots, or wrinkles
• No guarantee

Conclusion

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum doesn’t have the strongest or best ingredients in the formula.  It can cause irritation so it’s really just another one of those products that works by causing pain and stinging.  A lot of people that have tried this product have reported increased incidences of acne.  It is supposed to reduce wrinkles and make your skin look younger and yet the majority of users didn’t see any results in that regard.  It can stimulate collagen production but due to the irritating qualities you may want to consider a product that is effective and less irritating.  Several consumers have recommended that you shell out a little more money for a higher quality product because they didn’t see results and won’t be using it again.

There are lots of ways to evaluate a serum.  Some of the time they are given a point value but other times they are given a grade just like in school.  Maybe it’s just because I grade papers all the time but when I see a product that starts out with a C+ I have a hard time thinking that it’s going to be a good product.  If a C is average then are they saying that C+ Firming Serum is just barely above average?  Personally, I prefer a serum that earns an A grade.

Considering that C+ Firming Serum uses only 12% Vitamin C compared to the 20% that is common in the top products it only has 60% of the strength of others.  That would get this product a D at best.  Of course, it could move up higher on the grading scale if other ingredients are high quality but for now it’s stuck in that average/below average area.  Most likely C+ Firming Serum is indicating that it contains Vitamin C plus other important ingredients.  But a name can significantly impact the likelihood that someone will want to purchase it and the connotation that a C+ brings isn’t what I would want to be advertising on a Firming Serum I had created.

C+ Firming Serum Ingredients

• L-Ascorbic acid: Protects against free radicals inside the cell but not the cell membrane. L-Ascorbic Acid is acidic and may cause skin irritation and redness
• Butylene glycol: Preserves beauty products and keeps them from spoiling.  It has also been used to create more volume in a product by creating a whipped or frothy appearance so they don’t have to include as much of the actual product
• Unfortunately, no other ingredients are listed for C+ Firming Serum so it’s impossible to tell if the formula improves significantly by including other ingredients although it has been indicated that there are not any other ingredients included in C+ Firming Serum

Pros

• Can be ordered online or over the phone
• Good customer service
• Not terribly expensive
• Can help fade sun spots

Cons

• Irritating
• Strong and unpleasant smell
• Does not firm the skin

Conclusion

There are quite a few positive consumer reviews for C+ Firming Serum.  But it also causes quite a bit of irritation.  C+ Firming Serum doesn’t get an A grade because it doesn’t contain any more effective ingredients.  Butylene glycol is okay to include but it also could just be a filler so that you aren’t getting as much of the active ingredients.  If you break it down then this formula, which includes only two ingredients, L-ascorbic acid and butylene glycol, you have 12% of it that has L-ascorbic acid and the last 88% of this product is butylene glycol.  That’s a lot of filler for a product that only has one active ingredient. L-ascorbic acid has been known to cause irritation to your skin which could be unpleasant and make it difficult to continue using this product.  Looking at the potential side effects and the lack of significant and effective ingredients you can see why C+ Firming Serum is stuck in the average zone and is not known as an A+ product.

Sensitive skin can make it extremely difficult to find a decent product that works.  I should know because I have very sensitive skin and since I’m allergic to even the ingredients that they include in hypoallergenic products it’s nearly impossible to find a decent product that I’m not allergic to.  John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum is a certified organic product that uses all natural ingredients.  Right from the get go this one sounds promising because generally natural products don’t have as many of the ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.

This serum is supposed to reduce the signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, crows feet, and dry skin.  It has several ingredients which can be used to increase the moisture content of your skin. Honestly, John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum seems to be most effective as moisturizer as opposed to an anti-aging serum.  There are quite a few positive consumer reviews about this product but they only touch on the fact that it can help to increase the moisture content of their skin.  Most of the women who have reviewed this product have indicated that it has helped their dry skin to become moist which can help it to appear at least somewhat younger.  It doesn’t have a pleasant smell but if you can get past that it is easily absorbed by your skin.

The biggest complaint from consumers is that it causes acne.  One of the ingredients is an algae extract which aggravates acne.  It can also cause so much moisture that perhaps it would clog pores as some of the consumers have already indicated.  Obviously it’s beneficial for your skin to have a moisturizing agent but too much moisture could cause the opposite effect of what you are hoping for.

John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum Ingredients

• Ascorbic acid polypeptide: A water-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C that cannot penetrate the surface of the skin. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Oxidized Vitamin C increases  free radical formation and may cause skin irritation, burns and rashes
• Superoxide dismutase: A highly protective enzyme which captures free radicals on the surface of the skin
• Sea algae extract: Soothing and nourishing to the skin but has also been known to aggravate acne
• Acerola: Can replenish dull skin and also works to fight aging
• Plant phospholipids: Helps to rebuild the skin
• Other Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice,* helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil,* glycerin,* rosa damascena (rose) flower water,* populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, ascorbic acid polypeptide, lecithin, phospholipids, superoxide dismutase, malphighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract,* oryza sativa (rice) extract,* spirulina platensis (algae) extract,* tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter,* triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, rosa damascena (rose) flower oil,* citrus sinensis (blood orange) oil, tilia cordata (linden) blossom oil,* xanthan gum, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract,* sclerotium gum powder, potassium sorbate (*=organic certified ingredient)

Pros

• Uses organic ingredients
• Is not tested on animals
• Only $30 for one bottle
• Free shipping!

Cons

• Can cause acne
• No guarantee
• Not very effective at reversing the aging process
• Smells bad
• Product quickly went bad

Conclusion

There are not many customers who say that they would reorder this product.  Most of the time they did not have any success in reducing the age of their skin.  But in most instances the consumers have seen that this product has value as a moisturizing agent.  Due to the ingredients which have been included you are not likely to see many benefits with regards to the age of your skin.  But you could easily see irritation on your skin.  The free shipping makes it enticing to use as does the low price but generally the lower priced products are also lower in quality.

Dr. Dennis Gross (what an unfortunate name for this industry!) has an extensive line of skin care products which can improve acne, increase natural moisture, and reverse the effects of aging and skin damage.  Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum is one of these products which can greatly enhance the collagen production in your skin making it so that your skin can appear younger and healthier.

Collagen binds cells together and is the key component of younger looking skin.  I remember years ago hearing that the way your neck looks is what is really going to give away your age. My friend’s mom gets botox all the time on her face so she looks like she is in her late 20s there but her neck shows that she is at least 55–it’s a huge difference. So many people forget to put lotion on their neck and it seems like collagen disappears most quickly from your neck leaving wrinkles and anything but smooth skin.  So regardless of which product you choose to restore collagen production make sure to apply it on your neck in the hope that you can reverse the signs of aging.  Is Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum powerful enough to change the look of your skin?

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum Ingredients

• Hydrapure Chelating Complex: This seems to be common among Dr. Gross products.  It removes impurities left on the surface of the skin and can reduce irritation and dryness.
• Vitamin C: A water-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C that cannot penetrate the surface of the skin. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Oxidized Vitamin C increases  free radical formation and may cause skin irritation, burns and rashes
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Once SAP is absorbed into the skin it activates and converts to Ascorbic Acid. SAP  is effective in fighting the damage of free radicals and suppressing the oxidation of lipids for an anti-aging effect. SAP also improves acne and acne scarring
• Vitamin C Ester: A fat soluble derivative of Vitamin C that can be stored in cell membranes until it is needed by the body to help boost collagen synthesis.  Ascorbyl Palmitate has been shown to have antioxidant protection equivalent to Vitamin E, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C ester is  10 times more absorbable that vitamin C, and it does not irritate the skin, like ascorbic acid. Vitamin C ester is more stable and potent than vitamin C and can last months longer and does not cause skin irritation or redness
• Linoleic Acid: An omega 3 fatty acid found in plant oils that promotes skin growth. Linoleic acid helps to maintain the health of the membrane and moisturizes rough, itchy and flaking skin

Pros

• Contains Vitamin C ester
• No fragrance
• Easy to use container

Cons

• Irritating
• Ineffective
• Difficult to apply
• Expensive- $95
• No guarantee

Conclusion

It’s important to consider consumer reviews when looking for a Vitamin C serum.  Unfortunately, most skin care products are far below par and really not effective.  In the case of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum the consumer reviews indicate that this is just another one of the skin care products that are not effective.  The biggest complaint about this product is that it stings when you apply it and it’s extremely irritating.  I always recommend that you test a product on a small patch of skin before committing to you use it and you will definitely want to do that with this product.

Furthermore, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum is one of the more expensive products and since there isn’t a guarantee it gets even more pricey when it doesn’t work.  It seems like they could have left some of these ingredients out of the formula because they did include some good ingredients that are not too irritating but they also have extremely irritating ingredients.  Their past products seem to be more effective than this new formula and with the irritation you will experience it’s probably better to choose another product.

ViDerm has quite a line of products you can try.  They have peels that can “literally peel away the years” according to their advertisement as well as exfoliating creams which can rejuvenate your skin cells giving you the appearance of younger looking skin.  To reverse the effects of skin damage and aging they have created ViDerm Vitamin C 20% Serum which uses the highest concentration of Vitamin C that is available.

Since Vitamin C is the only antioxidant that can stimulate collagen production you probably want to use a product that has a high concentration and can produce results more quickly than other products since they are always expensive.  When you are using a product like ViDerm Vitamin C 20% Serum which has such a high concentration of Vitamin C you want to make sure to test it on a small patch of skin before committing to apply it all over your face.  The reason for this is that it can irritate sensitive skin. And irritated skin never looks younger or smoother.

There is no telling what a Vitamin C serum is going to do just by looking at the advertisement because there have been numerous products which have been sold under false claims.  ViDerm has created quite a few quality products but asking one to give you younger looking skin is a lot to do.  Have they included the ingredients that are really going to improve the youthfulness of your skin?

ViDerm Vitamin C 20% Serum Ingredients

• 20% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: One of the most effective Vitamin C derivatives that works to stimulate collagen production in people who are resistant to Ascorbic Acid
• Cyclopentasiloxane: A silicone derivative that releases nutrients and moisture when applied to the skin
• Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer: A stabilizing agent or thickener
• Cyclomethicone: A silicone used to deliver a silky texture without an oily residue. It is used as a base solvent to blend with fragrance oils

Pros

• Uses a high concentration of Vitamin C
• Tones and firms skin
• Increases the production of collagen
• Can be used by all skin types

Cons

• Costs $88 for one bottle
• No guarantee offered
• No scientific data to back up their claims

Conclusion

ViDerm Vitamin C 20% Serum is one of the more expensive Vitamin C serums on the market at $88 for one bottle.  Since there is not a guarantee offered for this product you are placing a lot of trust in their advertising.  It does use a high concentration of Vitamin C which is obviously a bonus since it can go to work stimulating collagen production and quickly give you results.  But honestly, looking at the ingredient profile ViDerm Vitamin C 20% Serum doesn’t have it all.  Most of the ingredients they have listed are just fillers or can be mixed with fragrances and they don’t have much to do with improving the quality of your skin.  Perhaps this product is most effective when used with the other ViDerm products because they could increase the moisturizing properties helping your skin to appear smooth and young with fewer wrinkles.

MD Skincare is a higher-end cosmetic line sold at department stores like Nordstrom and Sephora. Both of which have VERY good return policies, I mention this because you may want to take advantage of it if you purchase Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum. I hate to be so negative about this product right off the bat but I can’t help it. Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Serum contains the best and the WORST form of vitamin C, they insisted on ruining their nearly perfect formula with Ascorbic Acid. Hello? Don’t they know how crappy this form of vitamin C is and how harsh it is on your skin? Ascorbic acid cannot penetrate the surface of your skin and it is a very unstable form of Vitamin C. It has a tendency to oxidize much faster than other derivatives making it harmful to your skin. It doesn’t only lose it’s effectiveness it will actually cause more damage to your skin by producing MORE free radicals. In case you didn’t get the memo, free radicals are the devil and the reason why our skin ages prematurely. Ascorbic acid is strong stuff, even individuals who have the toughest skin complain about redness and irritation. Why, MD? You know better than to put ascorbic acid in your formula? If it weren’t for this lapse of judgment, MD would have had a near perfect vitamin C Serum, what a shame…

Ingredients

• Hydra-Pure Chelating Complex™ : Pulls off metals, minerals and other impurities left on the skin by water. It also assists antioxidants, like vitamin C,  to improve product stability through chelating and sequestering metal ions.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Acid) A water-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C that cannot penetrate the surface of the skin. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Oxidized Vitamin C increases  free radical formation and may cause skin irritation, burns and rashes.
• SAP (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate): Once SAP is absorbed into the skin it activates and converts to Ascorbic Acid. SAP  is effective in fighting the damage of free radicals and suppressing the oxidation of lipids for an anti-aging effect. SAP also improves acne and acne scarring.
• Vitamin C Ester (Ascorbyl Palmitate) A fat soluble derivative of Vitamin C that can be stored in cell membranes until it is needed by the body to help boost collagen synthesis.  Ascorbyl Palmitate has been shown to have antioxidant protection equivalent to Vitamin E, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C ester is  10 times more absorbable that vitamin C, and it does not irritate the skin, like ascorbic acid. Vitamin C ester is more stable and potent than vitamin C and can last months longer and does not cause skin irritation or redness
• Linoleic Acid: An omega 3 fatty acid found in plant oils that promotes skin growth. Linoleic acid helps to maintain the health of the membrane and moisturizes rough, itchy and flaking skin.

Pros

• Includes stable forms of vitamin C, SAP and Vitamin C Ester
• Linoleic acid will help moisturize your skin
• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if purchased directly from dgskincare.com

Cons

• Expensive- $95 per ounce
• Contains ascorbic acid which is a poor, unstable form of vitamin C
• May cause more free radical damage
• Short shelf-life

Conclusion

If you are going to drop $100 on a vitamin C serum you better make sure it is the BEST! An unstable form of vitamin C, like ascorbic acid can ruin even the BEST formula. You could sell “the fountain of youth” in a bottle and have it completely ruined by ascorbic acid, once that stuff goes bad you can do some major damage to your face. You have to be really careful with ascorbic acid, once it starts to turn yellow or brown throw it out immediately. You want a vitamin C derivative that penetrates deep within the skin, like Ester C. Ester C can be stored in the cell membrane until it is needed, and it  is  10 times more absorbable that vitamin C, and it does not irritate the skin, like ascorbic acid does. In short, I personally do not recommend this serum, you can find other effective vitamin C serums for half the price.

Your input is important so please consider writing a review for any products you have had a chance to try. This will help others make an informed decision prior to purchasing.

Mediocrity has become standard in the skin care business. It is very rare that you will find a company that gives consumers the best of the best, it’s too expensive. Well, for companies that use depend on heavy marketing and celebrity endorsements to promote their products it is. Obagi doesn’t use either of these sales tactics so I am confused as to why their products aren’t top of the line? Maybe they are using out-dated scientific research?

Ingredients

• Ascorbic Acid: A water-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C that cannot penetrate the surface of the skin. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Ascorbic acid is the most acidic of all the vitamin C derivatives and may cause skin irritation and redness.
• Propylene Glycol: Most commonly found in brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In  cosmetics this is used as a humectant to prevent moisture and water from escaping. It is recommended that users avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as it is a strong skin irritant and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
• Propylene Carbonate: Used to dissolve other substances
• Other Ingredients: Water, Fragrance

Pros

• Provides clinical studies on official website

Cons

• Does not list ingredients on website
• Uses an acidic, highly irritable form of Vitamin C
• May cause redness and skin irritation
• Does not have any moisturizing ingredients
• May cause more free radical damage
• Uses fragrances that may cause irritation

Conclusion

Obagi Pro-C Serum 20% is certainly lacking in the ingredient department. Ascorbic acid is unstable and can easily oxidize, meaning it has a very short shelf-life. Once Obagi Pro-C serum oxidizes it is ineffective and potentially harmful, oxidized vitamin C increases the formation of free radicals.  It is important to pay attention to expiration dates and to keep an eye on the color of your serum. Once it starts to change colors, throw it out. There are stable forms of vitamin C, like Vitamin C esters that are a combination of L-ascorbic acid and a fatty acid derived from palm oil. Vitamin C ester is  10 times more absorbable that vitamin C, and it does not irritate the skin, like ascorbic acid alone. Vitamin C ester is more stable and potent than vitamin C and can last months longer and does not cause skin irritation or redness . I also like to see some higher-end ingredients in Vitamin C Serum like DMAE,  Alpha Lipoic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and ingredients like palm oil to regulate the pH balance. More common antioxidants like Vitamin E are also great additions to Vitamin C Serums. Obagi Pro-C Serum does not offer any of these.

If it weren’t obvious enough, we do not recommend Obagi Pro-C Serum to help you get the skin brightening, and anti-aging benefits you want from a vitamin C serum. Your input is important so please consider writing a review for any products you have had a chance to try. This will help others make an informed decision prior to purchasing.

I admit it, and I have no shame in doing so, I am a total snob. I demand quality and expect nothing but the best, especially when it comes to my face. A friend once told me, if you want to be successful in the retail business you have to either be the best or the cheapest. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a company that has succeeded because they are the cheapest, is Walmart. Lord knows how I despise this store. Talk about piss-poor quality and customer service. As a consumer, I prefer doing business with those who pride in themselves on being the BEST, certainly not the cheapest. That doesn’t mean I buy the most expensive product on the market, I do my research and find the best product for my money. Needless to say, I don’t have very high hopes for Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum. I will set aside the fact that this is a Walmart product and give it a fair review. Who knows, maybe they’ll surprise me?

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum Ingredients

• Organic Lavandula Augustifolia (Lavender): Calms the skin, reduces inflammation and stimulates cell growth.
• Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile): Helps neutralize skin irritants
• Organic Aloe Barbadensis: Possesses soothing, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. It may accelerate cell growth in the skin
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C): A water soluble lightening agent that accelerates the formation of collagen. MAP is a better choice of vitamin C for those who have sensitive skin and want to avoid an exfoliating effect.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Helps vitamin C penetrate deep into the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is often referred to as the “fountain of youth”, it  has the ability to retain and hold moisture to the skin, and also helps support the formation and maintenance of collagen. Once collagen production starts to deteriorate is when our skin loses it’s tone and elasticity.
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Hydrates skin.
• Olive Squaline: Derived from oil, Olive Squaline is similar to our skins sebum making it compatible with skin lipids.
• Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil: Rich in vitamin E, and allows for better absorption into the lipid later of the skin.
• Tocopherol and Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E): Also referred to as Vitamin E, Tocopheryl Acetate is one of the most powerful antioxidants and protects  your cells from free radicals that cause pre-mature aging and acne
• Lemon Bioflavonoids: Reduces inflammation and assists Vitamin C in rebuilding collagen.
• Melatonin: When combined with vitamins C and E, melatonin provides antioxidant effects and provides support for collagen synthesis and enhances photoprotective response of the skin.
• Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Oil: Rich in vitamin C
• Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter): Moisturizer
• Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) Extract: Moisturizes and firms the skin.
• Allantoin: Encourages skin renewal
• Organic Calendula Officinalis Extract: Softens damaged skin.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: A preservative that has been found to he a skin and eye irritant in two different studies.
• Other Ingredients: Emulsifying Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Glyceryl Laurate, Soy Lecithin, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Amodimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) and Organic Arnica Montana Extracts (Aqueous), Organic Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil and Other Essential Oils, Organic Borago Officinalis (Borage) and Linum Usitatissimum (Flax Seed) Oils

Pros

• Cheap
• Available at multiple drug stores
• Soothes skin
• Moisturizes

Cons

• Low Quality
• Harsh on sensitive skin
• May cause dryness and irritation
• Does not reverse the signs of aging

Conclusion

The concept of this vitamin C serum is great, it has a number of antioxidants, moisturizing ingredients and essential oils, so we were surprised to find out that this serum is totally ineffective. Ultimately this serum doesn’t have enough of the right  ingredients to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and scars. The derivative of vitamin C in Vitamin C Vitality is MAP, which is supposed to be great for those with sensitive skin, but there a number of reviews that complain about skin irritation and breakouts. We believe that the breakouts are caused by the essential oils and all the preservatives. MAP is one of the better vitamin C derivatives but in order for it to be effective it must be at 10% concentration to suppress melanin formation, so far we haven’t had any luck finding a vitamin C serum that contains 10%.

Not all the reviews have been negative, some consumers really like this serum because of the price, and it helps soothe and refresh their skin. Unfortunately, we could not find reviews from people who had success in reducing fine lines, wrinkles or scars.  In the end, we conclude that Avalon Organics Vitamin C Vitality Facial Serum is just a so-so product. If you are looking for quick, age-reversing results you may want to look elsewhere. My theory still stands, you get what you pay for and you will not find quality at Walmart.

If you have done a search for Vitamin C Serums you are sure to have come across SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. It is certainly one of the most talked about Vitamin C serums, but what exactly do consumers have to say about this serum? It depends on which website you go to. On websites that sell SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, most the reviews were positive, which leads me to believe the reviews are made up. We found a website that had no bias and the reviews weren’t so hot…  It is hard to know if these customer reviews are legit. Rather than relying on other people’s opinion, lets get straight to the facts. What is in SkinCeuticals? Does it have the right ingredients to give you the radiant, wrinkle-free skin you desire?

Ingredients

• Vitamin C *(L-ascorbic Acid): Protects against free radicals inside the cell but not the cell membrane. L-Ascorbic Acid is acidic and may cause skin irritation and redness. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Oxidized Vitamin C increases  free radical formation and may cause skin irritation, burns and rashes.
• Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that improves skins moisture and lessens the damage of UV rays.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Helps vitamin C penetrate deep into the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is often referred to as the “fountain of youth”, it  has the ability to retain and hold moisture to the skin, and also helps support the formation and maintenance of collagen. Once collagen production starts to deteriorate is when our skin loses it’s tone and elasticity.
• Propylene Glycol: Most commonly found in brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In  cosmetics this is used as a humectant to prevent moisture and water from escaping. It is recommended that users avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as it is a strong skin irritant and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
• Phenoxyethanol: According to the FDA, ” Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea.”
• Triethanolamine: Used to balance pH levels, Triethanolamine has been found to be severely irritating to body tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes, avoid eye contact. A shocking  40% of cosmetics containing Triethanolamine have been found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens.
• Other Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Laureth-23,  Ferulic Acid, Panthenol

Pros

• We like that it contains hyaluronic acid
• Provides photoprotection and has the ability to neutralize free radicals
• Helps even out skin tone

Cons

• Uses L-ascorbic acid which is unstable and  may cause skin irritation
• L-ascorbic acid may only work for 24 hours, whereas other forms of vitamin C, like Vitamin C ester lasts 72 hours.
• Contains harmful and potentially harmful ingredients like Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, and Triethanolamine.
• Users complain about the sticky consistency and unpleasant smell
• Over-priced- $142.00 per ounce

Conclusion

There is no questioning why consumers were having less than positive results with SkinCeuticals. This vitamin C serum does not contain the most effective antioxidants to  ward off free radicals. Not only is it missing high-end antioxidants like vitamin C-ester and DMAE it has terribly harmful, irritating ingredients that will cause damage to your skin and possibly your health. SkinCeuticals offers a 30 money-back guarantee, if you are not satisfied with your purchase you have 30 days from the day you purchased to send it back. It must be returned in it’s original packaging with the original packing slip in order to receive your refund. SkinCeuticals promises to credit your purchase within 30 days after they receive it. This is a pretty poor policy if you ask me. The only positive we can find in this vitamin C serum is that it contains Hyaluronic acid, but so do most high-end vitamin C serums and they are a lot less expensive than Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic.

Your input is important so please consider writing a review for any products you have had a chance to try. This will help others make an informed decision prior to purchasing.

There are several types of Vitamin C, the most common type of vitamin C found in serums these days is L-Ascorbic Acid. L-Ascorbic acid, is an acid so don’t be surprised that it will cause skin irritation and redness. It is water soluble so it can only protect the cell but not the cell membrane. Why does this matter? The cell membrane is a vital defense mechanism of the cell and needs protection from free radicals.  Citrix CRS 10% Cell Rejuvenation Serum only contains L-Ascorbic Acid, this derivative of vitamin C breaks down quickly and loses it’s effect within 24 hours, compared to others that last up to 72 hours. Another problem we see is that  that this form of Vitamin C causes a fenton reaction when it is applied to the skin, this causes the free radical, hydroxyl, to form. This is possibly what causes your skin to become red and irritated. In short, when L-Ascrobic acid is applied topically it is doing more harm than good to your skin.

Citrix CRS 10% Cell Rejuvenation Serum with Growth Factor Ingredients

• Cyclomethicone: A base ingredient that adds a talc-like feel to cosmetics and perfumes.
• L-Ascorbic Acid: Protects against free radicals inside the cell but not the cell membrane. L-Ascorbic Acid is acidic and may cause skin irritation and redness
• TGF-beta-1: Speeds up skin cell renewal and helps to restructure skin
• Cimicifuga Racemosa Extract: when used in conjunction with TGF-beta-1, Cimicifuga Racemosa extract helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles
• Other Ingredients: Silicone Polymer, Dimethicone, Purified Water, Dimethicone Copolyol, Phospholipids

Pros

• Helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles

Cons

• Does not contain a stable form of Vitamin C
• May cause more free radical damage
• Contains a number of filler ingredients and not enough antioxidants
• Expensive
• No Guarantee

Conclusion

Citrix CRS 10% Cell Rejuvenation Serum with Growth Factor is a less than mediocre vitamin C serum. I do not approve of their formulation or business practices.  They only offer a 30-day  exchange if you have used less than 50% of the product. Rather than giving you a refund they only give you an in-house credit and they also charge a 15% handling fee. If that isn’t bad enough, no refund or exchange will be given if you ordered a product that is too strong for your skin type. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, they make using your in-house credit as difficult as they possibly can. Here are the instructions they give on the official website:

“Once an in-house credit has been issued, you MUST use the Standard Checkout “Call Our Customer Service Department” button and then call in your credit card information and ask to have the credit applied to your new order. We cannot apply an in-house credit to an order that had credit card information entered at the time of processing. If you place an order online, enter your credit card information online and receive your order confirmation and then decide to call to have your in-house credit applied your request will be declined.”

I do 80% of my shopping online, so I have certainly learned to appreciate companies that offer smooth transactions and hassle-free returns. I have learned the hard way to ALWAYS look at a companies “Terms and Conditions” to see how they operate before I give them my business. Companies that make their customers jump through hoops in order to get a refund are usually the ones who offer poor customer service and low quality products. Based on their ingredient profile, and return policy I would not recommend this vitamin C serum if you want visible, long-term results and a hassle-free transaction.

Your input is important so please consider writing a review for any products you have had a chance to try. This will help others make an informed decision prior to purchasing.