So the Sunday Riley CEO Glow got reformulated. The internet is in shambles. I’m not mad — I’m just… suspicious when a brand swaps ingredients mid-honeymoon.
The old version gave you that glass-skin gleam in four drops. The new one? It’s a totally different oil. Same bottle, different vibe.
🧴 **What Even Is This Now?**
It’s a $40 vitamin C oil (0.5 oz) that claims to brighten, firm, and fade dark spots. The old formula was a dry oil miracle — this one’s a richer, more traditional face oil.
1. **THD Ascorbate** — Still the star. A stable, non-irritating C ester.
2. **Turmeric Extract** — Still here, still calming redness.
3. **Squalane base** — New. Instead of the old lightweight grape seed blend.
4. **Scent** — Now smells like a spicy chai latte, not a citrus bomb. Weirdly pleasant.
⚗️ **The New Recipe Lowdown**
They swapped the ultra-light ester base for squalane and added shea butter-derived lipids. Sounds moisturizing. Feels heavier. The old version sunk in 45 seconds flat. This one takes a solid 2 minutes to absorb — and leaves a slight tack if you over-apply.
– **THD Ascorbate**: Brightens without stinging
– **Turmeric Root Extract**: Anti-inflammatory, soothes breakouts
– **Squalane**: Hydrates without clogging
– **Vitamin E**: Stabilizes the C, extends shelf life
📋 **Texture Check: Oil Slick or Silk?**
First pump — thicker. Almost lotion-like. Spreads creamy, then settles into a slick finish. On my combo skin, it felt borderline greasy for the first 15 minutes. By morning? My face was soft, not shiny.
Week 2 update: I’m less glowy, more hydrated. The old formula was a cheat code for event-night radiance. This one is a slow burn — better for dry or dehydrated skin. Unexpected upside: no more orange tint on my pillowcase.
💡 **One Thing**: Use 2 drops max — 3 if you’re dry. More than that and you’ll look like a glazed donut.
💬 **Real Talk: Did It Work?**
Hyperpigmentation from a breakout faded in 3 weeks — about the same speed as the old version. But the “lit from within” effect? Muted. My skin looks healthy, not Hollywood.
✅ **Buy if** you’re dry, 30+, and want a hydrating glow
⏭️ **Skip if** you’re oily or loved the old formula’s instant sheen
💰 **Worth it?** For hydration + brightening together, yes. For pure glow? Pass.
✅ **Final Call**
It’s a better moisturizer, a worse radiance bomb. If your skin drinks oil, upgrade. If you want that glass-skin trick, hunt down the old bottle.
⭐ **6.8/10** — Solid hydrator, not the same glow
🛍️ **Where to Buy**: Sephora or directly — I’d grab the travel size first to test the texture change.