Okay, I bought this on a whim because my $90 serum ran out and I’m petty. I did not expect to be texting you about it at 11pm.
But here we are. This thing has more vitamin C punch than stuff three times the price, and it doesn’t turn your face into a sticky flytrap.
Derma E sent us this for lab testing, which I usually roll my eyes at. But the results came back and I had to double-check the price tag.
THD Ascorbate
It’s a stable, oil-soluble C that actually penetrates — not the cheap ascorbic acid that oxidizes in your bathroom cabinet.
Hyaluronic Acid Base
Plumps without that weird tacky film. My makeup goes on smoother than it did with my expensive stuff.
No Staining
The formula is slightly yellow but dries clear. You won’t look like a Simpsons character.
Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash
The ingredient list reads like a skincare nerd’s fantasy, but it doesn’t feel heavy. It’s actually lighter than most gel moisturizers I own.
The star is the THD ascorbate, which is the gentler cousin of pure vitamin C. It does the brightening job without the redness and irritation that makes you look like you just ran a marathon.
- Vitamin C (THD): Fades dark spots without the sting
- Hyaluronic Acid: Draws in moisture so your skin looks juicy, not dry
- Vitamin E: Stops the C from going bad too fast
- Licorice Root Extract: Calms redness and evens tone
Photo: Mockup Free / Unsplash
It’s a slightly viscous liquid that sinks in about 15 seconds. No residue on my fingers, no weird shine. Smells faintly citrusy — not like a candle.
Two weeks in, the dark spot on my left cheek from that breakout in January is noticeably lighter. Not gone, but lighter. The price makes me want to cry about all the money I wasted before.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
My skin looks brighter in the morning, especially around my nose where I get that dull look. The dark spot faded about 40% in 3 weeks. My forehead lines look slightly less… angry?
It didn’t do anything for my pores, which I didn’t expect it to. It’s a glow serum, not a miracle worker.
Photo: Greg Rakozy / Unsplash
This is the one. If you’ve been eyeing expensive vitamin C serums, just start here and save your money.