SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Works for
Anti-agingTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glycolic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“This lightweight serum fights the look of dullness and discolorations at the source, while diminishing the signs of aging.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneTetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glycolic acidWorks well
“C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingPhytosterols, Squalane + 11 moreWorks
“A hydrating, antioxidant formula that reinforces the skin's moisture barrier for a skin-smoothing glow”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
acetamidoethoxyethanol, glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cera alba, squalane.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, TocopherolWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
ExfoliationSide benefit · Glycolic acidWorks well
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Citrus aurantium dulcis oilMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Phytosterols~23–34%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
More about PhytosterolsSaccharide isomerate~7.2–10.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateGlycolic acid~4.9–7.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidWater~3.7–5.5%
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.
More about Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateSqualane~3–4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualanePeg-8 beeswax~1.9–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)
More about Peg-8 beeswaxHydrogenated polydecene~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated polydecenePolyglyceryl-6 distearate~1.1–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-6 distearatePpg-12/smdi copolymer~1.1–1.7%
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolAcetamidoethoxyethanol~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A new synthetic humectant that, according to the first tests, works better than glycerin in attracting moisture to the skin surface. It might be able to keep attracting water to the upper layer of the skin for longer compared with glycerin. Its texture is also nicer. Because of this, products with it are likely to be less sticky and more pleasant on application. It is unlikely to cause irritation and products with it work for sensitive skin. For best hydration results, it should be used at about 5-10% in a formulation. This ingredient is developed by a supplier Nouryon and is sold to skincare brands under the name Elfamoist AC.
More about AcetamidoethoxyethanolJojoba esters~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersSodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerGlycine soja sterols~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Glycine soja sterolsTocopherol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolGlycolic acid~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidCaprylyl glycol~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSodium phytate~0.15–0.55%
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Cera alba~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about Cera albaGlycerin~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSaccharide isomerate~0.01–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateIngredient list view
Phytosterols, Saccharide isomerate, Glycolic acid, Water, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Squalane, Peg-8 beeswax, Hydrogenated polydecene, Polyglyceryl-6 distearate, Ppg-12/smdi copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Acetamidoethoxyethanol, Jojoba esters, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Glycine soja sterols, Tocopherol, Glycolic acid, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium phytate, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Chlorphenesin, Cera alba, Glycerin, Unknown, Unknown, Saccharide isomerate
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| SUNDAY RILEYC.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening SerumYOUR PRODUCT | DermExcelCollagen Serum | Image skincareIMAGE MD restoring youth repair serum | Paula's choiceResist Super Antioxidant Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 49% | 45% | 44% |
| Price | $85.00 | $76.70−$8.30 | $112.00+$27.00 | $53.00−$32.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 1 of 10 | 5 of 10 | 3 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Peace Out Dark Spots Serumskinmade Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C serum
Product summary
"SUNDAY RILEY - C. E. O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum" is effective for: Anti-aging, Evens skin tone and Exfoliation
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (saccharide isomerate 0.10% - 0.25% and glycerin 0.25% - 0.45%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "SUNDAY RILEY" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 178.43A$ in Australia, from 42.50$ up to 122.00$ in the United States, for 70.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 112.00CA$ in Canada and for 690.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
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