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SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
SUNDAY RILEY

SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

Efficacy93/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Glycolic Acid Provides mild refinement to the skin; maintains the p H of the serum for maximum vitamin C efficacy, while supporting natural cell turnover and glow of the skin. This contains vitamin C”
Source: Sephora Hong Kong

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.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.6–0.9%
Evens skin tone
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glycolic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum Rapid Flash Brightening Serum”
From product name

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.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing 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.~7.8–9.5%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.6–0.9%
Anti-aging
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glycolic acid + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“What else you need to know Vitamin C (15% THD Ascorbate) Features superior visible brightening, clarifying, and antioxidant properties; helps fight the first signs of aging caused by stress, lifestyle, sun, and pollution.”
Source: Sephora Hong Kong

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.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing 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.~7.8–9.5%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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~0.6–0.9%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.65–1%
Moisturizing
Acetamidoethoxyethanol, Jojoba esters + 10 more
Works
What the product description says
“Saccharide isomerate extract diminishes the appearance of pores and reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier for a skin-smoothing glow.”
Source: Sephora Hong Kong

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.

AcetamidoethoxyethanolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA 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.~1.3–1.6%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~1.2–1.4%
Glycine soja sterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.75–1.15%
Cera albaKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms 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~0.45–0.7%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.3–0.5%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~0.25–0.45%
Saccharide isomerateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%
Peg-8 beeswaxEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)~3.2–3.9%
Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~2.5–3.1%
Polyglyceryl-6 distearateEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~2.2–2.7%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.6–0.9%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.65–1%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Tocopherol
Works 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).

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateKey activeEffect: HighBeing 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.~7.8–9.5%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.65–1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Medium risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Glycolic acidAn 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 acidHigh~0.6–0.9%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.45–0.65%est.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbateBeing 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.Medium~7.8–9.5%est.
Peg-8 beeswaxHelps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)Medium~3.2–3.9%est.
Polyglyceryl-6 distearateHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.2–2.7%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~1.2–1.4%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Cera albaForms 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 allergenMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate~7.8–9.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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 ascorbate
Squalane~4.3–5.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Squalane
Peg-8 beeswax~3.2–3.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps water and oil mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be an allergen (beeswax)

More about Peg-8 beeswax
Hydrogenated polydecene~2.5–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene
Polyglyceryl-6 distearate~2.2–2.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-6 distearate
Ppg-12/smdi copolymer~2–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a nice product finish

More about Ppg-12/smdi copolymer
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Acetamidoethoxyethanol~1.3–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Acetamidoethoxyethanol
Jojoba esters~1.2–1.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.95–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Glycine soja sterols~0.75–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Glycine soja sterols
Tocopherol~0.65–1%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol
Glycolic acid~0.6–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

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 acid
Caprylyl glycol~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Sodium phytate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Cera alba~0.45–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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 alba
Glycerin~0.3–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Squalane~0.25–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Squalane
Carbon~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Carbon
Saccharide isomerate~0.1–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharide isomerate
Ingredient list view

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, Squalane, Carbon, 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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
SUNDAY RILEYC.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening SerumYOUR PRODUCTDermExcelCollagen SerumPCA SKINResurfacing SerumPeace OutDark Spots Serum
Match—49%48%46%
Price—$76.70$99.00—
Shared key ingredients—1 of 104 of 103 of 10
Key difference—Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateLactobionic AcidNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Low
Drying alcohol— Contains drying alcohol ——
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Product summary

"SUNDAY RILEY - C. E. O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Anti-aging

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% - 0.20%, glycerin 0.30% - 0.50% and acetamidoethoxyethanol 1.30% - 1.60%). 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 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. 1
    Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamagencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Application of tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid in cosmetic formulations: Stability studies and in vivo efficacysciencedirect.com
  3. 3
    Safety Assessment of Polyene Group as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  4. 4
    NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NOTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT SCHEME (NICNAS) PUBLIC REPORT Acetamide, N-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]- (INCI Name: Acetamidoethoxyethanol)industrialchemicals.gov.au
  5. 5
    ElfaMoist AC humectant (manufacturer's report)krahnnordics.com
  6. 6
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
SUNDAY RILEYC.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.