SUNDAY RILEY

SUNDAY RILEY CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

Name: SUNDAY RILEY - CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
Brand: SUNDAY RILEY

Efficacy91/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glycolic acid + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“The antioxidant formula helps to tackle the five signs of ageing - dullness, sensitivity, wrinkles, dehydration, uneven tone and premature fine lines.”

Source: SpaceNK

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.~7.9–9.7%

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~0.6–0.85%

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%

Evens skin tone

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Glycolic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Boost skin radiance with the Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, a concentrated, fast absorbing serum that works to seamlessly minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation.”

Source: SpaceNK

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.

Moisturizing

Squalane, Acetamidoethoxyethanol + 10 more

Works

What the product description says

“Formulated with THD Ascorbate, a powerful form of vitamin C, the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C serum will ensure the skin barrier is fortified while pore size is visibly reduced.”

Source: SpaceNK

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.

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.~4.4–5.3%

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~0.3–0.55%

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~0.2–0.4%

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~0.55–0.8%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · 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).

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%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Glycolic acid

Works 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?

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~0.6–0.85%est.

Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.35–0.65%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~7.9–9.7%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~0.55–0.8%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~0.3–0.55%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~7.9–9.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

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~4.4–5.3%

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~2–2.4%

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~0.6–0.85%

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~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Sodium phytate~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.35–0.65%

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~0.3–0.55%

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~0.2–0.4%

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

Isosqualane

Not recognized

C30 hydrocarbons

Not recognized

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, Unknown, Unknown, Saccharide isomerate

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$85.00

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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 RILEYCEO Rapid Flash Brightening SerumYOUR PRODUCT	DermExcelCollagen Serum	Peter Thomas RothPotent-C Vitamin C Targeted Spot Brightener	Dr. Sam BuntingFLAWLESS VITAMIN C NAD+ SERUM
Match	—	49%	46%	46%
Price	$85.00	$76.70−$8.30	$62.00−$23.00	—
Shared key ingredients	—	1 of 10	2 of 10	2 of 10
Key difference	—	Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate	Ferulic Acid	Ferulic Acid
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—	—
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