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As a die-hard vitamin C fan, I’m here with another vitamin C serum review from one of the prominent brands as far as skincare is concerned — CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.
I started using vitamin C serum using the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, at 20% using the Timeless 20% vitamin C serum, which did wonders on my skin by brightening my skin complexion and improving skin texture. But in the long run of using it, I started developing skin discomfort such as itchiness and burning sensation.
At first, I thought the burning and itching sensation was due to over-exfoliation, but after withdrawing from all skincare products application and reintroduction with only the 20% vitamin C serum and a moisturizer, after five (5) days of application, the burning and itching sensation can back again, that was when I knew that my skin was crying for help because the 20% L-ascorbic acid vitamin C was too much for my skin. This prompted me to step down to a 10% concentration of L-ascorbic acid vitamin C also from the same brand — Timeless 10% vitamin C serum, and my skin was calm and cool.
That was when I knew that a concentration of 20% L-ascorbic acid isn’t for me, and since then, I have dwelled with a 10% L-ascorbic acid vitamin C serum from the Timeless brand.
But I decided to try out something new (which is what I do). Which made me purchase the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum which falls within the exact 10% concentration, which prompted me to purchase it. I’ve dedicatedly used this vitamin C serum for three (3) weeks, both morning (AM) and night (PM) to enable me to share a precise review about it.
Beautysparkers, here I am again, to share my honest review about this 10% L-ascorbic acid-enriched serum. Keep reading.
About The Brand.
CeraVe has been in the skincare game for decades, they’ve reputedly made a name for themselves for producing variants of quality problem-solving skincare products and their vitamin C serum isn’t an exception.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.
An L-ascorbic acid-infused vitamin C serum, at 10% to visibly target and tackle skin aging signs such as wrinkles, brighten dull skin complexion and also serve antioxidant protection to the skin, thus limiting the damaging effects of free radicals, which protect the skin from sun damage and aging.
Aside from vitamin C, other interesting ingredients such as; three (3) essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 are also contained in this product.
These ingredients will be briefly explained below:
- Ceramide NP: Ceramide NP is one of several types of ceramides found naturally in the skin. It plays a critical role as a major component of skin’s outer layers. It’s one of the most prevalent types of ceramides found naturally in skin. The “N” stands for the type of normal fatty acid correlated to this ingredient and “P” stands for its phytosphingosine base.
- Ceramide AP: Ceramide AP is also one of the many types of ceramides that can be found naturally in the upper layer of the skin. They play an important role in having a healthy skin barrier and keeping the skin hydrated. “AP” stands for α-hydroxy-N-stearoylphytosphingosine.
- Ceramide EOP: A specific type of ceramide found naturally in the skin that can be replicated as a skincare ingredient. Ceramide EOP belongs to a larger group of ceramides that are found naturally in the skin as long chains of lipids (fats). The “P” indicates the ceramide contains phytosphinogosine, while the “EO” refers to the type of fatty acid correlated with the ingredient.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin. It’s found in the fluids in the eyes and joints. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues. In skincare, hyaluronic acid serves as a humectant, as it draws moisture from the atmosphere to hydrate the skin surface, giving your skin that satisfactory hydration. See hyaluronic acid as the “drink for the skin”.
- Vitamin B5: Also known as “panthenol” or “pro-vitamin B5“. It helps to keep the skin soft, smooth, and healthy. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help stimulate your skin’s healing processes. Deeply hydrating, thus helps to keep skin quenched by absorbing moisture from the air.
Packaging.
Unlike the regular vitamin C serums y’all are familiar with, which come in a dark/amber dropper glass bottle or pump container, CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum comes well packaged in a metal-tube packaging. All you have to do is, unscrew the screw, apply a little pressure on the tube to dispense product content prior to application.
Texture.
Again, unlike the regular vitamin C serums on the market which come in a liquidy and runny texture. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum comes in a lightweight creamy texture which is super hydrating on the skin and absorbs almost immediately without leaving any greasy feeling behind.
Colour.
The colour is off-white (not completely white). It’s milky in colour.
If it’s slightly yellow then it’s only 80% effective. The more yellow, the less effective. Therefore to slow down oxidation, store in a refrigerator.
However as the week passes, the vitamin C serum begins to gradually change its colour.
While I was using the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, at the third (3rd) week of usage, the serum slightly changed its colour from the original milky off-white colour to a slight yellow, just like you see in the picture below:
Although the brand said that the slight change of the product’s colour does not affect its potency.
According to them:
“Protective packaging helps prevent oxidation to maintain product performance. Formula may still experience a change in colour overtime, but will remain effective“.
But I strongly believe that when a vitamin C product gradually starts to change its original colour to yellowish or orange-like colour, it means It’s starting to gradually oxidize, thus gradually losing its potency.
Therefore, It’s advised to use the product up fast before it fully oxidizes by turning completely yellow or orange in colour.
Acid pH Level.
Was not stated by the brand.
Scent.
The scent isn’t something you can point a finger at. But know that it smells like a drugstore-produced product, with no scent of an artificial fragrance at all (of course it contains no fragrance). CeraVe products always smell drugstore-like.
Shelf-Life Duration.
No shelf-life span/duration was indicated by the brand. However, L-ascorbic acid-infused vitamin C serum normally remains stable and effective within three (3) months after opening.
Good storage also enhances the life span. When stored properly (in a cool dry place or in a refrigerator – away from direct sunlight), an L-ascorbic acid-based vitamin C serum can stay stable and effective for five (5) months after opening.
Size.
The CeraVe 10% vitamin C serum comes in a 30ml size.
Ingredients List.
WATER, ASCORBIC ACID, GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, ALCOHOL DENAT., SODIUM HYDROXIDE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, PANTHENOL, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN. Read how to read ingredients list.
My Honest Review On CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.
I plunged into using this product without a second thought because I have long been using a 10% L-ascorbic acid-based vitamin C serum from the Timeless brand, prior to purchasing the one from the CeraVe brand. And I can honestly attest to the fact that the 10% vitamin C serum from the Timeless brand was doing just great for my skin.
So, I hoped to see the same effect with the one from the CeraVe brand, which prompted me to purchase it. I used it for three (3) weeks, both morning (AM) and night (PM). But before I commenced treatment, I performed a patch test, just to be sure I don’t react negatively to the product and I recommend you should do the same too.
After using this CeraVe vitamin C serum for a specified period of time, I can see my skin still looking bright and radiant, while my skin texture maintains good elasticity and smoothness. Infact, the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum gave my skin the exact same effect it got from the Timeless brand’s 10% vitamin C serum and this really gladdens my heart.
The lightweight texture of this product is out of this world. You really need to experience it. The product texture is super lightweight and very hydrating, and leaves no trace of a greasy feeling behind, making it very suitable and comfortable for those with oily skin (like myself).
Whenever I apply this vitamin C serum on my skin, I feel a slight tingling sensation which wears-off immediately. This feeling always reminds me that I’m using an L-ascorbic acid-infused vitamin C serum. Lol.
The only down side of this product is the fact that it contains “denatured alcohol“, which is sometimes used in cosmetics and skincare products (such as toners) as a drying agent. It dries quickly, neutralizes oil, and gives the skin a smooth, matte feel.
Due to the drying nature of denatured alcohol, it can trigger irritation especially on sensitive and dry skin. And for the fact that the denatured alcohol comes before ceramides on the ingredients list (It is the 6th ingredient in the list) should make people with sensitive and dry skin to exercise caution prior to using this product.
CeraVe is known for producing mild and gentle skincare products, adding denatured alcohol to their vitamin C formula is saddening and I’m not the only one complaining, many have also complained on their official website about the alcohol’s presence in the product, and below was their response:
“This product contains a low level of alcohol in the formulation to promote the stability of Vitamin C. Additionally, it helps to provide a lightweight feel and quick absorption, making it layerable under a moisturizer. This formulation is suitable for all skin types and provides up to 24 hour hydration”.
Judging from their response, the amount of denatured alcohol in the vitamin C serum is probably on the low side. But the good thing is, it doesn’t scent like alcohol. Regardless of that, denatured alcohol can still irritate the skin, but if you still want to give this product a try, I extremely recommend you should perform a patch test first, (like I did) prior to using this product so as to test for allergy.
Although I have sensitive and oily skin, but I didn’t experience skin dryness or irritation of any sort while using this product. The lightweight texture of this product favoured my oily skin too and it all makes sense because denatured alcohol played a role in the lightweight and non-greasy texture of this product.
My advice is, if you’re to use this product regardless, ensure to perform a patch test first, before commencing full product application as we all have a unique skin, therefore results vary.
In Conclusion.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is a vitamin C serum to try out if you’re seeking to enjoy vitamin C skin benefits at a lower concentration without being concerned of inflammatory irritation associated with L-ascorbic acid use. However, the downside of this product is the presence of denatured alcohol which can cause skin dryness and irritation.
Therefore, if you must use this product, it’s highly recommended to perform a patch test first, prior to commencing full product application. Also don’t forget to always apply your sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV rays exposure. Read how to correctly apply sunscreen.
What I Like About CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.
- It is fragrance-free.
- It is on a moderate price point.
- It is potent and effective.
- It contains low concentration of L-ascorbic acid vitamin C (which is suitable for sensitive skin).
- It is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- It is super lightweight and absorbs quickly (without leaving a greasy feeling behind).
- It comes in a metal-tube packaging to protect the vitamin C serum from oxidation and also for easy dispensing/usage.
What I Dislike About CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum.
- Contains Denatured Alcohol: Although in a low concentration, but can still potentially cause irritation for people with sensitive and dry skin. Ensure to perform a patch test first, before commencing full product application.
- Product pH Level Was Not Stated: Although this isn’t much of a concern, but I still don’t like the fact that it wasn’t revealed by the brand. The pH level of a vitamin C product (especially L-ascorbic acid-based vitamin C products) is an indication of its efficacy.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: How did you use the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum?
A: I cleanse my face with a mild facial cleanser, I don’t towel-off completely, I leave my face moist, then I apply my hydrating facial toner (which is optional), after that, I move on to applying my CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum by pressing out a two (2) pea-size amount from the tube (a little goes a long way), while I massage gently till fully absorbed, then I seal in moisture with my moisturizer.
Q: Did you experience irritation or breakouts while using the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum?
A: Owing to the fact that CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum contains denatured alcohol, which prompted me to perform a patch test first, before using the product fully, I didn’t experience any irritation of any sort and I’m very happy for that. However as skin type differs, so shall results differ too, endeavor to perform a patch test prior to commencing full product application to test for allergy.
Disclaimer: This is a personal experience with CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, you may have a whole different experience as skin type differs, so as result differs too.
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