Ask any seasoned beauty editor to recommend a Vitamin C / anti-aging serum and chances are they’ll name the complicated sounding Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This serum is basically a miracle in a dark glass bottle that costs US$ 166 (Rs 12,000 approx) for 30 ml. A superior patent formula with a substantial dose of Vitamin C, it promises three things every girl wants: A reduction in fine lines, brightening, and firmness. Oh, did we mention unparalleled glow?
The reason this serum ranks among stalwarts like Drunk Elephant and Biologique Recherche is because of its complicated yet result-oriented algorithm that boasts an antioxidant combination of 15 percent pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1 percent Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5 percent Ferulic Acid – all big on protecting the skin’s barrier, correcting environmental damage caused by free radicals, and effectively dealing with UVA/UVB. These antioxidants together create a potent potion, and that right there is the USP of the product because it is not easy for pure Vitamin C to deliver so high independently.
Its main goal is to cut down accelerated skin aging, add antioxidants, and help deal with photo-damage, and it starts doing so with a single use. In a photo-happy yet impatient age, where speed and effectiveness are the need of the hour, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic comes through.
Launched in 2005, SkinCeuticals was born from 40 years of academic research, the brainchild of dermatologist and professor Sheldon Pinnell, MD, who is now the founding scientist and chief medical advisor at the label. His specialty is of course Vitamin C, and it was his depth of study and innovation that resulted in the magical combination.
Ideal for dull, dehydrated skin that’s in constant need of moisture and care, the serum makes sure the effectiveness of the Vitamin C stays for a good 72 hours. All you need to do is apply a few drops after your toner and before your moisturiser. The Vitamin C here is L-ascorbic acid, which is gold for skin brightening and a flawless texture. So if you’re a busy woman with no time for self-care and a host of skincare issues, one drop of this serum will go a long way – it’s brightening effects make you look like you’ve just had a facial.
Ferulic Acid is another star ingredient in it. Also, known as Hydroxycinnamic Acid, it is known to neutralise free-radical damage from pollution and ultraviolet light, which contribute to accelerated skin aging. And, like every antioxidant, the bottle is dark-coloured so it serum stays potent (Ferulic Acid serums go from golden orange to a muddy brown within a few months due to oxidation that affect their potency). Ferulic Acid also reduces pigmentation, and boosts the effects of Vitamin C and E when used in conjunction with them. And in this serum, they all come together like the perfect combination of effective, result-oriented science.
Latha Sunadh
Deputy Editor
When she's not trying on a new serum, researching on yet another classic fragrance and sharing lip balms with her 5-year old daughter, Latha Sunadh keeps it reined in with a nice song and a good book. Special skills include obsessing over handmade, home-made and handcrafted luxuries.
