If you're a regular reader here, then you probably know that vitamin C is an ingredient that I always try to work into my skincare routine for it's antioxidant, anti-aging and brightening benefits. Vitabrid C makes some of my favorite vitamin C products but I'm also a fan of the highly popular, best selling Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum which is a transformational product but I'm not such a fan of it's $169 prize tag. The brand is also not cruelty-free which is a no go for me.
What makes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum so effective is it's unique formulation of active ingredients consisting of 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. While this blend is difficult to mimic, it hasn't stopped other brands from attempting to replicate it. I've tried some of these "dupes" including Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E and Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum. While these are all nice products, they aren't quite next level. But I think I may have found a worthy dupe for the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum with a similar formulation of active ingredients for a fraction of the price.
$49 (30 mL / 1 oz)
The Brand
Brandefy first
built a community for beauty enthusiasts through
their app of the same name. They would help users learn and find products at price point that work for them by offering side by side comparisons of well known products and more affordable versions including ingredient breakdowns and function to show value and which products are actually worth the splurge. Their next step was to partner directly with the same manufacturers of luxury products to recreate affordable alternatives at the same quality. They offer a range of clinically formulated, results driven products that are developed based on feedback from their community. Brandefy 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum is one of the most popular products.
The ProductBrandefy 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum is a high-powered antioxidant serum that combines a stable form of 15% pure vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid and vitamin E. It works to provide environmental protection and fight signs of aging by reducing oxidative damage. Suitable for all skin types. This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
While the blend and concentration of the active ingredients is comparable to Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, the Brandefy serum also contains propanediol which functions as a humectant, solvent, and emollient. This is a natural, skin-friendly, and gentler preservative-boosting alternative to petroleum-based glycol which Skinceuticals uses.
Key Ingredients/Benefits• 15% L-ascorbic acid: This potent, pure form of vitamin C provides age fighting benefits and protection against environmental stressors by helping to neutralize free radicals.
• Tocopheryl acetate: This vitamin E derivative helps soothe inflammation and boost moisture.
• 0.5% Ferulic acid: This plant based antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals, works in tandem with vitamins C and E to boost benefits and stability.
Full Ingredients
Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Malonic Acid, Vanillin.
The Packaging
Like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, Brandefy Skin 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum is alos packaged in a dark amber glass bottle with a dropper dispenser. This packaging serves a purpose to help the serum remain stable and effective since light exposure can essentially destroy vitamin C’s potency. Vitamin C products can be volatile and reactive and oxidize quickly. I have had this happen but that hasn't been an issue with this serum because the formula is also stabilized like the Skinceuticals product. I'm still making sure to use it quickly and storing it in a cool, dry place just to be sure.
How To Use
Apply 4-5 drops to clean skin and massage onto face, neck and chest area in upwards motions. Follow with serum and moisturizer. If using during the daytime, remember to apply SPF to protect your skin. This product can be safely layered with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Avoid using with retinol and active acids like lactic or glycolic.
My ExperienceBrandefy Skin 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum is golden yellow in color. Like the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum, it also features a noticeable metallic smell which isn't pleasant but certainly tolerable since it dissipates upon application. The consistency is more like a lightweight face oil than a serum though it absorbs nicely without any stickiness or greasiness. I remember the Skinceuticals serum being a touch more on the watery side. I've been using this for about a month in the mornings, pairing it with
Byoma Hydrating Serum,
Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum SPF 30 and
Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream. I like that is is hydrating and wears well with the other products I layer over it. Now I've talked about dark spots being my most vexing skin concern and
my prescription skincare journey with
Musely FaceRx yielded some significant improvements that I was eager to maintain. This serum has helped to do just that, visibly improving my skin tone, firmness and plumpness. I was seeing results after just one week which I recall was also the case with Skinceuticals. This product can also be used in the evenings depending on your preference but using vitamin C skincare during the day does boost sun protection and I've currently have a
peptide routine going on in the PM.
The Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum is so popular and considered a holy grail because of it's efficacy. Just as important is that it works while being gentle without causing irritation. My skin is fairly reactive and Vitamin C products sometimes cause redness. I have had no such issues with the Brandefy or Skinceuticals products. While there are many products that purport to be a Skinceuticals dupe, I would consider this one from Brandefy to be one of the best because of the stable formulation and visible results. It is also cruelty-free while Skinceuticals is not which is a factor that is important to me. And $49 compared to $169 is quite a bargain and definitely more affordable. I would definitely recommend this product and will be purchasing it again.
Brandefy Skin 15% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum can be purchased from
Amazon where it is currently on sale for $44 and
Brandefy.
Have you tried SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum? Do you have a favorite vitamin C skincare product?
Disclosure: This post features products purchased by me and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to the
Policies page of this blog.
11 comments
I will love to try this beauty serum it sounds promising. Great review.
For the first time I hear for this brand, but serum sounds amazing and gives so many benefits to skin. Thank you for recommendation.
This sounds like an amazing dupe! Vitamin C is one of my favorite skincare ingredients!
Thank you. Love to you.
This dupe sounds great! There's nothing I hate more than falling in love with an expensive serum and not being able to find any comparable products at a lower price point. Thanks for sharing :) x
mia // https://miasdiyprojects.com/
I like vitamin C!
What a great find.
Oh yay! Thanks for the heads up on this dupe, chingu! That's great that it's available on Amazon too. I've been meaning to try SkinCeuticals but the prize is a deterrent for me (although I do think skin care where I think splurging is ok once in awhile:D)
Happy Monday:)
Serums like this one are my go-to before heading to bed!
www.fashionradi.com
I haven't tried the serum, but it sounds wonderful.
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com
This serum sounds amazing. I would like to try it. Thank you for recommendation.
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