La Roche-Posay Vitamin C vs. Drunk Elephant C-Firma vs. Paula's Choice C15: Which is the Best?

• The Difference & Reviews

| La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

La Roche-Posay: $39.99/30ml (up to 8% cashback)

CVS: $36.99 (up to 2% cashback)

SkinStore: $39.99 (up to 8% cashback)

What Is It?

This anti-aging vitamin c face and neck serum leaves skin more radiant, softer, and hydrated. As a result, wrinkles look visibly reduced and skin texture and tone are more even and refined. This serum combines concentrated 10% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid and neurosensine for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients:

- 10% Pure Vitamin C is known for antioxidant and visible anti-aging properties.

- Salicylic Acid helps clear and refine the appearance of pores.

- Neurosensine helps skin feel soothed.

- Hyaluronic Acid helps maintain the skin's moisture.

- Glycerin moisturizes and hydrates the skin.

Good for: All skin types, especially combo/oily skin prone.

Texture: Whilst slightly richer than the average serum in terms of texture, it goes on smoothly and instantly absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue in its wake. Also important, it doesn't pill up under sunscreen and there's no burning sensation when applied.

Fragrance: A noticeable, slightly artificial, citrus scent. Fades once serum is applied.

Review: Whilst it's true that anyone new to using a Vitamin C product may feel a slight tingle on application, the good news is La Roche-Posay have formulated this product with a pH of 5.5, making the ascorbic acid non-irritating and meaning that it doesn't upset the skin barrier.

One shopper said: "Who doesn't love a good Vitamin C serum that works. This is a great product, it has a nice dropped that allows you to use the amount needed, the serum goes on very smooth and absorbs well into the skin. It can be used under other products and layered without it getting cakey or starting to pill. After using it every day for a couple of weeks I definitely noticed the difference, my skin was smoother and had a lot less visible lines. Definitely a product I would use again, and it‘s a very good price point. Make sure you use SPF with this product though.”

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| Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

Google Users Rating: 3.9/5

Paula's Choice: $44/20ml (up to 7% cashback)

Sephora: $55 (up to 4% cashback)

Dermstore: $55 (up to 7% cashback)

What Is It?

Paula's Choice Vitamin C15 Super Booster is cruelty free and free from added fragrances and allergens. This formula contains a highly concentrated form of 15% stabilized vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) along with a number of skin replenishing ingredients to give you more radiant skin.

Key Ingredients:

- Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) 15%: Visibly improves firmness, fades dark spots, and brightens dull skin.

- Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E: Enhance the benefits of vitamin C while protecting skin from environmental damage.

- Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate): Helps skin retain hydration while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

-  A peptide (Hexanoyl Dipeptide-3 Norleucine Acetate): Anti-aging effect.

Good for: All skin types, especially combo/oily skin prone.

Texture: Paula's Choice C15 serum is a light, liquidy almost watery texture. Be careful when you apply it on your skin as it is very runny so you have to work it fast but it feels so lightweight and is absorbed instantly. Doesn't leave any greasy film and it doesn't feel sticky.

Fragrance: One of the most common complaints is about the bad smell, although other reviewers claim Paula's Choice C15 is odorless and fragrance free. The natural flavor of L-Ascorbic Acid has been commonly described like "hot dogs" or "hot dog water".

Review: The Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster is one of the best alternatives to the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, because these two products have almost the exact same hero ingredients, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid plus a blend of hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Panthenol. If you're looking for a vitamin C serum that ticks all the boxes and works well in any skin care routine, consider giving the Paula's Choice Vitamin C15 Super Booster a try!

"First, the texture/consistency of this vitamin C serum is different then what I am use to. It is thin with an ever so slight oily finish, that dries down quickly and leaves a beautiful glow on my skin. I love that it is fragrance free.  I would use it right after my toner and before any other serums. After a couple weeks of use I can tell it is a great addition to my skincare lineup. Excited to see even more positive results after continued use." wrote one Sephora reviewer.

| Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Google Users Rating: 4.3/5

Sephora: $78/30ml (up to 4% cashback)

Kohl's: $78 (up to 3% cashback)

Amazon: $76.99

What Is It?

Firm and brighten the complexion with Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum, a potent skincare treatment packed with powerful antioxidants and essential nutrients. Helping to improve the signs of photo-ageing, it contributes towards a radiant, more youthful complexion.

Key Ingredients:

- Potent Antioxidant Complex (15% L-Ascorbic Acid plus Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin E): Firms and brightens the look and feel of skin while minimizing the signs of photoaging from pollution and other environmental stressors.

- Pumpkin Ferment and Pomegranate Extract: These ingredients work together to enzymatically dissolve dead surface skin cells, minimizing the appearance of pores.

- Chronocyclin: A chronopeptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D for more youthful-looking skin.

Good for: Normal, dry, combination and oily skin types.

Texture: The texture of C-Firma is a slightly oily gel, thicker than many other products on the market, often very liquid. It's pretty confusing at first because when you apply it, especially if you have combination skin, it feels like it will be difficult to absorb in the skin and not leave a residue but in reality, not at all: in a few seconds, it's completely absorbed and leaves the skin matte.

Fragrance: There's a bit of a coppery scent but nothing overpowering, the way lots of vitamin C serums can be. 

Review: The C-Firma Day Serum is obviously a bit more expensive compared to the first two products, but it's a great value for money because the formula is really excellent quality. No ingredients were used randomly and you can definitely feel it! The packaging is also excellent, it's such a nice bottle that also preserves the formula very well. A bottle usually lasts me 3-4 months.

"Get for hyperpigmentation. I've been using it everyday for the past 6 weeks and my skin  has never been this even in complexion. I will definitely buy again once my bottle runs out. I had no issues mixing it together. They have you mix it together because it loses potency shelved in it final form. I wouldn't wear it with makeup. It makes your foundation patchy. But soon your skin will be soooo clear you won't need makeup." wrote one Sephora reviewer.

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