Product Overview
Vitamin C, especially L-ascorbic acid, is one of the most researched skincare ingredient that not only protects our skin from daily environmental aggressors but also reduces signs of aging like dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. And, it works best in serum form.
Today, let’s make a dupe list for the gold-standard vitamin C serum—SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Developed at a golden ratio of 15% L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C), 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), and 0.5% ferulic acid, this tried-and-true combination allows for maximum efficacy and longevity of vitamin C while boosting antioxidant defense.
However, this pioneering formulation comes at a premium, which is considered reasonable given that ascorbic acid degrades easily when exposed to light, heat, and air. Additionally, this active ingredient must be formulated at certain pH, ideally less than 3.5, so it can remain stable and penetrate the skin more effectively. Therefore, you’re basically paying for the product’s clinically proven stability and effectiveness.
While some other alternatives only test their product efficacy on apple slices to demonstrate oxidation, it doesn’t mean we’re comparing apples with oranges. Well, at least, they’re much less expensive for those who want to give the synergistic formulation a try. For closer dupes, you might want to look for a similar concentration of active ingredients, as well as pH range. (Note: L-ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol are listed as ascorbic acid and tocopherol in the ingredient lists.)
Dupes
| SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic | Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum | Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum | Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster | Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum | Geek & Gorgeous 101 C-Glow | Dr. Brenner C Serum | Lanmeri Pure Radiance 15% C E + Ferulic | SKIN DEVA 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum | Brandefy Clinical Vit C + E + Ferulic Defend Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Active | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Alpha Tocopherol, 0.5% Ferulic Acid | 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Tocopherol, 0.5% Ferulic Acid | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E | 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Tocopherol, 0.5% Ferulic Acid | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Alpha Tocopherol, 0.5% Ferulic Acid | 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Vitamin E, 0.5% Ferulic Acid | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, 0.5% Ferulic Acid |
| Booster | – | – | Pumpkin & Pomegranate Ferment Extract, Chronocylin, Grape Juice | Ergothioneine, Peptides | Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, Grape, Magnolia, Orange | Dimethyl Isosorbide | 1% Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) | Hyaluronic Acid | – | – |
| Contains | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Fragrance |
| pH | 2.0-3.5 | 2.5 | 3.1-3.5 | – | pH 3-3.4 | – | – | – | < pH 4 | |
| Size | 30ml | 30ml | 28ml | 20ml | 30ml | 30ml | 30ml | 30ml | 30ml | 30ml |
| Price | $182 | $26.95 | $79 | $55 | $32.95 | $13.90 | $27.99 | $37.99 | $24.99 | $49 |
| View Offer | SkinCeuticals | Amazon Timeless | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon | Amazon |
