Latest news with #CEFerulic
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The secret beauty ingredient I've used for over a decade that's made my skin look like this at 50
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic smells a little funky, the bottle isn't much to look at and the brown liquid is sensorially unsatisfying: think overflow from a rusty tap. Yet I have used this vitamin C serum daily for more than a decade. Yes me, a beauty editor who is constantly inundated with new products. Why such loyalty? Well, it's because it is recommended by practically every independent dermatologist and skin expert I've spoken to. And it seems to have a place in every other beauty editor's skincare arsenal. Plus it crops up as a favourite in interviews I've done with luminous-skinned A-listers. The science behind it is also credible. C E Ferulic is first and foremost a vitamin C serum and it has the wonder ingredient at a potent level and in a powerful form: 15 per cent l-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is clinically proven to diminish dark spots, ease fine lines and brighten the skin. But there are lots of vitamin C serums, so what makes this one special? Well, it also contains one per cent alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) to help retain moisture and promote radiance. Plus 0.5 per cent ferulic acid, which works to reduce inflammation (great for rosacea and acne-prone skin), even skin tone and stabilise the vitamin C. Basically, it's a triple threat to ageing. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic £165 Shop Now, 20 years after its launch, the patent on its formula (which includes ferulic acid and vitamin E) has expired, meaning beauty companies everywhere are free to create products with the same highly efficacious ingredient combination. Hot off the blocks are new copycat offerings from DoSe and Elf as well as Boots' new ingredient-led Modern Chemistry range, which lands in stores on Monday (but is already available to buy online) and features 10% Vitamin C/Ferulic Acid Serum for £13. Race you there... Boots Modern Chemistry Glow 10% Vitamin C Serum With Ferulic Acid £13 Shop DoSe By VH Triple Vitamin C 23% Serum + Ferulic Acid £20 Shop Elf Skin Bright Icon Vitamin C + E.+ Ferulic Serum £16 Shop
Irish Times
04-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Simone Gannon: The six skincare products I always return to after trying everything else
A friend asked me for a skincare product recommendation the other day, and it got me thinking. As a beauty journalist of more than 15 years, I've had the privilege of trying a lot of new products – especially skincare. Some are instant hits, others quietly disappear into the abyss of my bathroom cabinet. But over the years, amid the endless cycles of new launches and trend-driven must-haves, there are a couple of products I always come back to. The ones I buy again and again without thinking, and often panic over when they're about to run out. These are the ones I reach for (and recommend) because I just know they'll deliver. They're not always flashy or trendy, but they work. And in a world obsessed with the next big beauty thing, that says a lot. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (€13 for 236ml at Boots) CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (€13 for 236ml from Boots) works for all skin types. Everyone in my household uses this, pre-teen son included, because it's gentle, simple, and packed with ceramides that support the skin barrier. It's a reliable all-rounder, even in times of skin sensitivity or stress. It's also a great one to use after aesthetic treatments. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum One of the few high-end skincare products I regularly choose to invest in. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum (€193 from Meaghers Pharmacy) is still, 20 years after it launched, one of the best on the market. When I stop using it, I notice the difference in my skin. It's potent, powerful, and brightens, protects and evens the skin like nothing else. When I splurge on this, I justify its hefty price tag by saving on moisturisers and cleansers – it's all about balance. READ MORE Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Toner (€40 from Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Toner One of the easiest, gentlest, most effective exfoliants out there. Medik8 Press & Glow Toner (€40 from Millies ) contains polyhydroxy acid, or PHA. If you've heard of glycolic or lactic acid, think of PHA as their distant, gentler cousin. It gives you smoother, brighter, glowing skin without the irritation often caused by stronger exfoliants. I love the pump bottle too. Rhode Glazing Milk (€42 from Rhode Glazing Milk I've mentioned this many times before, but for good reason. Rhode Glazing Milk (€42 from Rhode ) is genuinely one of the best skincare products out there. If you're dry, dehydrated, have sensitive skin – even if you're struggling with perioral dermatitis – this is for you. I recommended it to a friend recently who was deep in the throes of a perioral dermatitis flare-up, and it made a visible difference. It soothes, calms and boosts moisture levels in a jiffy. Use it after cleansing and before serums, and don't be afraid to apply two or three layers at a time to really ramp up hydration levels. La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Cream (€25 from Boots) La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Cream I started using La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Soothing Cream (€25 from Boots) several years ago during a bout of sensitivity, and it's been by my side ever since. It's one of those rare moisturisers that's thin, light, and relatively weightless on the skin, but still packs a serious punch when it comes to calming, soothing, and boosting moisture levels. It's also reasonably affordable (depending on where you shop) and suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive. Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF50 (€26 from Cult Beauty) Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF50 My love for Supergoop! has been strong since I first started using its sunscreens in 2019. I quickly became obsessed with Play Everyday Lotion SPF50 (€26 for 71ml from Cult Beauty). I've recommended it to everyone I know (and their mums). It's non-irritating, works beautifully under make-up, has no white cast, and leaves a dewy, lightweight finish. Whenever I run out of sunscreen and need to restock in a hurry, this is the one I reach for. Patchology Skin Remedy Calm & Protect Micro Mist (€12 from This week I'm using ... Patchology Skin Remedy Calm & Protect Micro Mist Patchology stole my heart with its excellent range of under-eye patches, which tackle everything from puffiness and dullness to fine lines and dehydration. Its new Skin Remedy Calm & Protect Micro Mist (€12 from Millies ) is formulated for sensitive skin, containing ectoin and probiotics that soothe, protect, and hydrate even the most irritated, reactive complexions. It's a beautifully packaged, ultra-fine mist that feels like a calming breath for your skin, and it's incredibly affordable at just €12.
Buzz Feed
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
60 Budget-Friendly Alternatives To Birkenstock, Drunk Elephant, And Other Top Brands
A spandex-blend slip maxi dress, because you deserved to feel dressed-up and oh-so-comfortable alllllll at the same time. Wear it at home, out to dinner, or even to a fancy event with the right accessories. Reviewers note that this is comparable to the Skims dress — and some even like it better! A set of surprisingly affordable *noise-canceling* wireless earbuds so you can jam out to your favorite tunes, nod thoughtfully at your go-to podcast, or simply call into all your Zoom meetings with great sound clarity. They also come with three sizes of silicone tips so you can ensure a secure — and comfortable — fit. If you'd like to keep several pairs of headphones or often lose yours, they're a great alternative to Apple AirPods Pro! TruSkin vitamin C serum formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten dark spots and overall skin tone *and* smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size, btw!). A set of buttery button-down PJs with piping detailing that'll make you feel like you're lounging and/or sleeping in the lap of luxury — one reviewer calls them "the softest I've ever bought" and several draw comparisons with Eberjey jammies (which are around $150 👀) aaand Skims and Cozy Earth. The Hanes Ultimate crew socks because it just feels painful to shell out $20 for a three-pack of the cult-fave Aritzia TNA socks. If you've fallen in love with the perfect height, ribbed ankle detail, and (my favorite) the extra cushioned bottom of the original, fret not — these Hanes crew socks are *eerily* similar and just as cushy! And you get twice the socks for almost half the price. A snazzy-looking fitness smartwatch that takes calls and texts, helps track your sleep and activity (including daily steps and workout stats), works with both Apple and Android phones, and comes with over 400(!) different watch faces for a custom look. Reviewers note it's super user-friendly and *rakes* in the compliments when it comes to aesthetics, making it a great option if you've been mulling over $$$ smartwatches (that stylish anyway). A pack of duster sponges, because the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster seems to be constantly sold out, and these are totally similar, for less! Just dampen, and wipe whatever surface needs dusting — all the dust (and even pet hair!) will accumulate on the ridged surface. Just rinse clean, and you're done! A classic herringbone necklace if you've been longing for the look of that Tiffany HardWear beaut', but your budget is more aligned with having a croissant and coffee while looking in the window going into Tiffany's. How Audrey Hepburn of you! In all seriousness, reviewers love that this is substantial and sturdy, making it look more expensive and perfect for adding to your everyday outfits. LivaClean Superstar pimple patches with all the cutness of the original (and more expensive) Starface spoiler alert: reviewers say these work *b e t t e r* anyway — that's what I call a win-win. They're designed to absorb pus and oil from *inside* the zit, protecting skin from further damage and reinfection so you don't have to hot compress, pop, ooze, scar, and repeat. A classic pleated tennis skort you can rock all of tights season, continue to wear through the hottest summer days, and (of course) use as your go-to outfit for dominating on the pickleball court. Did I mention it has pockets? *And* favorably compared to similar versions from Nike, Artizia, and Lulu by reviewers? 'Nuff said. A Simple Modern tumbler for all of your hydration needs. Not only is the monochrome body chic (you might want to pick one up in various colors to match your 'fits), but it's leak-resistant, dishwasher safe, cupholder-friendly, and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Plus, it has a built-in straw and ~ergonomic~ handle! Stanley, who? Or a water bottle with some of the features that are *very* popular with the Owala, including a carry loop, locking lid that opens with the push of a button, and sip and chug options for however you'd like to hydrate. But unlike the Owala, this whole thing is (gasp) dishwasher-safe — and cheaper. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger perfect for at home or traveling, so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. Several reviewers note that this connects better and lasts longer than the name-brand versions. A pair of comfortable clogs if you've had your eyes on the Birkenstock Boston Clog, but aren't sure you're ready to splurge for the long haul. These babies are from the makers of the TikTok–famous cloud slides, so you know you're going to stay comfortable all day, without spending Birkenstock money. Or a pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals for your warm-weather needs — these have arch support for all-day walking at home or on vacation, and reviewers say these are quite similar to Birks and indeed, extremely comfy! E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which reviewers say is comparable to (or even better than) Charlotte Tilbury's famous Flawless Filter. Apply this as a luminous, blurring base, mix it with your moisturizer or foundation, or dot it over makeup as a natural-looking highlight. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration too. A CZ tennis bracelet that looks similar to the pricey Swarovski (or real deal). Reviewers agree it sparkles beautifully, has a super secure clasp, aaaand holds up well to repeated wear! And btw, buys like this are also a great way to "test drive" a piece of jewelry before splurging to make sure you like it for the long haul! CeraVe's Retinol Serum, which lives up to the CeraVe name and uses *encapsulated* retinol to reduce the appearance of scars and pores without flaking or redness. If you haven't gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option — and reviewers say they like it better than other more expensive options (like Murad's Retinol Serum, which retails for $92). A set of Amazon Basics silicone baking mats to make sure all of your homemade cookies and sheet pan dinners never end up stuck on the pan — and unlike parchment paper, they're Exactly like fan-favorite Silpat mats, but without the fancy price tag — just ask the reviewer who took this photo and made a batch of macarons using both Silpat and Amazon Basics mats and couldn't tell a difference! A Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68, which reviewers say has a similar smell to the very luxurious and oh-so popular Baccarat Rouge 540 — but in a lighter, body spray version with notes of jasmine, hibiscus, and sun musk. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers say are comparable to the Lululemon Align joggers — for a fraction of the price. But that's not all; they're beloved by reviewers for being comfortable and flexible (for working out or lounging!) and never going see-through. Or a pair of Colorfulkoala leggings in their ~Dreamlux~ fabric, which is designed to be buttery soft, sweat-wicking, and completely squat-proof, so your skin or undies never peek through the fabric. Reviewers back all of that up, tout them as a great alternative to Lululemon Align leggings, *and* say that they're super comfy (even enough to lounge in), with a waistband that never rolls down, like with some other brands. A 100-piece set of Picasso Tiles, because reviewers say they're not only comparable to Magnatiles (which are $80 more for the same size set) but also work with the Magnatiles you may already have, so you can expand a world of creative and educational play for much less. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip, a lip gloss that also has the hydration of a lip oil, thanks to vegan squalane, as well as raspberry and cloudberry oils. It's fairly new but already seriously beloved by reviewers who appreciate the sheer wash of color, high-impact shine, and non-sticky finish. And if you love Dior's Lip Oil (same), some reviewers say this is better! L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion, a fan-favorite, glycerin-infused illuminator you can mix in with moisturizer or foundation, wear as a base under makeup, *or* apply as a highlight or bronzer for a natural-looking (and not glittery) glow — especially if you're not looking to drop a fortune on Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops. The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush (now with an upgraded motor) with a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots, without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. One reviewer says it takes less time to dry than their Dry Bar Brush! A belt bag so you can keep all your must-haves close and easy to access but completely hands-free. Whether you're going for a long walk, traveling, or running errands, you'll want to throw this on all the time. The strap is adjustable, so you can wear it crossbody *or* around your waist, and you'll be surprised how much it holds, too! quite similar to Lululemon's belt bag and less than half the price! E.l.f. "Squeeze Me" lip balm declared by reviewers to be a more affordable (it's under $5!) alternative to the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. It's formulated with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to pack a moisturizing punch, is easier to squeeze on and apply compared to other jarred lip balms, and provides a sheer flush of color you'll love. Or for overnight treatment, Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks, which come in a set of three minis (for under $10!) so if you've been looking at the Laneige ones to keep your lips hydrated and supple, you might want to try these. Plus they're sized perfectly for travel. A pair of chunky droplet earrings so you can try out that oh-so-trendy Bottega look but don't want to commit to fine jewelry. Reviewers note they're lightweight but not flimsy, so they're comfortable for all-day wear — plus they go with everything! A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets made of a super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric over 250,000 5-star reviewers (wow!) love for being cozy and sleeping surprisingly cool — at an unbeatable price! You just might want to ditch your expensive, name-brand sheets (cough, Cozy Earth, cough) for these babies after the first night — lots of reviewers have. E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer with squalene to hydrate, smooth over skin for a seamless finish, and hold onto makeup for all-day staying power. You mayyyy have seen this all over TikTok, and the reviews back up the hype! And if you love or have been eyeing the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer (for $54!), reviewers say this is very comparable! Or if you prefer gripping-style primers like Milk Hydro Grip (which reviewers say this is similar to!), E.l.f.'s Power Grip, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump the appearance of skin and designed to *hug* to your makeup for all-day wear. And it's fragrance-free! A satin pillowcase to help maintain hair and skin health even as you sleep, reducing pesky frizz and breakage when compared with regular cotton or other fiber pillowcases — that means longer-lasting blowouts and less damage in the long run. Why spend the money on pricey brands like Slip and Blissy? A Briotech spray with the same magical ingredient as the very beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid (something our body produces naturally as part of our immune system!). Just spritz it on whenever your skin needs a little de-stressing, and it'll help soothe inflammation, tone down redness, and strengthen your skin's barrier. A sunrise alarm clock reviewers say is a great alternative to the Hatch (which is over $150). This gradually brightens from red or orange to bright white, starting 30 minutes before your alarm goes off for a more natural wake-up, *and* it has an evening routine that glows softly and has an auto-shut off so you can drift off peacefully too. A pair of loafer mules so you can complete all of your outfits with ease without struggling with what to wear — just slip these on and head out the door! People might even think they're $$$ 👀 — we'll never tell. A pack of reusable grocery bags if you're tired of forgetting yours and paying a fee for paper bags every time you need to stop for milk. These babies fold down compactly, are washable, and super sturdy (they can hold up to 50 pounds), so you can carry your groceries with confidence. Just like Baggu, but for less! A Renpho percussion massager with five different head attachments for targeting different areas and reviewers love it for soothing sore muscles, easing neck and shoulder pain, and working through tough knots. And who doesn't love a massage?! Reviewers agree that this version is comparable to, or even better, than the Theragun (which is almost $300)! Essence's Lash Princess mascara, which over *260,000* 5-star reviewers for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. Tons of reviewers say it's a better version of cult-faves like Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. (And even Diorshow!) Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks with results that reviewers swear by — not to mention the fact that using them is weirdly fun? The mask tightens as it dries on your face, giving you the titular "zombie" effect (just better more expensive Hanacure). Just wait 15 minutes and rinse to reveal your glowiest glow yet, thanks to the albumin (aka egg white) and aloe formula. A set of breathable seamless thongs that over 10,000 5-star reviewers (including those who "never wear" thongs and "hate" thongs) swear by for looking seamless under clothes and staying actually comfy all day. And thong lovers say they are just as good or better than brands like Skims and Victoria's Secret. An oversized plush satin eye mask (one reviewer says it's comparable to the $50 Lunya one!) designed to be extra gentle on your skin and hair so whether you're sleeping in at home or trying to snooze on a red-eye flight, you'll look and feel first class all the way. A suuuuper soft oversized hoodie, but not just *any* soft hoodie. This one has a thick, expensive-looking fabric and construction that reviewers swear is similar to brands like Skims, Aritzia, Abercrombie, and Cmfrt. The price-per-wear on this thing is going to be excellent. A super plush blanket that is just begging to be cuddled up with on a cozy day at home — "I bought a new blanket" is a valid reason to cancel plans, right? But seriously, reviewers love this one for looking stylish on their couch and being super soft, but not too heavy for year-round use! It's often compared favorably to Barefoot Dreams (maybe not quite as plush or stretchy), but a real bargain for the price! Physicians Formula Diamond Dust for a gorgeous shimmer onto your eyelids, cheeks, or anywhere else for a truly ~glowing~ finish — and reviewers say if you're looking for a bit less pigmented version of Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb (which is $42), this is perfect! Oversized square sunnies that'll make you feel like a celeb, thanks to their Bottega–inspired shape. But that's not all: they also have polarized lenses and UV protection to keep you peepers safer. (Not even luxury brands always have that!) A long-sleeve bodysuit in a second skin–like fabric (called Smoke Cloud) reviewers compare to Skims and love for being buttery soft and *not* see through. And once you fall in love with this crewneck style, don't worry, it comes in tons of sleeve lengths and necklines! NYX Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel (up to 16 hours!) to keep your brow hairs in place alllll day long, especially if you like that "laminated" look. Reviewers agree the hold is great, the formula doesn't flake off, and that it also washes off easily — and is a great alternative to ABH Brow Freeze, too! A three-piece loungewear set for when you want to have a stay-on-the-couch day but don't want to stay in your PJs — you'll be just as comfy, but feel a little more put together. And you can mix-and-match the pieces separately, too! A cropped padded workout tank reviewers swear is comfortable for lounging, layering, and working out (and psst being very comparable to Lululemon yoga camis). I mean over 200 reviewers have it or want it in every color! Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pencils because if you're looking for a go-to eyeliner to stock up in neutrals and brights, these glide on with no tugging, with a creamy formula that rivals Urban Decay's eye pencils. A set of three remote-operated flameless candles with moving "flames" that flicker realistically for a relaxing atmosphere or the *look* of a fireplace — without worrying about whether or not you left a candle burning. They have a timer built in so they'll turn on at the same time every day too, so you'll be ready for cozy vibes when the sun early. Who needs Luminara candles at triple the price? A Baroque mirror no one will believe came from Amazon with Prime shipping. If you've been looking at the Anthro mirror, or other pricier options but have hesitated to spend, look no further. A Shea Moisture manuka honey mask packed with powerful ingredients like mafura oil, shea butter, baobab oil, African rock fig, and honey (duh!) to lock in moisture and definition — just as well or better than pricey conditioners like K18. One cosmetologist reviewer says it's comparable to salon deep conditioners! Or a bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in just five minutes. It's basically a time machine for your hair is what I'm saying. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A 20-pack of extra thick magic melamine cleaning pads that'll tackle your toughest messes — from your sneakers to your stove to your walls — just with a little water and elbow grease. Everything will be cleaner than ever and you'll save money compared to Mr. Clean Magic Erasers —I call that a win-win. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with a whopping 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades (cough like the James Charles x Morphe palette cough) to get you inspired to try out stunning eye makeup looks ranging from sultry neutral to bright and fun. And reviewers say it's great for beginners and makeup artists alike. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-fave reviewers use for *years* for a reason — it brightens your under eye without creasing while treating them with goji berry and haloxyl — plus, it'll last even LONGER than Tarte's Shape Tape and other expensive brands. And Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which is renowned for being very similar to the Becca Under-Eye Corrector ($33), for *less than 1/5 of the price!* The peachy-orange tones of both color-correcting shades cancel out dark circles instantly, whether you pair it with a concealer or wear it on its own. A handheld milk frother so you don't *have* to leave your home to enjoy a fabulous cafe-quality latte or cappuccino. It even works on iced bevvies — hello Starbucks–inspired cold foam! And that's not all: several reviewers prefer its compact size, thick foam, and easy clean-up to the (much more expensive) Nespresso Aeroccino.
Business Insider
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
The patent behind a $182 cult-favorite skincare product recently expired. So, where are all the dupes?
Does it sound crazy to spend $182 on a 30 mL bottle of face serum that famously smells like hot dog water? Tell that to the diehard fans of SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic. Despite its high price point, the L'Oreal -owned brand's vitamin C serum has developed a cult following of devoted users over the past 20 years, thanks in part to a closely guarded, patent-protected formula that the company says can protect skin and improve signs of aging. Months ahead of the patent's expiration date in March, skincare addicts flooded Reddit with hopes of cheaper "dupes" — a comparable product at a more affordable price point. But the expiration date of that patent has come and gone, leaving many wondering: Where are the dupes? Skincare industry experts who spoke to Business Insider said lookalike products could be on the way, but they don't expect the patent expiring to immediately result in any major disruptions to the industry, the vitamin C market, or the SkinCeuticals brand itself. A bigger issue, they say, is the effect of dupe culture on skincare industry innovation — the kind that led to the existence of C E Ferulic in the first place. The patent factor SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic is beloved by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and embraced by many skincare fans as the holy grail of vitamin C serums — sometimes a little begrudgingly, due to the high price. Niki DeMartinis, an ER doctor who lives in New York, said she has tried various vitamin C serums over the years, but that she always comes back to C E Ferulic. "I feel like my skin looks and feels the best with it," she told BI, adding it makes her skin look more even and less dull. She said it's the priciest skincare product she uses regularly, but she thinks it's worth the cost. C E Ferulic, which hit the market in 2005, is 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, or pure vitamin C, with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Dr. John Carroll Murray, a dermatologist at Duke University who authored a 2008 study showing the formula provided UV photoprotection for skin, said the reason C E Ferulic was such a big deal was the way it was put together. "It's easy to put vitamin C into a product. It's quite common, quite cheap, and quite safe, but it has to be properly formulated so that it'll be active and effective at removing reactive oxygen species," he said, referring to molecules that can damage skin. Lina Twaian, a skincare industry expert and brand consultant, told BI that the ability to tout the patent has been a useful marketing tool for SkinCeuticals. L'Oreal, the largest beauty company in the world, clocked $47 billion in sales last year, according to its annual financial report published in February. The report said its dermatological beauty division grew nearly 10% in 2024 and that the SkinCeuticals brand grew by double digits. SkinCeuticals' patent for C E Ferulic officially expired in March, the standard 20 years after it was issued. Since then, the company has removed several references to the patent from its product page, according to a review of internet archives. They're now touting the previously "Patented Formula with 15% Vitamin C" as a "Superior Formula." When reached for comment on the patent expiring, SkinCeuticals told BI the brand is introducing a new, patent-pending "antioxidant protection and performance" formula in 2026. The brand said in a statement that "SkinCeuticals remains the only brand with exclusive expertise in the precise formulation and production of C E Ferulic." Experts are divided on whether more dupes are on the way As dupe culture exploded on social media over the past five years, there's been an even greater appetite for cheaper alternatives to C E Ferulic. "It's been such a popular and efficacious product, it's pretty clear that brands are going to try to duplicate that," Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and professor at the University of Cincinnati, told BI of the patent's expiration. She and the other industry experts said brands have already released their own versions of vitamin C serums, including some that appear similar to SkinCeuticals'. That's because even changing a product slightly can make it safe from a potential patent infringement, according to Larissa Jensen, a senior vice president and global beauty industry advisor at Circana. "If you have something that's close but not exact, it can still be used in the market, so I don't necessarily know if the patent expiring is going to all of a sudden expose a floodgate of brands with this formula," Jensen told BI. Still, L'Oreal has fought to protect the formula. In 2018, L'Oreal sued Drunk Elephant, alleging the skincare brand's vitamin C serum had infringed on its patent. The case was settled out of court, and the terms of the settlement were not made public. Drunk Elephant, which is owned by the Japanese beauty company Shiseido, sells its C-Firma Fresh Serum for $79, less than half the price of C E Ferulic. The product has 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic — the same quantities promoted by SkinCeuticals. However, unlike C E Ferulic, the product is designed to be mixed by the consumer before use. Shiseido told BI it does not comment on company settlements or litigation as a matter of company policy. Since the patent has expired, Dobos said she expects brands to try to replicate the formula, now without the risk of patent infringement. But she said there's no guarantee that those companies will get it right or that, even if they do, they'll be able to do it at a significantly lower price point. Not all dupes are created equal Replicating C E Ferulic won't necessarily be easy, Dobos said. In part, that's because it's unlikely the patent told the full story of how the serum is formulated and made. There are also many other factors that could impact the effectiveness of a product: the quality of ingredients, the manufacturing process, quality control and assurance, and packaging, which needs to be compatible with and protective of the formula. Producing effective skincare can also be very finicky, so every aspect matters, Dobos said, adding that without clinical trials on a specific product, it's unclear if it will have the same effect as a product it appears similar to. Elf Cosmetics announced a new vitamin C serum earlier this month that Dobos said appeared to be positioned as a direct competitor to C E Ferulic, for 91% cheaper. The $16 Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum has a similar trio of main ingredients, but at a fraction of the cost, and is being marketed as an alternative to "spendy serums." But Dobos said it uses a different version of vitamin C, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which she said was a "more stable version, but it's less substantiated in terms of effectiveness." Other factors that could impact the difference in price include where it's made (Elf produces most of its products in China), regulatory and labor costs, the cost of ingredients and packaging, and research and development, like clinical studies, Dobos said. Clinical studies would be needed on the Elf product to really compare it to C E Ferulic, she said. Elf did not respond to a request for comment. Taking the shine out of dupe culture Several industry experts have said that dupe culture itself could actually be hurting skincare innovation. Charlotte Palermino, the cofounder of Dieux Skin, recently wrote in a Substack post that dupes have "diluted" the beauty industry. She said innovation is expensive to produce as well as protect. "But the tragedy of dupe culture isn't just the heartbreak of 'they copied my homework.' It's the slow death of innovation," she wrote, adding, "If you want innovation, perhaps consider valuing it." Dobos said dupe culture incentivizes companies to focus on putting out products that are in line with the latest trends rather than creating something truly groundbreaking. "I do think the kind of dupe culture that we're in is hindering innovation in a way because it's taking time and resources away from it," she said. "True, disruptive innovation takes time."
News.com.au
17-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Beauty Diary: Cult vitamin C serum hits 20 years as ‘gold standard'
The internet is ablaze with what some have decided is the 'most exciting beauty news' in recent years. And what exactly is that piece of hot goss? Well, the 20-year patent on the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has just expired, opening the door for rival brands to copy its cult formula. The buzz is largely around the product's expensive price point, which with a RRP of $249, makes it easy to understand why consumers might be keen to get their hands on a cheaper version. But while beauty junkies collectively lose their minds at the prospect of scoring a bargain, the US brand is far from shaking in its boots – and for good reason. 'Despite there being many vitamin C serums on the market, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum is the gold standard worldwide,' Dr Tania Romano, head of medical and education at SkinCeuticals, told The Beauty Diary. 'Dr Sheldon Pinnell, the founder of SkinCeuticals, started researching the relationship between topical vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) and skin in the 1980s and 1990s, publishing many scientific findings in medical journals during this time (including the relationship between l-ascorbic acid and collagen formation in the skin). 'His research allowed him to formulate what we now know as C E Ferulic, which has been a game changer in the industry since its inception in 2005.' With decades of product development and research behind the cult-beauty buy before it even hit shelves 20 years ago, many experts have argued that even with the once secret formula now available on the open market, competitors could 'never catch up'. 'It's the most studied vitamin C serum on the market, with over 50 clinical studies and peer review articles, that's why it revolutionised the category,' said Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist, in a recent video. While Australian dermal clinician Jayde, who goes by @drivenbybeauty online, explained splurging on C E Ferulic was a 'non-negotiable' as the product was 'stable' and had 'efficacy' – something not all vitamin C product's provide. Dr Romano echoed the views of the skin experts, stating that while 'dupe culture is huge in the cosmeceutical industry, it is very difficult to copy the formulation of another brand'. 'Although many other brands claim to have created 'dupes' of C E Ferulic, it is impossible for any of these products to be identical to the formulation we have at SkinCeuticals as they would not be sourcing their raw ingredients from the same manufacturers, and their formula combinations would not be the same either,' she said. 'An example I like to use it thinking about a croissant – you can buy one from your local bakery or one from an artisan baker in France… they may both use flour, butter, sugar and egg, but the sourcing of those ingredients will be different, the process of baking the croissant will be different, the oven it is baked it will be different and inevitably the end product won't be the same. 'Dupe culture has not really affected us because people who use our products understand we invest in research, science and technology to deliver the most efficacious products for the best skin health.' So there you have it. Case closed.
