elf Bright Icon Vitamin C Serum: Worth The Hype?

Replace Vitamin C serums are a dime a dozen these days, but finding one that’s effective and affordable can be hard. Thanks to elf, now we have a good option under $20 at the drugstore!

Say hello to the new elf Bright Icon Vitamin C serum! This new brightening serum is formulated with a triple threat of 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid — the powerhouse trio that made SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum an icon in the skincare world!
Of course, it’s not the exact same formulation at the exact same acidic pH (which is important for efficiency) as the SkinCeuticals serum but the key ingredients are same.

Great for all skin types, the new elf Bright Icon Vitamin C serum helps visibly brighten, even out skin tone, soothe skin, reduce the look of dark spots and give skin a firm look.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Dipropylene Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Laureth-23, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Bisabolol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil

Key Ingredients

• 15% Vitamin C: A fan favorite ingredient for a reason! This powerhouse antioxidant helps even skin tone, visibly brightens dullness, and boosts overall radiance. It’s one of the most coveted ingredients in skincare—and with good reason: it works! This serum uses a combination of Ascorbic Acid (pure vitamin C) and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C derivative)
• 1% Vitamin E: Vitamin C’s perfect partner-in-glow. This antioxidant helps defend against environmental stressors while nourishing your skin.
• 0.5% Ferulic Acid: A behind-the-scenes skin booster that packs a punch. This antioxidant not only helps defend against free radicals, but also helps to enhance both Vitamin C and Vitamin E benefits.
• Bisabolol: A calming, plant-derived ingredient that helps soothe skin—ideal for anyone needing a little extra TLC!

elf Bright Icon Vitamin C Serum Review

Texture-wise, this serum has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly. It doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and gives my skin a subtle glow. There is no weird smell or fragrance, which is always a plus for me. I use this serum in the morning on clean, dry skin (face and neck, of course) Then I follow it up with a moisturizer w/sunscreen and makeup. It layers perfectly under my SPF and makeup, without any pilling issues.

As with any vitamin C serum, it’s best to use this product in the morning (vitamin C also boosts your sunscreen’s effectiveness!) And don’t layer it with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide—they don’t play nice together.

One thing that’s very important when it comes to the efficacy of a vitamin C serum is its pH. For a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) serum to be most effective, the ideal pH is generally considered to be between 2.5 and 3.5. This low, acidic pH range is crucial for ensuring that the ascorbic acid remains stable and can effectively penetrate the skin. When the pH is higher (around 5-6), vitamin C is not as effective at penetrating the skin and may not deliver the desired results.

When I tested the pH for elf Bright Icon Vitamin C serum using pH strips (easily available at Amazon) it was around 4. So, the pH wasn’t too high but just not within the optimal 2.5 — 3.5 pH range.

PS: I did the pH testing on the very next day I bought this serum from Ulta, so it wasn’t like the bottle was lying around and the formula oxidized with time.

That said, while a lower pH is better for absorption and maximum effectiveness of vitamin C, people with very sensitive skin may find a pH closer to 3.5 or 4 to be more comfortable.

So if you have sensitive skin, the elf Bright Icon Vitamin C serum might actually be a better option for you because of its slightly higher pH and the formula won’t irritate your skin. Not to mention, this serum has an elegant lightweight texture and an affordable price tag. Also, the formula is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), vegan and cruelty-free. It’s easily available at Ulta Beauty, Target and Amazon for $17.

So far, I have only found one affordable vitamin C serum (with 15% vitamin C + ferulic acid & vitamin E combination) that’s in the correct pH range and it’s the Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow serum. In fact, they explicitly state its pH level (3-3.4) on their website. It costs only $14…you can read my full review here.