I have already introduced you to Skincare Generics, a brand that offers luxury skincare at generic pricing. They have created the finest alternatives of skincare’s most popular products and have made them reasonably priced for everyone. Their purpose is to make luxury skincare affordable and accessible to all.
Today I am reviewing the Skincare Generics vitamin C serum that is actually their most popular product. It has been designed as an affordable alternative (dupe) for SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic® serum ($185 for 1oz) which is considered as the gold-standard vitamin C formula.
Skincare Generics CE Serum ($39.99 for 1 oz)
Compare to SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic® serum
CE Serum is a powerful vitamin C serum that offers antioxidant protective benefits, brightens skin and visibly improves signs of aging, including discoloration, loss of firmness and the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. Made in USA, cruelty-free and vegan.
Key Ingredients
- 15% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol)
- 0.5% ferulic acid
- pH level of 3.0 – 3.5 for maximum absorption and efficacy
Ingredient List
Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate
This formulation is developed based on the patent of best selling, award-winning SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic® serum that has been extensively studied in clinical trials, demonstrating significant improvements in key skin concerns, including wrinkles, discoloration, radiance, firmness, elasticity, texture, photodamage and overall appearance.
In case you are wondering how any brand can legally try to dupe the iconic SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum, that’s because the 20-year patent on the C E Ferulic serum has expired. So, that means other brands can now attempt to make their own versions, likely at lower price points.
SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serum Dupe?
If you compare the ingredients of both the products, Skincare Generics CE serum has exactly the same ingredient list as the SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum.
Compare ingredients with SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic serum
Of course, we don’t know the exact percentages of ALL the ingredients, but both the serums contain a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid in an optimal, acidic pH.
As I have mentioned before, the ideal pH for a vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) serum is generally considered to be between 2.5 and 3.5. At this low pH, vitamin C is in its most stable and bioavailable form, allowing it to penetrate the skin barrier and deliver its antioxidant, brightening, and collagen-boosting benefits.
Skincare Generics brand explicitly states that their serum has an optimized pH level of 3.0 – 3.5 to ensure maximum absorption and efficacy of vitamin C. To confirm that, I tested the pH for this serum using pH strips (easily available at Amazon) and it was actually in the optimal pH range of 3.0 to 3.5 so the claim is true.
Skincare Generics CE Serum Review
Texture-wise, this serum has a lightweight non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly. It doesn’t feel sticky or tacky and I like that the formula is also fragrance-free.
I use this serum in the morning on clean, dry skin (face and neck), and then apply a hydrating sunscreen and makeup. It layers perfectly under my sunscreen and makeup, without any pilling issues. Take a look at my Instagram reel below to see the texture…
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If you’re new to Vitamin C or have sensitive skin, start with using this serum a few times a week, then work your way up to everyday use depending on how your skin reacts. That’s because this is a high-strength vitamin C formula and it’s better to ease into it… your skin might need to build up tolerance.
I have been using vitamin C serums for a few years now, so I have had no issues incorporating this serum in my everyday morning routine.
A well-formulated vitamin C serum helps reduce skin damage from free radicals formed by the sun and pollution. Since UV radiation is a major source of free radicals, it’s always beneficial to layer vitamin c serum under your sunscreen to get that extra layer of protection during daytime.
While you can use any vitamin C serum at night, just don’t layer it with retinol or any exfoliants w/AHAs or BHAs—they don’t play nice together. Also, make sure to store this serum in a cool, dark place to avoid excess exposure to heat or light which can cause the formula to oxidize and darken over time. Refrigeration is recommended.
Bottom Line
I would definitely recommend trying the Skincare Generics CE serum, especially if you are a fan of the SkinCeuticals serum (the price difference is staggering!!) And if you are someone like me who has been looking for a SkinCeuticals Vitamin C serum dupe, this one is absolutely worth picking up as it’s potent and effective yet reasonably priced. Give it a try and you might just find your new favorite serum like I did!
Available at skincaregenerics.com for $39.99
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