The Vitamin C 23 Serum by COSRX is a highly concentrated formulation designed to erase acne scars and brighten the complexion, making it a boon for those with dull and dry skin. With a gentle yet potent blend of Vitamin C, Super Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid, this serum pledges to revitalize your skin, and based on the buzz, it appears to be keeping that promise.
Key Features
- High Concentration of Vitamin C: With 23% of Ascorbic Acid, this serum is a powerhouse in fading acne scars and inhibiting melanin synthesis caused by UV exposure.
- Super Vitamin E: Tocotrienol, a form of Vitamin E, amps up the antioxidizing effects by up to 50 times compared to regular tocopherol, working to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
- Hydration Keeper: Sodium Hyaluronate in the mix ensures that your skin retains moisture, keeping it plump and hydrated.
- Soothing Effect: Allantoin present in the serum soothes and relieves irritation, making it suitable for a daily skincare routine.
Key Ingredients
- Ascorbic Acid(Vitamin C) 23%: Known for its potency in fading acne scars and brightening the complexion by blocking melanin synthesis triggered by UV exposure.
- Tocotrienol: A superior form of Vitamin E that boasts up to 50 times more antioxidizing effect than regular tocopherol, shielding your skin from environmental damage.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Acclaimed for its strong moisture retention properties, it helps in maintaining skin hydration.
- Allantoin: Known for its soothing and irritation-relieving properties.
- Niacinamide: A versatile ingredient that improves skin texture, tone, and reinforces the skin barrier.
What it was most helpful for?
Let's take a look at the summary of 1230 user reviews to see what they had to say about this serum.
Positive:
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Skin Brightening and Dark Spot Reduction:
- Many users (17 mentions) praised the serum for brightening their skin and reducing dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
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Skin Smoothing:
- A good number of users (9 mentions) enjoyed smoother skin and improved skin texture.
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Acne and Breakout Management:
- Some users (6 mentions) mentioned a reduction in acne and breakouts.
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Skin Sensitivity:
- A couple of users (2 mentions) appreciated the serum’s gentle nature on sensitive skin.
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Skin Hydration:
- Few users (3 mentions) mentioned the product providing hydration or leaving the skin moisturized.
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Repurchasing Intent:
- Multiple users (6 mentions) expressed their willingness to repurchase or continue using the product.
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Long-term Effectiveness:
- Some users (5 mentions) noted visible improvements over extended use.
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Brand Loyalty:
- A few users (3 mentions) mentioned willingness to try other products from the brand despite their experience with the serum.
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Price and Value:
- A couple of users (2 mentions) found the product to be good value for money.
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Skin Type Suitability:
- One user noted the product worked well for their oily/acne-prone skin.
Negative:
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Unpleasant Smell:
- Many users (20 mentions) complained about an unpleasant smell, comparing it to dog food, hot dog water, or something rotten.
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Discoloration and Tint:
- Some users (2 mentions) noted a yellow-orange tint left on the skin.
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Application Experience:
- A few users (3 mentions) had a burning sensation or irritation.
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Pilling Issue:
- One user mentioned the serum causing pilling when used with moisturizer or makeup.
Neutral:
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Texture and Consistency:
- Mixed feedback here. Some found the serum oily or sticky (3 mentions), while others appreciated its lightweight nature (5 mentions).
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Packaging and Instructions:
- One user had concerns about the lack of clear instructions on the bottle regarding its usage with other products.
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Long-term Effectiveness:
- Some users didn’t see significant changes or were still waiting to see results (4 mentions).
How to Use
After cleansing, during the serum phase, shake the bottle lightly once or twice from side to side and apply a few drops to the skin. Use fingertips to gently massage and absorb the serum, starting from the inside of the face working towards the edges. This serum can be used in the morning and/or afternoon. If applied in the morning, ensure to pair it with a SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from UV rays.
What to Use With
For optimal results, use this serum alongside products containing peptides to boost collagen production, and ceramides to reinforce the skin barrier.
What Not to Use With
Avoid using this serum with strong acids or retinoids to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
Expiration Date
It's recommended to use this product within 2 months of opening due to the nature of Vitamin C which can oxidize over time. Storing it in a cool place or in the refrigerator can help maintain its freshness.
The Vitamin C 23 Serum by COSRX is indeed a stellar choice for those looking to brighten their complexion and fade acne scars. Its well-thought-out formulation and the positive feedback from numerous users make it a noteworthy addition to your skincare routine.
