Vichy 16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum vs Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum

Both the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum and Vichy 16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum feature vitamin C as a hero ingredient aimed at enhancing skin brightness and reducing signs of aging. However, while Drunk Elephant includes additional ingredients such as lactobacillus extracts and ferulic acid, Vichy's formulation emphasizes a slightly different blend, including haematococcus pluvialis extract and carnosine. Drunk Elephant's use of dimethyl isosorbide also adds a unique texture and penetration factor that Vichy's formula lacks. When considering overall efficacy based on the ingredient profiles, both serums have their merits, but users seeking a more complex formulation might favor Drunk Elephant, while those looking for a straightforward vitamin C boost might find Vichy suitable.

Match
72%
Price
$34.99
Category
Treatments Serums
Type
Face Serum
Ingredients
17 ingredients
Buy
Match
72%
Price
$79.00
Category
Treatments Serums
Type
Face Serum
Ingredients
32 ingredients
Buy

What's inside

What's inside

Key ingredients

Key ingredients

Benefits

Benefits

Concerns

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

  1. WaterSolvent
  2. DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDESolvent, Viscosity Controller
  3. Ascorbic AcidAntioxidant, Buffering Agent, Fragrance, Skin Conditioner
  4. LAURETH-23Cleansing Agent, Cleansing Surfactant, Emulsifying Surfactant
  5. GlycerinDenaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming Agent, Humectant Skin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Solvent, Viscosity Controller
  6. TocopherolAntioxidant, Fragrance, Other Skin Conditioner, Occlusive Skin Conditioner
  7. LACTOBACILLUS / PUMPKIN FERMENT EXTRACTSkin Conditioner
  8. SCLEROCARYA BIRREA SEED OILHair Conditioner, Humectant
+24 more ingredients
  1. DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATEHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  2. Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractBleaching Agent, Perfuming Agent, Skin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner, Smoothing Agent, Soothing Agent
  3. VITIS VINIFERA JUICE EXTRACTAntioxidant, Skin Conditioner
  4. Ferulic AcidAntimicrobial, Antioxidant
  5. PHYLLANTHUS EMBLICA FRUIT EXTRACTHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  6. CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACTAntimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent, Fragrance, Humectant, Oral Care, Skin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Tonic, UV Absorber
  7. LACTOBACILLUS / PUNICA GRANATUM FRUIT FERMENT EXTRACTHair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner
  8. PropanediolSolvent, Viscosity Controller
  9. GLUCONOLACTONEChelating Agent, Skin Conditioner
  10. Sodium HyaluronateHumectant, Skin Conditioner
  11. ORYZA SATIVA BRAN EXTRACTSkin Conditioner, Skin Protectant
  12. GLUTAMYLAMIDOETHYL IMIDAZOLEHair Conditioner
  13. TETRAHYDROBISDEMETHOXYDIFERULOYLMETHANEAntioxidant, Oral Care, Skin Conditioner
  14. TETRAHYDRODEMETHOXYDIFERULOYLMETHANEAntioxidant, Oral Care, Skin Conditioner
  15. TETRAHYDRODIFERULOYLMETHANEAntioxidant
  16. Pentylene GlycolSkin Conditioner, Solvent
  17. CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACIDChelating Agent
  18. LEUCONOSTOC / RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATEAnti-Seborrheic, Antimicrobial
  19. SORBIC ACIDFragrance, Preservative
  20. PhenoxyethanolAntimicrobial, Preservative
  21. Sodium BenzoateAnticorrosive, Fragrance, Preservative
  22. Caprylyl GlycolDeodorant, Hair Conditioner, Skin Conditioner, Emollient Skin Conditioner
  23. CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACTSkin Conditioner, Viscosity Controller
  24. EthylhexylglycerinDeodorant, Skin Conditioner

Ingredients Explained

Water

Solvent · Shared

Aqua, commonly known as water, serves primarily as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It is the most abundant ingredient in many products and is essential for dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their application and absorption on the skin. Formulators often add Aqua to create a suitable texture and consistency, ensuring that products are easy to spread and apply. Additionally, water can help to hydrate the skin, making it a vital component in many moisturizing formulations.

Ascorbic-Acid

Antioxidant, Buffering Agent, Fragrance, Skin Conditioner · Shared

Ascorbic Acid, commonly known as Vitamin C or L-Ascorbic Acid, is a potent antioxidant widely used in cosmetic formulations. It is primarily included for its ability to neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to skin aging and damage. Additionally, Ascorbic Acid is known for its role in promoting a brighter complexion and supporting collagen synthesis, making it a popular choice among formulators aiming to enhance skin radiance and texture. Formulators may add Ascorbic Acid to products due to its multifunctional properties, as it can help improve the overall appearance of the skin while providing protective benefits. However, it is important to note that Ascorbic Acid can be a potential irritant, particularly for sensitive skin types, which is a consideration for formulators when developing products containing this ingredient.

Glycerin

Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioner, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming Agent, Humectant Skin Conditioner, Skin Protectant, Solvent, Viscosity Controller · Shared

GLYCERIN is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetics for its multiple functions. It acts as a humectant, which means it helps to attract moisture to the skin and hair, making it beneficial for maintaining hydration. Additionally, it serves as a skin-conditioning agent, enhancing the overall feel and appearance of the skin. As a denaturant, it can modify the properties of other ingredients, while its role as a solvent allows for the effective dissolution of other components in a formulation. Furthermore, GLYCERIN contributes to viscosity control, helping to achieve the desired thickness of a product. Its use in oral care products highlights its broad applicability across different cosmetic categories. Formulators may add GLYCERIN to improve the texture, stability, and moisturizing properties of their formulations.

Pentylene-Glycol

Skin Conditioner, Solvent · Shared

PENTYLENE GLYCOL is a cosmetic ingredient recognized for its functions as a skin-conditioning agent and solvent. As a skin-conditioning agent, it helps to improve the feel and appearance of the skin, making it smoother and more hydrated. This function is particularly valuable in cosmetic formulations aimed at enhancing skin texture and moisture retention. Additionally, as a solvent, PENTYLENE GLYCOL aids in dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their incorporation into formulations and ensuring a uniform distribution throughout the product. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance the overall efficacy and sensory experience of their products.

Laureth-23

Cleansing Agent, Cleansing Surfactant, Emulsifying Surfactant · Shared

LAURETH-23 is a synthetic compound commonly used in cosmetic formulations as a surfactant and emulsifier. Its primary functions include cleansing and helping to mix oil and water, which enhances the texture and stability of products. Formulators may add LAURETH-23 to improve the overall performance of a product, ensuring effective cleansing while providing a pleasant sensory experience. Additionally, it can help to create a stable emulsion, allowing for a uniform distribution of ingredients in the formulation.

Sodium-Hyaluronate

Humectant, Skin Conditioner · Shared

Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body known for its remarkable ability to retain moisture. As a humectant, it attracts and binds water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and improve the skin's overall texture and appearance. Formulators often include Sodium Hyaluronate in cosmetic products to enhance moisture levels, promote a plump and youthful look, and provide a smooth application experience. Its lightweight nature allows for easy absorption, making it a popular choice in various skincare formulations.

Tocopherol

Antioxidant, Fragrance, Other Skin Conditioner, Occlusive Skin Conditioner · Shared

Tocopherol, commonly known as Vitamin E or Alpha Tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting skin cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Its antioxidant properties help to stabilize and preserve the integrity of cosmetic formulations, thereby enhancing their shelf life and effectiveness. Formulators often include Tocopherol in products to provide additional skin benefits, such as moisturizing and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in skincare and cosmetic products.

Dipotassium-Glycyrrhizate

Humectant, Skin Conditioner · Shared

DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE is a salt derived from glycyrrhizin, which is extracted from licorice root. It serves as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin, and as a skin-conditioning agent, promoting a smoother and more hydrated appearance. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance the moisture content of formulations and improve the overall feel of the product on the skin, making it particularly beneficial in products aimed at soothing or hydrating the skin.