When I decided to delve into the world of Hylamide, it was because of the SubQ Anti-Age serum that was so highly raved. Personally though, I didn’t notice significant enough results to join in the raves, even though I do think that it’s a decent product.
When I made my order though, I wanted to get something else – since I was shipping the serum all the way from Canada, I might as well ship something else along with it! And that something was the Hylamide C25 Booster Stabilized Vitamin C Booster serum.
I didn’t come across many reviews for it at the time. Perhaps it was new (about 6 months back or so) but I was curious, as I’d just been told by a friend about how effective using vitamin c had been for brightening and clarifying her complexion. The thing about Vitamin C though, is that it is quite unstable, so oxidises quite quickly, nullifying it’s antioxidant properties.
This Hylamide C25 Booster however, claimed to be a stabilized version of a vitamin C, which allows them to package it into a clear bottle (most products that contain vitamin c come in brown/dark bottles), and to not oxidise, therefore keeping it effective. The key ingredient here is 25% Etyhyl Ascorbic Acid that’s stabilized, and the ingredient list that you’ll see below is impressively short!
Above all, I think this an excellent product, and in the big scheme of serums, it’s not wallet-bustingly expensive! :)
Why would you want to use a Vitamin C serum?
Well, aside from its antioxidant properties, it also protects skin from free radicals that causes skin aging – dull skin, sagging, uneven skin tone, fine lines. It helps boost collagen production and it protects the skin. It’s very good – except that it’s hard to keep stable, so it’s not easy to find a good serum that actually works. Well, this one does!
The product comes in a little glass bottle with a dropper. It is surprising to see a Vitamin C serum housed in a clear glass bottle, but it’s interesting to see also that it doesn’t yellow (a sure sign of product oxidization). If it wasn’t a stable product, you would also see oxidization and crusts forming around the opening of the bottle, where you unscrew daily. I’ve been using this for a few months, and I’ve not seen this happening. There is a bit of a chemical-type scent, but thankfully, no citrus scents that are usually found in products touting vitamin C. I know oranges have loads of Vitamin C – I don’t need to actually SMELL it to know it’s there :P
Texture-wise, it is very liquid, with a slight oily feel. I use about 3 drops each time, after a bit of trial and error. There are no directions on how much to use, you see. So, I started out ambitiously with 1 pump, before realising it was just far far too much product. 3-4 drops is about right, and it would have been nice for them to mention it on the box.
Although I mention a slight oily feel, it’s not oily in a true sense. It absorbs quickly into the skin, so I usually drop 3 drops in my palm, quickly rub my palms together and apply/press to my skin.
Ah, but the effects!
I wasn’t expecting anything, if I’m to be honest. I was just hoping I wouldn’t break out, as SubQ Anti-Age sometimes made me break out if I used too much of it. I started out using it day and night for about 1.5 months, and then dialed back to just in the day.
What I noticed after almost 3 months, was that my skin was looking noticeably clearer and brighter. I mean this texturally and skintone-wise. Here’s where wearing makeup is actually a GOOD thing, because you pay attention to your skin. What I was noticing was that I was using lighter and sheerer base (foundation) makeup, because I did not feel much of a need to correct my skin tone. I wanted to show you a before-after, but I couldn’t take one that would actually show a difference – but there was a big difference in person, and that was more important.
I am terrified of whitening skincare products, because they dry me out to a husk, so I stay away from them except for rare exceptions, so I knew it wasn’t another product doing this. It was purely the job of Hylamide C25 Booster, and I loved it! My pigmentation is still there though. I may have noticed SOME lightening, but nothing too significant. Over time, maybe they’ll fade but I’m not holding out that much hope. They’re too stubborn! But the other parts of my skin had definitely brightened, with the edge of dullness taken away, and it does not dry out my skin. That’s so important when you are already battling drier skin to start!
The effects are more significant if you use it twice a day, of course. But I sometimes use other types of serums in the evening so I didn’t want to mix them around too much. Besides, I’d also read that Vitamin C can actually boost your skin’s protection against the sun, so it works WITH sunscreen to make it more effective and protect your skin better. Another feather in its cap!
All in all, I’d say that I’m well and truly impressed by this Vitamin C serum and if you’re in the market for one, or for something to brighten your skin and improve its texture, take a look at this one. It’s good stuff! :D
IN A NUTSHELL
The Hylamide C25 Booster Stablized Vitamin C serum contains 25% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid which is stabilized Vitamin C. This means that it is stable and will not oxidise, so it remains effective for longer. It has a light, liquid texture with a slight oily feel that absorbs quickly into the skin. Only 3-4 drops are needed, and you can use this day and night for best results. I found that it noticeably brightened my skin tone and refined my skin texture over time, and fades marks more quickly. My pigmentation hasn’t lightened much, but it’s stubborn. I’m still using it but in the day. It’s good stuff and I won’t be without it!
PROS: Lightweight texture, Absorbs quickly into the skin, Effective at brightening and clarifying skin tone and lightening marks on skin, Protects skin against free radicals, Antioxidant properties, A little goes a long way
CONS: No clear directions on how much to use
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants brighter, clearer skintone, Anyone who wants a good, stable Vitamin C serum which can help refine skin texture and lighten marks on skin or light pigmentation/freckles
PRICE: US$49 | AU$49.99 | £30 for 30ml
AVAILABILITY: Hylamide website (ships worldwide for free), Boots in the UK, Priceline in Australia
I promised you a short ingredient list, and here it is! Just 4 ingredients!
The great thing is that the Deciem website has voucher codes every now and then, so I picked mine up at 20% off! There’s an offer going on till 31 May 2016 if you’re keen. Use the code: LOVEYOU2016 for 20% off everything under the Deciem umbrella (I’m unaffiliated). I picked up a couple of items – Of course I had to! 20% off, who wouldn’t?! LOL! :D I was going to repurchase this serum, but there’s a lot more to go so I’ll wait till the next high discount code comes along.
For those of us in Malaysia, from my past experience with packages from Deciem, it comes by normal Pos Malaysia and takes 2 weeks or so. I haven’t had any hassles, but caveat emptor! ;)
Have you tried this serum? Are you using any skincare products with Vitamin C?
I know of people who DIY their Vitamin C serums, but I’d rather not because there is every risk of getting it wrong and hurting your skin. It’s a chemical after all, and I’d much rather just leave it to the experts. After all, this one isn’t terribly expensive, and it lasts a while, so why go through all that hassle?! :D
Paris B
YAY FOR VITAMIN C!!!!!!! I use a 20% strength from Cosmetic Skin Solutions. Yay for Vitamin C. We should start a Vitamin C fangroup. THis is what I love about these serums. No fuss, no muss, nothing fancy. THEY JUST WORK. That’s what I want.
YAY indeed! :D I was thinking to try the CSS one but then I saw this, so decided to try this since I was ordering anyway. I love how bloody effective it is. Beats all those moisture-vampire sucking whitening crap any day!
Sounds like a great one to have because of its effectiveness AND not quite costly as expected from a serum :D I do wonder for products that fight against aging signs, is it to be used at the first wrinkle we see or when we hit a certain age group?
I’ve never used a Vitamin C serum so can’t compare with my own experience. But I do hope there’s some lingering citrus smell as I love that smell but I guess if th chemical smell is like crisp, sterillize,pharmacy-ish, I’m ok with thay, too lol
I wonder, if you purchase this from the international website, did you get extra tax or something extra you need to pay before you can get the product?
Well, opinions differ, but some people say to prevent, some people say deal with it when you start seeing problems. But I feel the whole prevention thing has been taken too far when you tell 20 year olds to use an anti aging product. I shared some of my thoughts here before. My view remains. Don’t start too young, but when you start noticing some signs of aging, that’s the best time to start. But if you keep up the hydration and use mild things like hyaluronic acid, it will delay the process.
As for the scent, it’s mostly clinical. No oranges whatsoever LOL! And no, I did not experience any additional taxes nor costs. It just arrived at my doorstep one day, 2 weeks or so after I placed my order. But then, I do tend to be a little luckier than most :)
Hi Paris
Where does thus fit in you morning routine? Do you apply it directly onto skin or after another serum?
Hi Jay, in the morning, I apply this Vitamin C serum after cleansing -> toner/mist -> hydrating serum -> Vitamin C serum. I then follow up with a moisturiser and sunscreen :) At night, it’ll be the same.
I LOVE THIS STUFF TOO. It’s a great Vitamin C serum and so affordable. It made my Skincare Faves of 2015. It’s probably the first Vitamin C serum that I really noticed a difference.
Hurrah! I’m so happy this worked for me, you know. I was always so wary about using Vitamin C serums before, because of the oxidising thing, and because you are just never quite sure if it’ll work.
I use it in the morning (5 drops) and use the NIOD 30% one at night. Great for getting the glow and fading PIH, especially when I paired it with Orbis’ Powder Wash+ (protease + lipase enzyme cleanser) in the evening.
I ordered the CAIS serum out of curiousity. I figured that with a 20% discount, it was the best time to try it! :D Didn’t realise that Niod did a 30% Vit C too! I might try that next time :D
CAIS has very subtle effects. I started with 1% (good for soothing skin and I noticed very very slight tightening of pores) and I got 5% to help me get over a round of bad hormonal cystic breakouts. I can say that I’m getting addicted to 5%! Dangerous for my wallet.
I also really adore the cleaner (LVCE) because it has really helped with my skin’s moisture barrier so I don’t get random urticaria flareups any more, and if they do happen, they are much less severe and do not itch so they clear up faster. You can use it with your regular face wash for a double cleanse but I use it in the morning on its own because I skip moisturiser for daytime and I want the sebum balancing effects of the avocado ester in it.
I need to get my DECIEM shopping on stat!
Thanks for the warning about CAIS. I keep seeing it on Instagram, so I had to jump in to see what the fuss is about! :D Thanks for the other suggestions too! I’ll KIV them for a future order ;)
I would consider to try this with the coupon code haha
Best time to!
Oh I’ve been wanting to get this! Thanks for the discount code Paris. Glad to know it works well for you too.
Oh it works a treat! The discount code was a general one I found in my mailbox :D So shop away! I already did LOL!
Oooh..thanks for this. I must try this soon. So just used this in the mornings after toning and then followed by moisturiser and sunscreen?
Yup! That’s how I use it. In the evenings it’s the same as well! :)
Thanks for the discount code. I have just placed my order :-)
Haha my pleasure! Good things must be shared! Did you just get the Vit C serum or did you add anything else to your cart? :D
I only bought the Vitamin C as I did not know what else to get. LOL. I know you mentioned that they have a good eye cream as well but since I just replenished my eye cream from Antipodes, I decided not to get anything else. Like you said, there will always be a discount for the next purchase if any in future :-)
May I ask how would you compare this to Paula’s choice Vitamin C booster?
Hi, I’m afraid I’ve never used the Paula’s Choice Vitamin C Booster so I can’t compare, sorry.
I ordered on Thursday on a whim after reading your post and it arrived on Monday (today) – it’s really quick! I’m keen to try this cos I tried Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid before and they oxidised rather quickly (plus it’s really expensive). Can’t wait to try this!
I always thought vitamin C should be applied on bare skin before sunscreen to get the best results. What do you think? (And yet I can’t imagine skipping moisturiser. It’s really a dilemna!)
Hi Mel, You’re right about how quick the shipping was. I was so surprised to receive my package too! I’d heard so much about Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid but never bit the bullet. Oh the price! There’s a “dupe” in this brand called Cosmetics Skin Solutions, if you’re looking for something similar but more affordable. As for this Vitamin C serum, the directions say that it can be used under moisturiser and inconjunction with other skincare so I’m guessing that it’s ok? I couldn’t survive without a layer of moisturiser either. I’d shrivel up into a dry husk!
I ordered this with the coupon code and have been using it for 3 weeks or so now. It’s the first time I’m using a Vit C serum and I love it! I saw results almost immediately. Less breakout during my period and brighter, firmer skin. I just had a facial session and was asked if I’d changed any of the products I used cos she noticed I had less blackheads/whiteheads and they were much easier to extract. Yay to that! I’m a huge fan now and will definitely repurchase later.
So happy to know you like it and that it works for you! If you’ve never used a vitamin C serum before, you can almost certainly notice the difference. Yay! :D
Have you tried any of the vitamin c products at the body shop? They have this selection of light creams and serums that im curious to know how effective they are
Hi Andre, I tried the Vitamin C range from The Body Shop many many years ago! But not in recent times I’m afraid so I’m sorry I can’t help you there!