I am quite a big fan of using Vitamin C serums, so when I was told by a few readers about the (then) new Sephora Luminizing Booster with Vitamin C, I was intrigued. It isn’t very expensive (relatively) and most people who have used it reported positive results with it.
Naturally, I was intrigued!
Incidentally, this is part of 3 different booster serums in the Sephora brand, and as you can expect, is only sold at Sephora stores or online. I have never used anything from the Sephora collection, so this is really the first time for me. I picked this up during one of the 20% sales – I’ve lost that privilege now I’m no longer a Black Card member! LOL Didn’t donate enough money to the Temple of Sephora 😛
The Sephora Luminizing Booster comes in a small bottle of just 20ml, and with slightly confusing directions of use. It claims to help improve dull skin, which is where the Vitamin C really comes it. It also claims to contain a high percentage of Vitamin C although it doesn’t quite say how much is “high”. But how did it fare for me, and is it something I’d use for the long term?
The answer isn’t as straight-forward as you might expect 😛
I actually picked this up and tried it without too much expectations. I had been using the Zelens Power C Treatment Drops for months before this (review to come) and that one had impressed me greatly. The price however, will have most of you giving me the side-eye 😛 So, it is to be borne in mind, that my skin was already well treated before I started using this serum.
And despite the rather confusing name and directions of use, this is a serum. Use it after toner and before your moisturiser, and the lightweight texture is very comfortable.
It comes in a very slim dropper-style bottle, and the serum is clear. I have had it a while, and do not notice any oxidization despite regular use. Oxidization is common in serums containing Vitamin C as it is inherently unstable unless stablized in the formula.
The directions say that you are to use it in 14 day cycles, to brighten the skin. Does it mean that this will only last 14 days, or that you should only use it for 14 days? It is hard to say. It does however last longer than 14 days. Even with twice a day use, it’s lasted me comfortably over a month, but I am almost finished with this bottle. 20ml doesn’t really go that far.
What results can you expect from the Sephora Luminizing Booster?
For me, bearing in mind that I was already using an effective Vitamin C serum prior to switching to this, I noticed a slight diminishing of results. My skin did not look as clear nor as radiant as it did before. However, if you have never used a Vitamin C serum, then I am quite confident that you will notice results after about 14 days or more.
I did notice that it is taking a very long time to fade my pimple marks, while I achieve a quicker result from the Zelens Power C or Dr Brandt Power Dose. It is however to be borne in mine that both those serums cost significantly more. They also boast a 20% Vitamin C concentration, while I cannot tell the percentage of Vitamin C in this Sephora Luminizing Booster.
The texture is lightweight, with a slight oily feel. It does however absorb very easily and quickly without any oily nor sticky residue on the skin. It isn’t drying, and layers well under moisturisers. I do prefer applying it to damp skin so it absorbs more quickly.
I will note that there is a scent and fragrance is included in the list of ingredients. It has that awful citrus scent that brands somehow feel should be put in anything that says Vitamin C on the bottle. I hate it. It is light, but it is there, and I dislike it. However, most people will like it, so mileage varies.
I can’t really complain much about this, because it is decent, insofar as I can tell. It keeps my skin even toned, although it isn’t doing much at fading pigmentation. So I think you get what you pay for. A decent serum that contains Vitamin C, that is easy to get hold of, fairly affordable, and has a measure of efficacy. I will finish this, and I think it is a decent size and price to try, but this is not something I’d use for the long term. I’d go for something better and more effective. I do find it odd that I cannot find any information about its availability in the USA, but it seems to be available anywhere else that has a Sephora.
In this regard, if Zelens and Dr. Brandt makes you blanch, I’d recommend the Hylamide C25 Booster. It is harder to get hold of but it is more effective and a better product overall. I don’t recommend The Ordinary, but that is because I had a poor experience with the product. They have since expanded their range of Vitamin C serums, so maybe one day I’ll have another go, but not in the short term 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
The Sephora Luminizing Booster contains Vitamin C and from my experience, is a decent Vitamin C serum for someone new to the ingredient, and who may want to try something that is reasonably affordable and easier to get hold of. It is a lightweight texture, use about 3 drops each time, and absorbs easily and quickly. I dislike the inclusion of a citrus scent as fragrance, and citrus oils which can lead to skin sensitivity in the long term (make sure you use a good sunscreen everyday!). It is decent, but not something I’d repurchase nor use for the long term as there are better products out there.
PROS: Reasonably affordable, Slim portable packaging, Lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin, Helps even out and brighten dull skin tone but takes a longer time to fade marks on skin
CONS: Added fragrance and citrus oils, Only sold in Sephora
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants to try a fairly affordable, fairly mild Vitamin C serum
PRICE: RM68 | AU$22 for 20ml
WHERE TO BUY: Sephora stores or online (Not USA)
For those interested, here is the ingredient list for the Sephora Luminizing Booster serum.
One note here. If your skin is sensitive to Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid, which is commonly found in Vitamin C serums, you could consider trying this one. The Vitamin C derivative used appears to be Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Have you tried this Sephora Luminzing Booster? Has it crossed your mind to?
I must confess that while I will eat store-brand foods, I am less likely to use a store-brand skincare product. Just me, coz I’m a snob 😛 But this one was quite decent, all things considered! 🙂
Paris B
I’m glad you reviewed this! Saw this on your ig feed the other day and have been curious ever since. However, as I glance at the ingredients list for this product (thanks for providing this! You are one of the few that do :P), I am surprised and dumbfounded that Phenoxyethanol and Parfum rank among the top 6 of their ingredients! I mean Phenoxyethanol, as I know, is allowed as a preservative at a maximum 1% concentration. And since it is so high up on the ingredients list, then every ingredient that comes after it accounts for equal or less than that amount, which would make it kind of ridiculous since the vit c derrivative (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) only comes in at no. 18 out of 30 ingredients. I thought surely this was a mistake. But the serum is made in Europe (Switzerland) which would mean that it adheres to strict EEC guidelines in terms of order on the inci list. Hmmm, I think I’m going to give this a pass and stick to Hylamide 😛
Aye, Lezel. The active ingredient is after preservatives and fragrance. Can you imagine how little is it? The minute amount of propylene glycol and glycerine after fragrance is the carrier solvent for black tea ferment extract etc. This is paying for perfumed water.
I may not be ace at reading ingredients, but I know people are, and for some things I like knowing what’s in there. So I provide it. Sometimes, it’s hard to get hold of it though, which bugs me to no end! What’s so secret about your ingredient lists?! 😛 But you are right, I was a little flummoxed by the ingredients, because the Vitamin C element isn’t high on the list. That said, to be fair to them, they do not sell it as a Vitamin C serum, but as a “luminizing booster”, so they get away with it somewhat. I do think it is very mild, and maybe ok for someone who wants something more affordable, but is not a substitute for a proper Vitamin C serum IMO.
I love the Hylamide C25 booster. I checked their official website again, and they now charge a hefty shipping fee compared to when it was free when they just started. Since this brand is available at Sephora in the US, I’m hoping they’ll be made available here too. I’m not holding my breath though, since I won’t be surprised it’ll be overpriced as usual.
When mine runs out, maybe I’ll get my friend to buy it for me in Perth (where I got mine last) and send to me 🙂
Lily, I got my Hylamide on ASOS for rm168. Paris B had recommended that site to me. Got my product after 1 mth. Maybe you can try there. I no longer buy it from their website as they charge USD30 I think for shipping only which I thought was ridiculous.
Hi Victoria, I just checked the ASOS website and they don’t have the C25. Maybe it’s sold out. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks!!
I’ve stopped buying from the Deciem official site, as they seem to now discriminate (in a manner of speaking) against the rest of the world that isn’t US/Canada/Australia. Asos offers free shipping, and some of the products are available on Cult Beauty and Victoria Health. I haven’t bought from the latter though I know of many who have and have good things to say.
I used this, finished the whole bottle and used it as instructed (twice a day) and did not really see visible results. I guess at my age, this is not potent enough. Then again, for this price, (and brand – I am a snob too lol) I was not expecting much. I will stick to Dr Brandt for now till I can find a better (and cheaper) substitute.
Glad to know Dr Brandt works for you at least! 🙂 You can try Hylamide C25 Booster. I found it quite effective (albeit not as dramatic as Dr Brandt) and it’s a lot cheaper! 🙂
I just got it last Saturday at Sephora KL store. Not too oily for me and I kinda like the smell ?
Glad you find the texture comfortable 🙂 It’s decent that way and I hope it’ll work for you! 🙂
The Zelens Power C Treatment Drops are wonderful. I am among the minority who loves the controversial The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% serum – applied on damp skin, it is hardly gritty and highly effective. But nothing beats the horribly expensive CE Ferulic by Skinceutical.
Zelens is indeed a gold star Vitamin C product! 🙂 The Ordinary one works on my damp skin in terms of texture but wasn’t terribly effective. I’ve heard so much about the Skinceuticals one, but even I balk at the price! LOL!
Thanks for the review. I will stick with Hylamide for now 🙂
Absolutely stick with it! It’s good 😀 I do wish I could find something else as effective and affordable though. I mean, I have serums I like but hey, doesn’t hurt to salve the ol’ wallet now and again!