• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Product Reviews » As a fan of Vitamin C serums, it was natural that I try the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum

As a fan of Vitamin C serums, it was natural that I try the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum

August 7, 2020 Paris B 4 Comments

I once declared that I was done with Sunday Riley. Well, as they say, those were famous last words.

While I am usually quite firm on my principles when it comes to these things, I found my resolve wavering some time last year.

sunday riley ceo rapid flash brightening serum
  • Save

There was a deal for a set of Sunday Riley products in a trial size on Cult Beauty or SpaceNK, and I’d been wanting to try the CEO range for a while. So, after dithering for a while, wrestling with my conscience, I decided to spring for it 😛 Principles, what’s that? 😛

The first item I tested was the Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. The reason I was keen on this one is because despite the name, it’s a Vitamin C serum! And you know how I feel about Vitamin C serums – I love them 😛

Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum or now known as CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Mine is a 15ml deluxe trial size, which lasted me for almost 3 weeks with daily use in the morning and the occasional use in the evening. It also seems to be an old name, for I noticed that it’s now called the CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum. That’s more descriptive.

What it is, is a creamy serum that contains 15% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C). Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate or THD Ascorbate is said to be a more stable, oil soluble form of Vitamin C. 15% is a fairly high percentage, and I’m always happy to see high percentages of Vitamin C.

I am a huge fan of Vitamin C serums, so this one slotted nicely into my routine, when I’d finished my last one. I run through Vitamin C serums quite quickly, as I am quite generous with use, and because I don’t want them to oxidize and go to waste.

The good thing about a stable form of Vitamin C that is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, is that it won’t oxidize as quickly, and will remain fresh and active for longer.

Vitamin C applied to skin, as we already know by now, helps make it look brighter, clearer, reduces sun damage, and makes skin stronger and healthier. It’s a good ingredient to have!

sunday riley ceo 15% vitamin c serum
  • Save

Lightweight texture feels comfortable on skin

I liked the creamy white texture, which sank right into my skin quickly and easily. There was no residue and it almost seemed like my skin was gulping it all up!

The texture will suit most people, I’m sure. It is just so comfortable.

No noticeable brightening but skin clarity was maintained

The reason I struggle to notice any skin brightening is due to the fact that Vitamin C serums form a staple of my skincare routine. I use one form or another of it every single day!

It would be ridiculous for me to notice any results from one product to another, and to tell you that each of them is amazing. It is, but not the way you think it is.

The Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C serum for me, acted as a maintenance product. It might be even more effective at brightening, had I stayed out of the sun more. However, I am now in the morning sun quite a bit, or running errands in the middle of the afternoon, while the sun beats down mercilessly on me, so my skin has suffered for this, unfortunately.

What this serum has done for me in the interim is to preserve my skin clarity. I don’t get any darker and I don’t develop as many dark spots (naturally, I also use a strong sunscreen daily!). But whatever I do have, isn’t going anywhere.

In terms of skin clarity, I find it to be clear and my colouring is still fairly even-toned. My skin feels strong and healthy, and isn’t breaking out or feeling sensitive, which is far more important!

I use a full pump in the morning, and sometimes at night. I don’t skimp on product. I can imagine that if you have not used a Vitamin C serum before this, or have been using one with a lower percentage, you may notice a more significant result. For me, the maintenance was sufficient to meet my expectations.

Will I repurchase?

Actually, yes I would like to purchase the full sized bottle one day. It is very pricey, but the formula is elegant, the product effective, and it is comfortable to use. I definitely have this one in my list of things to keep an eye out for 🙂

sunday riley CEO vitamin c serum
  • Save

IN A NUTSHELL

The Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum (not known as the 15% Vitamin C serum) is a lightweight creamy serum that contains 15% Vitamin C. The Vitamin C used is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. The formula is elegant, and the creamy texture absorbs into the skin quickly and comfortably. I find that with regular use, if you’ve never used a Vitamin C serum before, or want to fade new marks on your skin, this will deliver noticeable results. But if you’re like me, and use a form of it every single day, you will likely not notice anything too marked. But it will serve to maintain your skin tone and continue making it strong and healthy and help retain its clarity. Maintenance is just as important!

PROS:
Lightweight, creamy texture
Absorbs quickly into the skin
Stable form of Vitamin C so will not oxidize too quickly
Works to deliver skin clarity and to brighten dull skin

CONS:
Pricey

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a stable form of Vitamin C in a high percentage

PRICE: RM370 | £70| US$85 for 30ml

WHERE TO BUY: Sephora, Cult Beauty, SpaceNK

For those interested, this is the ingredients list for the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C serum.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Squalane, Peg-8 Beeswax, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Ppg-12/Smdi Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Acetamidoethoxyethanol, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycine Soja Sterols, Tocopherol, Glycolic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Oil, Chlorphenesin, Cera Alba, Glycerin, Isosqualane, C30 Hydrocarbons, Saccharide Isomerate

Have you tried the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Serum?

To those wondering, I prefer this one to Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma serum, simply for the more elegant formula. Let me know if you’ve tried this one and what you think! 😀

Paris B

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

2 Shares
  • Facebook 2
  • Twitter
4 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: 5 Things I Love Vol. 11 : The whirlwind that was July
NEXT POST: The lightweight Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Gel is very affordable and comfortable on skin

4 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. Kelly says

    August 11, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    I’ve tried this before, first falling in love with the deluxe sample before buying the full-size version. That’s where the relationship failed, because my skin started to feel generally worse–duller and not quite as soft. Eventually I stopped using it and my skin didn’t get appreciably better…well, I’m on the other side of all that now. I really don’t know how to explain why I loved the sample so much while the full-size did a number on me, but it’s not the only sample to full-size product I’ve had that problem (Herbivore’s Phoenix oil).

    This is off-topic, but I also wanted to thank you. A few weeks ago I was very tempted in going for Leahlani’s Mermaid Mask and went around reading ecstatic reviews about it. And then I found that you’d reviewed it and liked it, but then you suggested Antipodes’ Aura Manuka Honey Mask–so I bought that instead! It just arrived today and I already love the tube. I may eventually try Leahlani’s Meli Glow Mask, but for now I’m satisfied. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Debbie says

    May 10, 2021 at 7:22 pm

    I purchased the Vitamin C Brightening Serum just yesterday and used it last night and then this morning. I don’t know if I’ll keep it. The problem for me, is that it leaves a very tacky residue on my skin. Not sure what’s happening but I’ll probably wind up returning it. I don’t know if anyone else has had this problem or of its just my skin.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Canestrini says

      February 2, 2023 at 12:42 am

      I purchased Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum. I used it twice. Once each on consecutive days. On Day 4, my face was on fire & incredibly red. Day 5 m, I developed blistering around my mouth & on the rim of my lips. Blistering on my neck & chest area. I experienced swelling. And, I had multiple highly red bumps on my face in multiple places. It has now been 10 days since I used the product. I still have an awful lot of redness on any area I put the serum & swelling underneath my eyes. Blisters are still oozing. It has been a painful experience. I definitely would do an inner arm test area b4 using this product. And, although it says it’s safe to use every day, I would not do that. Maybe 2-3 times/week, max! I’ve never had a reaction to any skincare products. This was a chemical reaction. Not an allergic reaction. My face is chemically burnt. Use with CAUTION!

      Reply
  3. THB says

    June 10, 2021 at 5:51 pm

    I am on week 3 of the CEO and my skin is looking nice and clear even with the occasional pimple that pops up. I get a double dose of the THD because I use Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Dream Mask w/Vit C at night. The texture of CEO is really nice. One pump is all that’s needed. This stuff is EXPENSIVE ( geez) but I had so many points from Ulta, I got it for “free”. The investment is worth it and would repurchase CEO even outside of a sale. I justify purchasing because I notice my skincare routine has me using (and buying) less makeup. I LOVE THAT! ?

    I tried the Drunk Elephant C-firma. It was my first Vit C serum purchase. I liked it and I saw quick results. I didn’t do enough homework to know that if the serum was an golden orange oxidation occurred and it is no longer effective. I didn’t remember it being that color when I first got it. I YouTube-d other reviews on C firma and saw samples of oxidized serums. I called Sephora and talked to them about it. They gave me a full refund. I felt bad at first because I had it for about 45 days but then I thought about how much product was left and how much that was worth once thrown in the trash.

    It seems like CEO is taking a slower and steady pace which I love. This means that the THD is being gentle on my skin. This will remain in my skin routine.

    Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

RECENT REVIEWS

biologique recherche lotion p50 review

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 revisited : Is it a facial in a bottle?

mad hippie cream cleanser

This Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser is one of the better cream cleansers I’ve ever used

skin rocks retinoid 2 serum

Might this Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 Serum by Caroline Hirons be the best Vitamin A serum I’ve ever used?

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 m I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 months ago. It’s one of my best purchases under RM30 so far! Read it on the blog www.mywomenstuff.com

It’s not too late to buy one 😆

#kinbor #kinborplannerweekly #kinborplanner #parisbmws #verticalplanner #weeklyplanner
This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar for the longest time! On the blog mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #elemismy #elemismalaysia #elemissuperfood #cleansingbutter
Let’s talk about makeup and whether your prefere Let’s talk about makeup and whether your preferences/style has changed post pandemic? One of my signature makeup items is now optional! 😱 

On the blog: mywomenstuff.com
Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur kids, one of whom is uncooperative and the other has no choice 😆
Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blu Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blue balm had me wondering if it was any similar to Blue Cocoon 😆 Review on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#skincreamery #skincreamerybalm #naturalskincare #savannagoodness #skincarebalm #skincarecommunity #skincarejunkie #skincarelover #skincareblogger #parisbmws #over40blogger #over40skincare #dryskincareroutine
Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff. Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

This furry fella is so much a part of my life, but yet I have so few photos with him 😅 I shall remedy that this year! And I also hope to post a little more this year. Maybe quick shots that may not be so ✨aesthetic✨
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved