DHC • Vitamin C Essence • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* One1Cherry on 4/7/2013 1:34:00 AM more reviews by One1Cherry

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I got this because the reviews here are pretty good.

I'm surprised that this product is just like water. And later i found out this is a water soluble vitamin C, instead of oil soluble, which absorbs better into skin (oops i did not check before purchasing). I did not have a problem with it being a water consistency. I hate the way the product is being dispensed... it comes in a super tiny tip, i have to squeeze the tube for 10 seconds before one drop is dispensed. Omg... for 5 drops i have to wait so long. This is ridiculous!!! I got so annoyed i cut the tip until it easily dispenses with a light squeeze. The most ridiculous and annoying packaging.

Update: two months later, don't see any improvement on my freckles, even developed one for two new ones. Totally useless.

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prettyparul on 3/24/2013 10:43:00 PM more reviews by prettyparul

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I've only been using this for a week now, so not making any claims just yet. It's horribly expensive here in Singapore (S$70 at Watsons for a tiny 25ml). I'm very curious if this can also be applied on the scalp. Will it do any good or harm or will I be simply wasting a very expensive product? I'd really appreciate your input :)
Update 12/04/2013
My skin looks brighter! My sun spots are still there :( but there is a glow about my face. I so want to believe it's because of this one. The dispensing is excruciatingly testing, but hey, anything for great skin right? ;)

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linhgaga on 12/19/2012 8:37:00 AM more reviews by linhgaga

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I have only tested it out from the samples received from DHC. The first time using it I was truly in awe by how much brighter my face was! The second time the result was still the same! I have never seen anything work quite like that. My order is on its way and I'm very excited!

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sunnybj on 7/10/2010 4:25:00 AM more reviews by sunnybj

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was recommended by the DHC SA to brighten my skin tone and treat the dark spots around my eye area ( too much sun exposure without protection). I apply it only in the morning first before toning. It is quite mild. I only have occasional minor itchiness nothing else. The result is very gradual. After 6 weeks my sister commented the dark spots around my eyes got lighter. Still using it the tube can last 3 months. So far I am happy with this.

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eylemelif on 6/28/2010 10:50:00 AM more reviews by eylemelif

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using for only a week and I saw a difference. That's fast!

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katmu1 on 4/23/2009 6:22:00 PM more reviews by katmu1

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the 3rd Vitamin C product that I've tried. I've been using it for about 6 weeks now with no irritation to date. I previously tried both Skinmedica C and LRP Redermic but had to stop using both products due to irritation. The DHC comes in a tube with a pointed tip. The product is very watery but the package makes it easy to get the right amount. My skin tone is much clearer than it was before I started using this. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my skin continues to be ok with this one. I apply this first thing in the AM after cleansing my face. I will update if anything changes. For reference, dry, sensitive skin.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ca_sent_beau on 1/12/2009 5:27:00 PM more reviews by ca_sent_beau

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been using DHC's Vitamin C Essence for over 4 month now, and I am really impressed. I have picked up this product because it was the only reasonably priced vitamin C (Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) serum with no offensive ingredients. Most of the other vitamin C serums were either absurdly expensive (three digit prices for an ounce or less) or contained formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. I have paid $30 for 25 ml/0.84 fl. oz. of Vitamin C Essence when it was on sale. The regular price is $38 for the same amount. The 25 ml's have lasted me for over four months with twice daily use and I have never experienced a clogging problem with the tube.

The product itself is a very watery liquid with no discernible smell. I love the really fluid consistency since it feels featherlight on the skin. I rarely wore it on its own, usually layered with AHA/BHA products, moisturizer and/or sunscreen. As for its effects, it really did lighten the patch of freckles and couple of sunspots I have. They did not disappear completely, but they are much less noticeable after four months. I am very happy with the results, I have repurchased and I will repurchase again.

11 out of 11 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

barbiH on 1/9/2009 9:42:00 AM more reviews by barbiH

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Blue    

LAST UPDATE (12/10/11): Finally got that light bulb moment as to why this serum does NOT work for me. It's the potassium chloride which ranks as a 5 for comedogencity and 0-3 for irritancy. :( UPDATE (11/11/11): Been revisiting this product for the past two weeks since I've decided to go back and test drive previous products that I dismissed due to pentylene glycol. I'm no longer convinced that this glycol is an issue for me. My previous update was during a time when I was using Differin gel, which, in hind sight, really compromised my results from other products in my routine.

UPDATE (02/10/09). I actually quit using this about 10 days ago. It eventually began to annoy my sensitive face. My guess is that it's the glycol - pentylene glycol but it could also be the preservative phenoxyethanol. I'm leaving the rating relatively high since I still think it's a worthwhile serum.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Just started using this watery serum and it's LOVE so far. My SD-prone face seems to drink up this 8% MAP elixir. My two "freckles" on my right cheek already seem more faded after just two uses....how can that be when I've used SkinMedica or Skinceuticals for the past two years? I will update in a month or so.

INGREDIENTS: water, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, pentylene glycol, sodium citrate, citric acid, potassium chloride, saccharide isomerate, sodium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, magnesium sulfate

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* lchoe on 3/11/2008 4:36:00 PM more reviews by lchoe

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. My skin feels and looks luminous, and I feel it firms a bit as well. It has a very light texture w/ minimal fragrance. I can't tolerate products that feel heavy, sticky or clog my pores & past vit. C serums felt oily & smelled bad. The texture is great for layering other products on top. The DHC Advisor said to (after cleansing): 1) always use the C Essence first (including the eye area, firms nicely) 2) DHC Toner next 3) then layer other products on top. The price is very well priced for a good quality vitamin c serum (others are $99+). I have no problems with the dispenser. I just put 3 drops on the forehead, then 3 on each cheek, and smooth over the surface. I didn't take this with me on a 2 week trip to Europe and I actually looked forward to using this again after the trip. I would highly recommend this product to all, esp. at this price.


I am Korean, 42 yrs old but most think I'm 28-32. My skin products HAVE to be effective as all my life, I refuse to wear skin make-up (foundation). People tell me I have skin like porcelain but I have good/bad days like everyone else. I have combination skin but prone to plugged pores. I just started using DHC products since Feb. 2008 and before I only used top lines (Natura Bisse, Jurlique, MD Forte, Clarins).

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Jenblossom32 on 8/4/2007 8:45:00 PM more reviews by Jenblossom32

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

This makes my skin luminous. I love it and recommend it worn under your moisturizer day and night. Worth it, but I agree it is expensive.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* flairgirl8 on 7/28/2007 11:34:00 AM more reviews by flairgirl8

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

As I layer skin care products, I like that this has a light watery consistency to it. Contains 8% Vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) and is paraben free. Comes in a .84oz tube that dispenses the serum drop by drop to preserve the stability of the Vitamin C. 8-10 drops does my entire face and neck. This does not irritate or sting my skin. Definitely brightened up my skin within a week of daily use. I like this better than SK-II facial treatment repair C or Cellularskin rx C serum. Skinceuticals makes the best vitamin C serum for my skin though.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* princess_eab on 6/21/2007 12:18:00 PM more reviews by princess_eab

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

UPDATE: This really does make skin even and glowy with regular use. My regimen is Q10 during the day over the seaweed booster, and this after cleansing at night (I also use Retin-A). There is a major difference in my skin when I use this. END UPDATE I was so impressed with the sample I received of this-- and the immediate smoothing/ brightening results-- that I ordered it right away. It's very seldom that a C serum is packaged well, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and gives results so quickly. Generally I do as the below poster suggested and drop a bit directly on my face, not my fingers, so as not to waste the product. It sinks in immediately and makes my skin bright and smooth. I use this after the Acerola Lotion and let it sink in a bit before I moisturize with the excellent Acerola Gel. I am giving it a 4 now and will update after a month of daily use.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

chinkywinky on 5/30/2007 1:02:00 AM more reviews by chinkywinky

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This Vitamin C Essence is 8%, which is alright for the price. However, I do not like the water-like texture. It also does not provide any moisture (unlike the SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C) so a moisturizer should be used afterwards. The tube is hygienic but the small amount dispensed is frustrating and a pump would be much better. I will not purchase this one again and might even return it.

EDIT: I did not return it because the allowed time period passed. The watery texture is good for hot environments. I used this in China and Scottsdale, AZ (both during the summer). However, the dispensing still infuriates me! I need to squeeze really hard to just get a tiny amount out. Using this in the morning feels like it takes forever to get enough out of the tube! I do NOT recommend it and knocked it down to two lippies.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

tbarnes on 2/10/2007 6:38:00 PM more reviews by tbarnes

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I used this for several months, and it did seem to brighten my skin. When I ran out, I ended up switching to skinceuticals C&E because DHC will not reveal the strength of the vitamin C. Anyway, I did like this, and I had no problems with the packaging. It was easy to control how much serum came out without wasting. The bottle never clogged.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

weasermae on 1/24/2007 10:16:00 PM more reviews by weasermae

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I love this! I add a drop to my moisturizer in the a.m. My skin clarity has improved so much since using this. It is a tad pricey, but the benefits are well worth it. I do like the little dropper-type tube; however, when getting close to using the last of the product, it is difficult to get it out.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lisa_67 on 12/24/2006 11:25:00 AM more reviews by lisa_67

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I use Vitamin C Essence every morning after washing and before I moisturize. I have acne-prone skin that tends to get flaky and crepey on the surface. This product gradually smoothed out my complexion and got rid of my ruddiness and blotchiness, without producing the allergic reaction I've encountered with other Vitamin C products. It did take about 2 weeks to see really visible results, but now my skin really glows. I'm addicted to this product, along with several of the other DHC skincare products, which I use religiously. A few folks here have commented that it's hard to apply because it's so watery; I hold the tube directly over my cheekbones and place a drop or two right on my face, and then quickly smooth it in. And yes, it isn't cheap, but a little goes a long way, and my tubes tend to last 3-4 months with daily use.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Donostiarra on 12/2/2006 9:53:00 PM more reviews by Donostiarra

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is a watery serum that has been a standby in my skincare regimen. I apply a few drops of this serum after cleansing, wait a few minutes, then apply my spf. My skin is brighter, more even toned, and this seems to help fade hyperpigmentation scars. It also has a protective antioxidant quality that gives me reassurance even though I cannot see the immediate results. Although pricey, one tube lasts me one year. I have not had problems with this losing effectiveness with time. When I was running out of this, I stopped using it for a few weeks and my skin became dull looking. I used up the last few drops in my year-old bottle and my skin immediately looked better.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

blondefury on 9/3/2006 11:26:00 PM more reviews by blondefury

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This product works great for me. I use it every morning before the DHC "Olive Leaf Milk" moisturizer. I put it directly on my face.. spot treat. Around my eyes and my mouth. A few drops in my hand that I mix with the moisturizer.. then apply sunscreen. I'm very pleased with the results. I'm on my 3rd tube and will buy again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* greenreed on 7/15/2006 12:43:00 PM more reviews by greenreed

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I had a sample of this and I wonder how I can judge the effectiveness of such a product when I can only use it once or twice. I give it a 3 since it did not irritate my skin and the formula was waterlike and therefore non-pore clogging.

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*TOP REVIEWER* blondeambitioned on 4/9/2006 7:52:00 PM more reviews by blondeambitioned

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

What's sad about this product is that it really does work - but Vitamin C is notorious for oxidizing quickly and therefore losing it's effectiveness pretty quickly. I noticed a huge difference in the brightness and clarity of my skin after testing a sample out - but I know if I bought the full bottle, I know the shelf life will probably only be a week or two.

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