Skinceuticals • C+AHA serum • Treatments

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fazli on 5/5/2013 10:41:00 PM more reviews by fazli

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Creates lots of pimples. So gave to my mother but made her face red, so seems it will go to garbage.

Packaging is also rather bad as it is very difficult to control the amount that gets out. It leeks out very quickly, much more than needed.

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ktellsch on 1/10/2011 9:38:00 PM more reviews by ktellsch

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

First of all, I purchased this product in the sample packs off Amazon. Each vial lasted almost 2 weeks. Now from the time I opened the vial to when I used up the last drop the color drastically darkened. Not sure what that says about the potency but I thought it was worth mentioning. I have been using this for a few months and I like it but have not noticed any drastic changes to my complexion other than it isn't as dry. I wish the packaging kept the product 'fresher' because the first time I crack open the vial I feel it actually sting (making me feel like it is doing something) I would probably purchase again but it is too expensive. Next I am trying Pevonia VitaminiC Concentrate.

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rachaelp on 5/15/2010 9:01:00 PM more reviews by rachaelp

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

I don't get the lack of love for this product! I used the AOX 20% before this, and I like this much better. It leaves my skin looking hydrated, healthy, and fresh. It has helped reduce some lingering hyperpigmentation, and the overall quality of my skin has definitely improved. I like dewy, not oily, and my pores are super clear. The price is freakin' ridiculous, but I don't mind paying for something that actually works...better than paying it for 10 products that didn't do anything. I'm very pleased with this and will continue to buy it as long as my skin looks this good!

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lnneddo on 3/14/2010 12:36:00 PM more reviews by lnneddo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I.. don't.. understand.. I have been using this every morning for the last 6 weeks. What exactly is this supposed to do again? My blackheads are still black, along my chin, nose and forehead, my skin is still is oily and I am still getting breakouts. If anything I thought it would help with the clogged pores. Luckily I got mine on sale on ebay. I would die if I paid full price for this stuff. Don't see the purpose of this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ekym on 12/7/2008 4:19:00 PM more reviews by ekym

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

After a lot of research and reading reviews (and finding a wrinkle between my eyebrows only three weeks after my twenty-fifth birthday) I decided to buy this antioxidant serum. It has proven Ascorbic Acid, the most stable form of Vitamin C, along with Glycolic and Lactic Acids which are good chemical exfoliants and staples in anti-aging products. The price is hefty, and I was concerned about it going bad before I could use it all (Vitamin C serums are stable six months max), but I decided to take the plunge.

I made sure to read the instructions carefully as it had important tips, such as to put contact lenses in before applying the serum, so watering eyes wouldn’t smear it and cause it to run into the eyes. The serum is to be applied to clean, dry skin, then wait 4-5 minutes before applying anything else. As other reviewers had stated, this serum has an off smell. I was worried about it, especially after one review likened it to “hot dogs” (which, in my opinion, stink). To me, this didn’t smell that bad. It reminds me of old, stale coffee. Certainly not what I want to smell like, but it doesn’t gag me. Thankfully, the scent dissipates after five minutes. There may be a tingling sensation. I did have some tingling (I’ll admit that some days the tingling is more intense than others), but it does not bother or irritate me. I was surprised by the thin consistency of the serum (which I expected to be similar to Murad Exfoliating Acne Gel – that I still use at night). C+AHA is extremely light, having a texture similar to water. It absorbs very quickly and leaves no residue at all, something I really like (when I apply too much it is a little tacky, but that absorbs in after 4-5 minutes). I wait 3-4 minutes for it to completely dry, then I apply my daytime moisturizer (Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer with SPF25 for oily skin). The Clinique moisturizer calms any tingling that I may still have from the serum.

After one week, I noticed that my skin was considerably smoother, the color/tone of my skin was even, my breakouts were healing and no new breakouts had begun. The wrinkle between my eyebrows was almost gone (although I did start using this at the same time I began using Frownies patches at night). At ten days, I noticed some dryness and flakiness on my nose and chin. To combat the dryness and flaking, I started using my winter/cold-weather nighttime moisturizer (Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream) instead of my summer/warm-weather nighttime moisturizer (Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel). Using the richer moisturizer at night for a few days got rid of the excess dryness. I also think my skin was finishing acclimating to the serum’s potency.

At two weeks, I saw that the dark circles under my eyes were slightly lighter (due to the Vitamin C in the serum). Although I am supposed to avoid the eye area with the serum, I did slightly dab the remnants on my hands from applying it to my face underneath my eyes. I also feel that the skin under my eyes is thick and stronger – which is why I can see the visible results of lighter circles. I don’t have a regular eye cream, although I should for preventative measures. And trust me when I say that I have not been getting more sleep!

At three months, the overall texture of my skin is smooth and I have no signs of aging. The serum no longer makes my skin tingle or itch (though this is not moisturizing so I still do use a moisturizer over this). Using 3-5 drops each day, I will use it up before the six months, probably right around the five-month mark. I wish it was not in glass, because I cannot travel with it, but I know that glass keeps it stable longer. I love the effects and will continue to use this and will definitely repurchase.

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Jeda21 on 6/13/2008 2:56:00 PM more reviews by Jeda21

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I was sort of pushed into adopting this product into my skin care regimen by a recent visit to an esthetician in a popular local-branded chain of spas.

They say that it helps with skin cell turnover and that it can tingle... so far so good, because it's helping dry out a rash of annoying hormonal breakouts on my cheeks and under my chin/by my neck.

We'll see how well it keeps working. Doesn't seem to have sensitized my skin at all, so I'm still willing to give it a chance.

Smells like cod liver oil...

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*TOP REVIEWER* skincareman on 1/28/2008 8:33:00 AM more reviews by skincareman

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other, Tan   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using the C+AHA for about a month now and on the whole like the product.


It definitely brightens my skin and I can certainly tell that the AHAs are working.


That said, it is expensive, I'm not overly thrilled with the packaging which enables the product to oxidize far too quickly and I'm not keen on the "hot dog" smell.


At this stage I'd say I'll probably buy it again, but if I can find better in the meanwhile I may not.


-- update --


At about 6 weeks this product oxidised really badly, this is despite it being kept in a cool place. I know SkinCeuticals claim it's still effective, but I don't believe that. I won't be repurchasing.

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emsiemilia on 8/21/2007 1:50:00 PM more reviews by emsiemilia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Way too harsh, and my skin's not THAT sensitive! Honestly, I find it hard to justify this high a price for ANY skin care product. I used this for about a month, trying to build up tolerance, but it just wasn't happening, and I don't want to do more harm than good-- and when it feels like your skin is on fire, that's not a good sign.

I think right now that skinceuticals adds on a lot to their price tags because of their image-- medical, professional-- so you're not REALLY getting what you pay for.

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chitown on 12/6/2006 1:00:00 AM more reviews by chitown

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I have to say I like this product, my facilaist recommended it to help dissolve white heads. I have noticed a change in my skin. But not sure if the serum has caused me to develop tiny black heads. I was told to use a genlte exfoiltor with it twice a week which I will I admit I do not do on a regualr basis. I like the product line and am trying other items. I will keep using the serum. FYI it is a little sticky when it dries on your face.

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tiramisu95 on 7/24/2006 7:24:00 PM more reviews by tiramisu95

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I'm on my second bottle right now, definitely helps getting rid of dead skin cells. My pores looks smaller. I use this once a day in the morning after my toner. Stings a little bit and is a bit sticky but if it really works, what the heck! =) The price is kinda steep but again, if it works I don't mind paying the money! Oh, the first bottle I got was a medium brown color (purchased at a store online) but it still worked fine for me, the second bottle I got is a much lighter champagne color (purchased on eBay)

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teenbear on 6/19/2006 1:04:00 AM more reviews by teenbear

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

OK, confession time. I was so self-conscious about my uneven skin tone that I never used to take my makeup off at bedtime (with SO). I looked motley and hideous IMO. After six months of using this stuff I am finally comfortable with how I look without makeup and now take my MU off before going to bed. So, in a small way this has revolutionised my skin and my life! I have been using other skincare on and off but have used Skinceuticals C+AHA daily for six months, so it must be this that has given me my new skin! I buy the little sample bottles off ebay - they come in six packs and each one lasts about 2-3 weeks so it isn't that expensive. So far I have loved everything I have tried from Skinceuticals. I can't recommend this serum highly enough!

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reesycakes on 5/8/2006 2:07:00 PM more reviews by reesycakes

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I have been using this serum for the past two months and can already see the difference. Prior to using this, I have used regular C serums (Skinceuticals and Cffectives), which were good b/c they made my skin seem brighter somehow (Cffectives was better than Skinceuticals though). But with the C+AHA, my skin tone also seems to have evened out much more quickly, in conjunction with Obagi Clear. I'm guessing the AHA helps lighten my red marks and the C helps my sunscreen work more effectively so as to prevent new spots. This does not burn/irritate my skin at all. I am fairly acne-prone and this has not made me breakout once. There is a slight sticky sensation that goes away quickly. I never feel it on underneath my lotion and makeup. After using for two months, it is still the slightly deep champagne color (def not brown) it was when I received it. I highly recommend this.

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*TOP REVIEWER* candacej on 4/27/2006 9:43:00 PM more reviews by candacej

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

Don't get me wrong - I am a big fan of SkinCeuticals' C serums, but this one was a dud for me. The first bottle I bought was already oxidized (a very dark brown liquid) when I peeled off the wrap. And the second bottle was a medium brown ... I tried it anyways (SkinCeuticals says that their stuff is good even after turning colour), and I broke out in a little red, bumpy and itchy rash on my chin and lower face. It's taken almost two weeks to heal. So no thanks to this serum!

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*TOP REVIEWER* vanbergc on 10/26/2005 4:55:00 PM more reviews by vanbergc

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

I've just tried Skinceutical's products for the first time. I have to say I really love them. Lots of botanicals, yet really effective products. The C+AHA serum is great. I've used many, many C serums, and this is the least sticky. You just can't put too much on, nor do you need to. I swipe a line down each of my three first fingers with the end of the dropper(so I never really use drops from the dropper), and massage my fingers together, then press into my face. I do this 3 times for my face, throat, and chest. It's plenty. No stickies. Serum disappears within about a minute. Good stuff... would not hesitate to buy again.

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grouch on 10/26/2005 1:57:00 PM more reviews by grouch

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I started using the serum 10 over a year ago. I have to say, had I not have sensitive skin it would have been ok, but it really made my skin itch and it broke me out in tiny bumps on my jawlne. I went to a beauty clinic and had a skin ceuticals gel peel done combined with the salt a-peel microdermabrasion. I was highly scepticle as I think skin ceuticlas can be too harsh for me. They recommended me the 15/aha and I tried it. Funnilly enough, it feels so much better on my skin then any other vitamin c treatment or aha treatment I have tried (I tend to break out with both of them). Perhaps it is because I am using it with cliniques acne solutions and turnaround products. I will continue and see how it goes....UPDATE,man Im so dissapointed. Id love to use AHA and vitamin C on my skin but my skin just wont tolerate it, in whatever percentage I try. The first couple of days this was great. Now its made my break out in tiny spots on my cheaks and bigger red spots on my jawline:(

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*TOP REVIEWER* abbybaby on 10/16/2005 11:25:00 PM more reviews by abbybaby

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is an OK serum. I've been using this for three weeks now and haven't noticed a difference in my skin. Even though it's a watery texture, it becomes sticky on my skin and doesn't absorb in as well as the Obagi C serums it seems. I was hoping the AHA part would help dry out my oily skin but the serum seems to make my skin oilier and stickier. Go figure! Guess it's back to the drawing board after I use this one up.

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schneewittchen on 8/28/2005 3:31:00 PM more reviews by schneewittchen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

this is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, provides photoprotection, stimulates collagen synthesis. In my opinion it also lightens acne scars and brown spots.
I've found this product amazing! I've used it for three weeks and my skin has never been so radiant before! it also helps keeping my skin blackheds free.
GREAT PRODUCT!

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pilarakemi on 6/9/2005 5:41:00 PM more reviews by pilarakemi

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Luckily I'm able to get Skinceutical at wholesale prices...or else I don't think I would have ever purchased this. But I'm so glad I tried it. Just in 3 days my skin looks so much brighter, clearer and smoother. It's amazing how after I wash my face it has this pretty glow. I will definitely have to update...but so far this stuff seems like a dream come true!

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*TOP REVIEWER* MollieRT on 3/29/2005 5:06:00 PM more reviews by MollieRT

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

My mother swears by the C+AHA and CE Ferulic !!! She is 50 and was a hard-core sun worshipper for years, yet she doesn't look a day over 35. She uses it religiously & the effects are phenominal. She has seen a dramatic decrease in facial lines, crows feet & hyperpigmentation. You have to use this exactly as directed for it to work though... Once opened a bottle is only good for about 6 months unless you keep it in the fridge.

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DarkRay on 2/22/2005 1:30:00 PM more reviews by DarkRay

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

The dropper container gives the serum a "medical" and "serious" look, but is pointless since it does not protect the serum from unnecessary exposure to the air and makes application difficult as well.



That being said, this product was actually quite good. Not sure if it was the AHA or Vitamin C working, but since I did not get the same results from using Serum-15, I am guessing that AHA is the main worker, or works in synergy with the Vitamin C here. Skin feels smoother and more radiant after about 1 month!



Each application feels just like applying any other high acidity product. The solution is light and it tingles. Serum also seem to be more resistant to oxidation than Cellex-C's Advanced C Serum.

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