I’m the queen of the Cs. Vitamin C skincare products, that is.
I’ve tried vitamin C serums with a water base, with a thicker base, in a powder format. I use body care and nail care products with vitamin C.
I believe in vitamin C. Since I started using it on my face several months ago, my skin feels tighter, looks brighter and firmer, and I’m seeing my hyperpigmentation beginning to fade.
Vitamin C in skincare has been shown repeatedly in scientific studies and clinical research to improve the look and health of skin primarily by stimulating collagen synthesis. As we age, skin loses collagen, both quantity and quality. What was an organized structure of collagen in young skin becomes disorganized in older skin, and as a result, skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. Stimulating collagen synthesis and restoring the active organized structure seen in young, healthy collagen can slow down and even reverse skin aging. Why wouldn’t you use vitamin C in your skincare routine?
At the beginning of the summer, I was given the opportunity to try COUI Super C Serum.
COUI Skincare was a new brand to me, AND COUI Super C Serum just launched this summer. I did a little research on my own before trying the product. I learned that COUI Skincare has serious skincare cred, working with renowned biochemist and skincare consultant, Dr. Hannah Sivak. Importantly, COUI’s mission is to develop the best skincare with the best ingredients at affordable prices. Since becoming a beauty blogger and trying beauty products at all different price points, I have discovered that a product doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be sold at a high-end store to be effective. It just has to have great ingredients and be well-made. COUI Skincare has definitely gotten my attention.
COUI Super C Serum
I think COUI Super C Serum is the fourth vitamin C serum I’ve used this year. I had thought that all vitamin C serums/products were the same, but they are not. Not at all. They differ in terms of their form (liquid, gel, powder) and especially in terms of the other active ingredients in the serum.
Firstly, I love the feel of COUI Super C Serum. Although it’s water-based like many other vitamin C serums, it has glycerol in the formulation. The thicker consistency makes it easier to apply and it stays put on my face while it dries. Also, you only need a few drops (for me, less than half a dropper full). I have dry, sensitive skin, and the glycerol in the liquid feels so good on it…but it’s still lightweight enough for all skin types. I prefer it hands down to the watery serums or the powder form that has to be mixed with my moisturizer.
Next, COUI Super C Serum contains lots of other ingredients that I’m thrilled to find in this affordable serum. It’s an all-in-one serum that contains:
- Epidermal Growth Factor – the discovery of which gave its discoverer a Nobel prize – plays an important role in the regulation of cell differentiation, growth and proliferation
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate microcirculation. This vitamin, considered a “must-have” skin ingredient by many experts, has a growing reputation for treating wrinkles and breakouts and for being able to treat uneven skin tone including acne scars.
- Lactobacillus/Kelp Ferment Filtrate that assists in collagen synthesis, moisturizes, and provides calming/anti-itch protection
- Hydrolyzed Collagen made up of natural active peptides from marine collagen that help moisturize and provide amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), the most expensive and best form of vitamin C that gets transformed by enzymes in our skin into ascorbic acid, the vitamin C we know. MAP, an anti-oxidant, improves elasticity and decreases the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen synthesis. It also reduces redness, heals skin and prevents pigmentation.
- Hyaluronic Acid – the real deal – that absorbs up to 1000 times its weight in water to keep skin moisturized.
Oh, and did I mention that COUI Super C Serum has the faintest lemony scent? Other vitamin C serums I’ve tried sometimes have an odd herbal scent. Super C has almost no scent, but if I stick my nose in the bottle, it is a pleasant citrusy scent. Much better!
I’ve been using COUI Super C Serum for about 6 weeks now, and I love it. As I mentioned, I love the feel of the product. It is just right for my skin. But I really love how it makes my skin look and feel: definitely brighter, tighter, and I’m seeing some fading of my dark spots. Yahoo!
COUI Super C Serum comes in a traditional amber glass bottle with a glass dropper to protect the efficacy of the ingredients (the directions also say to keep it in the fridge). It holds 1 fl. oz/30 ml, and is made in the U.S. The date of manufacture is shown on the bottle. Mine was manufacturer just a few days before I received it so I know it was fresh!
COUI Super C Serum is sold on Amazon, and I purchased it that way myself. It was easy peasy to buy on Amazon, and it arrived nicely packaged, safe and sound, within a few days. The link is here. It is priced at $28.95, and it is cruelty-free. If you’re looking for an effective vitamin C anti-aging serum, give this one a try.
COUI Skincare is offering readers of Never Say Die Beauty a 30% discount until September 30, 2014 to encourage you to try the product. The code is: 8UWV5UGK.
Wow, this sounds like a must-try. I love Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid products, too, as you know, and this sounds better than the Ole Henriksen that was my favorite for a long time. Still love the way it plumps up my skin, but it’s sticky. This product sounds like it’s not…? Plus it has a lot more beneficial stuff in it. Going to order some and try it for winter.
Kim, I have tried several others and so far this one is my favorite. It is thicker than others I’ve tried which I like. I don’t find it sticky but it stays put. I gives my skin a wonderful brightness and glow. Plus, the niacinamide & EGF are additional ingredients that I really wanted to use plus it has HA in it too. I’m almost finished the bottle because I’ve been using it so frequently. Make sure you shake the bottle before using!
This looks like a must try especially with the code. I might have to sneak this into my beauty budget this month.
Yes, the 30% off really is a boon, Laura! I love this serum, and I was so happy to find the extra fab ingredients- niacinamide, EGF & HA – in the formula. If you do try it, let me know what you think 🙂
This sounds great! I’m using a Vitamin C Serum from Skin Actives at the moment, and it’s working very well for me. But I’d like to try this one when I run out of it too.
gio recently posted…Product Review: Skin Actives Vitamin C Serum
I’m glad you’re using one that you like, Gio. Do consider this one when you finish the Skin Actives. I love all the extra ingredients in this Super C Serum!
I’ve been wanting to try a vitamin C serum forever but I have so many other things on my skin at this time that I can’t. It’s definitely on my to list though.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…Jane Iredale Golden Shimmer Review
I know what you’re saying, Aleya!!
I just it ordered with my points on Amazon!
Ohmigoodness, that’s amazing, Cindy! I hope you enjoy it, and remember to shake it before applying it!
I am a total serum fanatic!
Me, too, Justina 🙂
I LOVE Vitamin C products, I believe in them and when I can find effective products at an affordable price? Well, hello! 😀
Erika recently posted…I Love Nail Polish My Little Glacier
With the 30% off deal, COUI Super C Serum is a steal. I found it to be very effective, and I was so happy to get those extra ingredients: HA, EGF, niacinamide!
I went to COUI’s website and it said that they are currently updating their website.
Laura, they are! Please go to the links on Amazon to buy the product and put in the code. It should work!! Sorry for the confusion
And I still haven´t tried any C vitamin serums :S
Leelo R recently posted…Gleam by Melanie Mills
You should give ’em a try some day, Leelo!
I have a serum addiction, I SO want to try this!
Me, too, because they work so well. You should give this one a try, Ange!
I will definitely have to try this – Great review
Jess Scull recently posted…MAC Artificially Wild Collection Blushes & Eyeshadows – Swatches & Review (Partial)
Thanks, Jess. You should add it to your list 😉
I’m a vitamin c junkie as well. Will totally give this a try!
Sheila recently posted…Contest Alert! Here’s A Roundup Of 3 Current Ways You Can Win $300
Haha, Sheila! I know what you mean. Hope you like it as much as I do if you try it 🙂
Wow, the ingredients in this are fantastic. I love that it’s reasonably priced and cruelty free too! Thanks for the thorough and glowing review. I will definitely put this on my to try list. 🙂
Amber recently posted…Honey Maid Wholesome Family
Definitely worth adding to your wish list!
So many serums and so little time. Looks like I need to add this one to my list!
Too true, Brittany! Put it on this list 😉
This sounds really nice, I also like the Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum, but at this price, it’s def worth a try!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…NARS Night Caller Collection for Fall 2014: Unlawful Blush
Cindy, I haven’t looked at the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum (though they make great skincare products at affordable prices too), the additional ingredients in this Super C Serum from COUI — niacinamide, EGF and HA — really impress me especially, as you say, for the price.
Even though I just bought a C serum, I ordered this one. Amazon said the code
was invalid for that purchase. Does the price you quoted include the 30% discount?
Thanks,
jane-in-tx
Jane, I just tried it myself through the link at the bottom of my blogpost, and it worked. Adding the code 8UWV5UGK on the final screen removed $8.69 from the $28.95 price. Give it another try and let me know if it works for you. I know a few other women purchased it today.
I need to get back on the serum wagon
Betzy Carmona recently posted…Need an End-of-Summer Blues Pick Me Up?
I know you’re still young, Betzy, so you probably don’t have to rush. But I think serums rock. They are just so effective, for me anyway!
Serums are so my thing! I am an addict!
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…Fall 2014 Fashion | Casual
I can relate, Laura!
I love serums, and Vitamin C + all the goodies? yes! I hear that niacinamide is really effective for skin issues, too. Sounds like a great serum!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…How Can You Ignore A Dragon?
Yes, Nidia, it’s all the goodies in addition to C that really impress me in this serum!
I love vitamin c serums!
Yay! They are the best
HAIL TO THE C!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…MAC Artificially Wild Collection Swatches + Review
Too cute, Brooke!
Oh I need to try this! It sounds great.
Leigh recently posted…Victoriaâs Secret Sport VoxBox From Influenster
It’s a goody, Leigh, and the price is certainly right, too 🙂
I have tried one Vit C serum but sadly that broke me out. This one looks good.
Sunny recently posted…3 Natural Remedies for fair and glowing skin
Oh, that’s too bad, Sunny. Could you figure out which ingredient(s) made you break out?
I haven’t used a Vitamin C serum in a long while. Great review!
Tina @ My Highest Self recently posted…Every Day is Relaxation Day with Neutrogena
Thanks, Tina! It really makes a difference for me.
I’ve used Vitamin C serum from Skinceuticals and like it. Just so expensive. Wish I could put lemons on my face instead!
Judy Freedman recently posted…Boomers Play Role In Changing Family Trends
Haha, Judy! After you finish up the Skinceuticals, maybe you should check out COUI Super C that also contains niacinamide, EGF, HA and other goodies, and costs less than $30 without the discount 😉
Allison, I tried again and it worked! Thanks! I am so impressed at how you handle your blog.–You always reply and you are always so nice!
jane-in-tx
Jane, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so happy that the Amazon page and discount code worked for you this time! I hope you will like the product. It isn’t fancy looking, but it works very well for me. Remember to shake before using. It does say to store it in the fridge but I didn’t always do so. I like the slightly thicker consistency because it stays on my face while it’s drying, plus my skin is dry to start with. Good luck and thank YOU for being a loyal reader!!!
I know this may sound like an odd question but .. how does the product smell? I purchased a very expensive bottle of C E Ferulic (SkinCeuticals) and it smells terrible and zero pleasure to use. The scent goes away, but the initial application is bleck.
Monica
MonicaP recently posted…Splurge or Save: Cleansing Conditioners
That’s a great question, Monica. Another vitamin C serum that I used didn’t smell so great — it had an odd herbal smell. I even asked the owner of the company about it, and he said it was the witch hazel. This product, COUI Super C Serum, has a very mild lemony scent that it quite pleasant. In fact, it is so faint that I just went in to sniff it to be able to answer your question. So the scent is not an issue. This serum has a thicker consistency than some other vitamin C serums that are more watery. I like the thicker consistency because it’s easier to apply and it stays on my face while it’s drying. Plus I have dry skin so I like the extra moisture. Just thought I’d throw that in there! What I also love about it is the additional ingredients: niacinamide, EGF, HA etc.
what is the percentage of Vitamin C in the super C serum? Thank You
Polly, I checked the COUI website (www.couiskincare.com) for Super C because I honestly didn’t remember. I tested this product about 3 years ago, and I remember I liked it alot. I think I used 2 or 3 bottles. The Super C Serum has several key ingredients in it (epidermal growth factor, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, marine kelp, and vitamin C 20%). If you just want vitamin C 20%, they have another product, Natural Vitamin C 20% Serum. Check out their website! I hope this helps!