Product Rave: Cosmetic Skin Solution C+E Serum Advanced Formula +

I'm always talking about Vitamin C because it's one of the major ingredients that really changed my skin.  I love trying new Vitamin C serums from time to time, but I don't want to pay too much.  For the longest time, I've been wanting to get my hands on Skinceuticals CE+Ferulic, but the price tag stopped me in my tracks.  Its retail price is $145.00, which I think is ridiculous!  I know how easy and inexpensive it is to whip up a Vitamin C serum, so I have no idea why L'Oreal (who owns Skinceuticals) has to charge so much. 

Cosmetic Skin Solutions To the Rescue:  Cosmetic Skin Solutions (CSS) boldly creates duplicate serums that out compete Skinceuticals at much lower costs.  I bought the C+E serum for only $39.95, that's $105.05 cheaper than Skinceuticals.  Don't let low price fool you; these products really work.

     First off, let me do a review of the company itself.  Their website is very organized and easy to navigate.  They have super fast, FREE shipping on all domestic orders, no matter how small.  I placed my order on 7/12/2011 and recieved my package 3 days later!  I ordered the serum and phyto gel (more on this later), both of which were sealed and carefully packaged.  Nothing was leaking or broken.  I didn't get any free samples, but that's okay.  They definately get a thumbs up for customer service!  There's a rumor going around that the owner of CSS is a chemist who use to work for L'Oreal and decided to branch off to make an affordable version.  Hmmm, I don't know how true that is, but thanks anyway!

The Serum Review: The first thing I look for is the color.  A yellow or brown ascorbic acid serum is useless. CSS serum is as clear as water and packaged in a dark amber bottle, like it's supposed to be.  This assures me the serum I have is fresh.  This 15% Vit. C serum has a very thin, water-like consistency and a mild bacon odor.  It's light, but I found it to be very moisturizing for my slightly oily skin.  Characteristic of all well formulated Vitamin C serums, it gives my skin an instant glow.  Over the 2.5 weeks I've been using it, I've noticed my skin continuing to improve.  So, this isn't just some snake oil in a bottle; it's the real deal.  It's concentrated and has the added bonus of Vit. E, hyaluronic and ferulic acids.  I did not experience any irritation.  According to the bottle it has a shelf life of 1 year.  I love this serum and I'd buy it again.

Here's what the company says:

"This super antioxidant combination formula of 15% stabilized Vitamin C, E, and ferulic delivers an unsurpassed amount of antioxidant protection against ultraviolet radiation, helping to improve texture, tone and firmness...Builds a defense against the environmental pollutants and prevents premature aging of skin.  With continued use, skin becomes brighter, firmer, even toned, environmentally protected, and healthier."  

Directions:  "Each morning after cleansing, apply 5 to 6 drops to a dry face, neck and decollete, or as directed by a skincare specialist.  For optimal results, follow with Cosmetic Skin Solutions Hydra B5 Gel Advanced Formula +"

Ingredients:  Water, L-Ascorbic Acid (Topical Vitamin C), Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Butylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Zinc Sulfate, Glycerol, Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Triethanolamine, ferulic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, D-Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid