When I saw Wishtrend launching By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid Serum, I immediately thought, “IS IT A K-BEAUTY DUPE FOR SKINCEUTICALS CE FERULIC?”
In this post I’ll be reviewing the serum and comparing it with the do-all serum, from my skinthusiast perspective! This means that I am comparing the two serums and ingredients based on me just being a random person on the internet with an intense interest in skincare. I’m in no way a professional in this field!
This product was sent for review purposes. My thoughts are my own, always *casts does patronus*
DESCRIPTION
This vitamin C serum contains 15% pure vitamin C which helps with antioxidant care, skin brightening, acne prevention, boost collagen, and recovers the skin from UV rays. As it contains ferulic acid, it maximizes the antioxidant and antibacterial effect of vitamin C. Recommended for oily and combination skin and for vitamin C beginners.
– Wishtrend
Amount: 30ml
Price: $28 USD
How to use: Apply 3-4 drops on your palm and gently pat over the face. Pat lightly until it fully absorbs.
INGREDIENTS
Before we dive right in, to determine if it is close to a dupe, it has to check the following:
- pH around 2.0-3.5
- 10-20% L-Ascorbic Acid concentration
- Contain Ferulic Acid
- Contain Alpha Tocopherol
Published in 8 peer-reviewed scientific journals, C E Ferulic is a vitamin C serum formulated under the Duke Antioxidant patent. The Duke Antioxidant patent describes effective delivery of vitamin C to skin. In order for a vitamin C serum to be effective it must be formulated with pure l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) at an acidic pH within the 2.0-3.5 pH range and have a concentration between 10-20%. SkinCeuticals is the only brand to formulate antioxidants according to these parameters.
– Skinceuticals
Skinceutical CE Ferulic:
- pH 2.0-3.5 (I’ve seen 3 as the sweet spot)
- 15% vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- 1% vitamin E (Tocopherol)
- 0.5% Ferulic Acid
By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid Ingredients:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Diglycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Tromethamine, Ferulic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCl, Silica
What we know so far based on By Wishtrend’s packaging and INCI list is the following:
- 15% vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- 1% Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether
- 0.5% Ferulic Acid
- ?% Tocopheryl Acetate
pH LEVEL – I tested the pH level on a strip with 2 different brands, both resulted in a pH between 5-6 (so 5.5).
L-ASCORBIC ACID – The king of Vitamin C! Shown to boost collagen synthesis, fade hyperpigmentation, boost UV protection under sunscreen, brighten complexion.
FERULIC ACID – antioxidant; Used to stabilized LAA.
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE – antioxidant
Yes, there is Vitamin E in By Wishtrend’s serum, it is Tocopheryl Acetate, not Alpha Tocopherol. While an esterized Vitamin E may not seem such a big deal, INCIDecoder points out the following:
According to famous dermatologist, Leslie Baumann while tocopheryl acetate is more stable and has a longer shelf life, it’s also more poorly absorbed by the skin and may not have the same awesome photoprotective effects as pure Vit E.
– INCIDecoder
In addition, the tests Skinceuticals performed were with Alpha Tocopherol, so we can’t just assume a derivative will perform the same at enhancing LAA’s potency. Alongside LAA, Ferulic Acid, and Vitamin E, there are additional antioxidants below.
ETHYL ASCORBYL ETHER – Vitamin C derivative, antioxidant, brightening
SODIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE – Vitamin C derivative, antioxidant, supposed to help combat acne.
NIACINAMIDE – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; shown to minimize fine lines and pores, increase skin’s lipid production, brighten and even complexion, fade hyperpigmentation, reduce sebum production.
While it has been debunked many a times that LAA and Niacinamide do not “cancel” each other out, I do raise a brow of it being in the formula. In my understanding, Niacinamide is usually formulated at a higher pH than what LAA is supposed to be. So while this formula is stable with the two ingredients, the pH is now increased to accommodate both. Not to say that it should copy the Skinceuticals patent, but the pH level is quite high compared to other LAA-E-Ferulic serums on the market.
Based on my skinthusiast self inspecting the INCI list (a.k.a. not a specialist), this formula is not a dupe. I don’t mind Niacinamide and Tocopheryl Acetate in the formula, but what bothers me is the pH being a bit high. I can’t help but wonder if I’ll get the full bang of antioxidant benefits from the LAA. The description does say this vitamin C serum is for beginners, but will a beginner even notice benefits?
EXPERIENCE
Packaging: Dark dropper bottle.
Texture: Liquid. It looks clear when you open a new bottle. I lost my photos I took so I had to settle for a slightly oxidized swatch. Sorry!
Fragrance: Smells like vitamin C?
Application: The directions say 3-4 drops, but I don’t play around with LAA due to how unstable it is. I apply a full dropper and massage all around my face, neck and clavicle.
Finish: Thin and adds some glow.
Feel: Slightly sticky, hydrating. If I used a chemical exfoliant prior, it does sting a bit.
Instant Results: Adds a slight bit more moisture to my skin, maintains a bright and even complexion, pores are very minimized!
Long-Term Results: Haven’t noticed much myself since I’ve been using Vitamin C serums for a while. My cousin and aunt are also using this Vitamin C Serum, and they said they noticed their skin is much brighter and more even.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Keeping in mind that this is a vitamin C for beginners, the By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid is a nice antioxidant serum. It is brightening, minimizes pores, has nice ingredients. I still can’t help but feel like I won’t be getting the full antioxidant benefits L-Ascorbic Acid has to offer however. I couldn’t help but HOPE that this would be an awesome, gentle K-Beauty alternative of an LAA-E-Ferulic serum in the low pH range, but alas, I’m slightly disappointed. I’ll definitely continue using By Wishtrend’s new Vitamin C serum until the end since I’m still noticing some skin benefits (also I don’t want to waste it). I also have By Wishtrend’s Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced serum as well hanging out my the fridge to try out later. Definitely curious to see how it performs, as that one does not contain Vitamin E or Ferulic Acid, but does have a low pH while containing a high amount of LAA! My top vitamin C recommendation is still Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster if you’re looking for a low pH, gentle, not $100+ LAA-E-Ferulic serum (the only one that ticks all the boxes that’s available to Canadians).
WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend
Use “MICHXMASH15” for 15% off
Yesstyle *
Use “YESMICH” * for 5% off first order, 2% off returning orders
* Affiliate codes/links. This means that if you click on the link or use the code to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much if you decide to use it! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.
As always, I hope you found this review helpful and informative!
xo, M