Review: Timeless Skin Care – 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

Where to purchase: From Timeless – UK website / US website

Price: £23

Volume: 30ml

Made in: Timeless Skincare US

What is this and what does it do: This serum contains 20% of Vitamin C in form of L-ascorbic acid, which is an antioxidant that evens skin tone as well as helps build collagen. This contains vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, used to extend the life and effectiveness of vitamin C. There is a 20% concentration of L-ascorbic acid in this serum for maximum benefit. It’s non-greasy, dries fast and clear.

Further information:

• Antioxidant complex brightens dull skin and evens skin tone
• Vitamin C supports anti-ageing by boosting collagen production
• Firmness and elasticity increases with consistent use
• Skin is protected from further damage due to UV exposure (use an SPF!)
• Effective for up to 72 hours after first applying

Cruelty free / no added dyes or fragrance or colour.

Skin Types: Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination skins. Note: If a 5% vitamin C serum is too irritating for you, then this will be irritating as this is 20%

Good for: Anti-ageing, Hyperpigmentation (dark spots / uneven skin tone)

Directions: ‘Best used all over face after cleansing and before moisturising, every morning for optimal glow. Be sure to follow up with SPF to further protect your skin from UV rays and enhance the serum’s results.’

Note: Timeless state that: All of our serums are fast-absorbing into the skin, sinking in with no greasy residue. I agree with this statement. Their serums absorb extremely fast which sometimes makes me waste some as the product absorbs into my fingers and it’s gone.

Note about usage: Use the product as soon as receiving to ensure the product is fresh and efficient. Shelf life is near 3 months. Close the serum tightly after using to prevent premature oxidation. Recommended to keep the serum in a cool dark place or in the fridge to keep it fresher for longer.

What I do: I haven’t placed this in the fridge – I keep it in my cupboard and it has not oxidised yet (i’m over a month-in). PERSONALLY: I use this product every other day (alternatively) and use a light serum underneath. This is because I am building tolerance to this product as I have sensitive skin! My plan is to start to use this serum straight after toning with no serum underneath. Then I can use this every PM. But I will not rush it! I do not want to irritate my skin as this does on occasion tingle.

Also recommended to patch test as the % is quite high.

Key Ingredients: (This is from the EU website):

20% L-ASCORBIC ACID
‘Proven to visibly reduce signs of ageing and even skin tone by encouraging collagen production.’

FERULIC ACID
‘Enhances Vitamin C’s antioxidant power, while stabilising the formula to ensure freshness in every drop.’

ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL
‘More famously known as Vitamin E, it nourishes the skin and boosts Vitamin C’s antioxidant abilities.’

HYALURONIC ACID
‘This amazing molecule can hold 1000x its weight in water, perfect for keeping skin glowy and hydrated.’

PANTHENOL
‘Also known as Vitamin B5, Panthenol conditions and moisturises skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.’

NOTE:I can say I like the addition of Panthenol to try and reduce irritation. Also like the addition of the Hyaluronic acid once more to hydrate the skin.

Full Ingredients: Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Alpha Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzylalcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid

NOTE: Skincarisma have also broken down this product’s INCI list if you would like to check it out HERE

ALSO: Benzylalcohol – this ingredient had some followers worried. I asked Timeless skincare UK about this and they stated that Benzylalcohol is not irritating to the skin in such a low concentration that’s added (0.5%). It’s used here to prevent mould and bacterial growth. So, it should not irritate one’s skin barrier.

Quote from the company: “Our Benzyl alcohol is used at percentages less than 0.5%, which no study has shown to be harmful. We use them as an alternative to parabens to prevent yeast, mold, and bacteria in the product. Preservatives are necessary to avoid any yeast, mold or bacteria to grow in the serum.”

Texture: This is definitely more on the water – side than the thick/gel side. This slides down my cheeks if applied directly onto my face so I usually put it on my fingers and then rub/tap in.

Does it sting?: This is a high % (20%) vitamin C serum so do expect tingling. It does depend on your ability to cope/tolerate with higher % actives. For me, I use this every other day (swapping out with the lower Klairs 5% vitamin C on alternate days), and has been working out for me as I don’t want to ‘push it’ with my skin and how much it can tolerate. I initially patch-tested this on my hand and it did have that ‘tingling’ sensation. I do recommend, as do Timeless skin recommend – to start off slow and steady with this product!

Fragrance: No fragrance – YAY! I must say all vitamin C products do have that sort of ‘tangy’ semi-taste / smell to it regardless.

Packaging: Glass bottle with a screw top. The dropper picks up adequate amounts of product. I do like the blue shade and the fact that the

What I like:

• Did not damage/burn my skin (as long as I am careful about using this i.e. not 2x a day everyday.
• I do believe that this has helped with my uneven skin tone! I need to use it longer to see anti-ageing benefits.
• I like the addition of vitamin E and Ferulic acid (extra potency of the vitamin C and extra antioxidants.
• No fragrance!
• Short and sweet ingredients list (every ingredient has a meaning and purpose in the overall formula).
• Like that this has panthenol and HA (to hydrate the skin)
• Very happy that this is not greasy or in an oily residue
• Does not feel warm upon application

What I don’t like:

• Because it’s so light/watery, I feel like I can’t get too much of this product directly on my face and a lot of it gets absorbed onto my fingers instead.
• More air-tight packaging would have been good just to give me more piece of mind about leaving this on my counter from time-to-time!
• A bit of a stinging sensation can be felt depending on how sensitive your skin is.

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4.5/5 – this has been a solid vitamin C to use. I am impressed by its efficacy and how it hasn’t irritated the crap out of my skin. I do think that with continued use, this will only continue to do good things to my skin. So far, this is the best 20% vitamin C Serum I have used so far. The best 5% for me has been the klairs. But if you are looking to bunk up your game and take it up a level while using pure vitamin C rather than a derivative – then this is a good option!

If you can’t afford the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and Drunk Elephant C-firma, then this is a great dupe for you to obtain a high % for a lower price!

Would I repurchase?: Although this was gifted – I would repurchase this vitamin C.

NOTE: Timeless say that using this type of serum with their Coenzyme Q10 and/ or Matrixyl Synthe’6 provides a more intense anti-ageing effect. I would agree with this i.e. using peptide serums alongside using a vitamin C serum.