Vitamin C is one of the most studied and efficacious ingredients in skin care, but the pure form of the ingredient—ascorbic acid—isn’t a fit for everyone. Of course Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson knows this, and so do the brand’s biggest fans. Hence, a new, gentler vitamin C formula was born. Meet C-Luma Hydrabright Serum, which you can consider C-Firma’s hydrating little sister. “It’s the perfect choice for the vitamin C beginner, or those who may be a little C-shy,” says Masterson. Here’s everything to know about this highly anticipated launch coming July 29 (you can sign up to be notified then).
How This Serum Is Different From C-Firma
“C-Firma was one of the original six formulas I launched in 2013, and it uses the strongest form of C—ascorbic acid—at a 15-percent concentration,” Masterson tells me. “This makes it capable of addressing stubborn concerns with dramatic results. However, not everyone could use it as often as they wanted to—it’s potent for sure—and we had requests for a lower-strength alternative. It was out of that feedback from our community that C-Luma was born.”
Both are powerhouses against hyperpigmentation, but C-Luma features a lower concentration of vitamin C (10 percent), and is a gentler, less acidic formula. Instead of ascorbic acid, it contains two vitamin C derivatives: sodium ascorbyl phosphate (9 percent) and ascorbyl glucoside (1 percent). “We only choose ingredients based on whether they have published research demonstrating their effectiveness and safety, with a clear indication of how much is needed to produce those benefits for skin,” says Masterson. “There are quite a few derivatives of vitamin C, but what stood out about these was their complex and unique benefits that even ascorbic acid can’t provide. For example, sodium ascorbyl phosphate has a unique talent. Research has demonstrated that concentrations above 3 percent have blemish-reducing benefits for skin. We’re using quite a bit more in C-Luma for even more impressive results on breakouts. The combination and levels we added are relatively unheard of, too. We’re thrilled with the results.”
Instability is always a concern with vitamin C formulas, but Masterson says she’s incredibly proud of what the brand has accomplished on that front. “C-Firma and C-Luma both have a shelf life of three years unopened. And, will both retain their potency for a full year after first use, which we know from extensive stability and antioxidant assay testing.” The prices also differ: C-Firma is $79, and C-Luma is $68.
Who This Vitamin C Serum Is Best For
Masterson says C-Luma is for everyone. “Vitamin C really is for everyone, whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond. Anyone wanting to address concerns such as a dull, uneven complexion, fine lines, loss of elasticity, or breakouts can benefit. It’s also a great option for those advanced vitamin C users looking to fit even more of this active into their routine. They can alternate with C-Firma during the day and C-Luma at night. That’s how I use it! You’ll see rapid results on even more complex concerns.”
What I Love About It
I’ll take a gentle but effective vitamin C serum all day long! This one gets extra points from me because of its texture. It’s a super light gel-serum that absorbs quickly and layers nicely with other products (no pilling). I also love that it has the added benefit of minimizing redness, which is one of my skin concerns. “In our clinical testing for C-Luma, participants saw improvements in as little as four weeks for redness and breakouts,” says Masterson. “Improvements in hyperpigmentation took longer, around eight weeks. However, improvements in hydration levels happen within moments! In our eight-week clinical study, C-Luma increased hydration immediately by 109 percent.”
