Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Day Serum has become a skincare sensation thanks to its antioxidant-rich, brightening formula. Read on to learn what we think of this product in our extensive review of this popular day serum.
Key Takeaways
- C-Firma contains a complex of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids to promote brightness, as well as antioxidants (pumpkin ferment, pomegranate extracts, etc.), and sodium crosspolymer to hydrate skin, and gently buff away dead skin cells.
- C-firma should be used in the morning, after cleansing, and then, followed with a SPF product.
- Avoid mixing C-firma with retinol, as when paired together, as both ingredients can cause irritation to the skin.
C-Firma Day Serum
Best Drunk Elephant Serum for Brightening
Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Day Serum
Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum contains a complex of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids to promote brightness, as well as antioxidants to hydrate skin, and gently buff away dead skin cells.
This brightening day vitamin C serum is chock full of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids, plus other skin-boosting antioxidants that correct uneven tone and reduce signs of photoaging.
Pros
- Cruelty-free, and made without common irritants such as mineral oil, parabens, phthalates.
- Contains l-ascorbic and ferulic acids and potent antioxidants that help combat discoloration and signs of photoaging. Also adds vitamin E to the formula, in order to reduce chances of irritation.
- Added ingredients in the formula hydrate skin and buff away dead skin cells.
Cons
- Cost may be too steep for some.
- Formula may be too irritating for sensitive skin types.
- Contains a potent odor, and can transfer a slight orange hue to the skin after application.
In addition to a mixture of l-ascorbic and ferulic acids and vitamin E, this serum also contains chronocyclin, which is a chrono peptide that mimics vitamin D. Additional antioxidants included in the formula are vitis vinifera (grape) extract, and Indian Gooseberry, an ingredient that improves skin tone and promotes firmness.
Vitamin C is one of nature’s most naturally occurring antioxidants [1].
In skin care, L-ascorbic acid (LAA) is the chemically active form of this vitamin, and is often incorporated into products such as serums and eye creams in order to promote brightness, the study suggests.
When incorporated into serums, vitamin C, in L-ascorbic acid form, can be useful in treating signs of photoaging, hyperpigmentation, tissue inflammation, and promoting tissue healing.
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum does contain a reasonable concentration of L-ascorbic acid (15 percent) and ferulic acid (which is used to stabilize vitamin C). Additionally, it also contains one percent of vitamin E to protect the skin from irritation.
Product Overview
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum has become immensely popular because of its potent antioxidant complex (contains l-ascorbic and ferulic acids, and vitamin E), as well as other skin-boosting antioxidants and ingredients.
Vitamin C, in L-ascorbic acid form, can be useful in combating photoaging, hyperpigmentation, tissue inflammation, and promoting tissue healing,
Similarly, the serum contains other antioxidants (pumpkin ferment, vitis vinifera, Indian Gooseberry, and pomegranate extracts), plus chronocyclin and sodium crosspolymer that help improve texture and firmness.
Claims
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum claims to brighten, hydrate, and improve signs of photoaging.
The main ingredients are L-ascorbic and ferulic acids, as well as additional antioxidants (pumpkin ferment, vitis vinifera, Indian Gooseberry, and pomegranate extracts) and chronocyclin and sodium crosspolymer.
These ingredients work together to brighten tone, reduce sunspots, and minimize fine lines. Additionally, they gently buff away dead skin cells, and also provide moisture to the skin.
Key Ingredients
1. L-ascorbic Acid and Ferulic Acid (15 Percent)
When incorporated into serums, vitamin C, in L-ascorbic acid form, can be useful in combating photoaging, hyperpigmentation, tissue inflammation, and promoting tissue healing [1].
Ferulic acid, which works to stabilize a solution of vitamins C and E, doubles photoprotection of the skin [2].
2. Vitamin E (1 Percent)
Since this serum contains a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid (15 percent) and ferulic acid (which is used to stabilize vitamin C), it’s important to note that an additional one percent of vitamin E is added to the formula to protect the skin from irritation.
Additionally, since vitamin E contains antioxidant properties, it also provides impressive benefits to the skin [3].
These include wound, scar, and burn healing, as well as treatment for skin disorders such as melasma, acne vulgaris, and atopic dermatitis.
How To Use
- After cleansing skin in the morning, apply an even layer of serum onto dry skin on the face, chest, and neck areas, as well as the backs of hands.
- Since vitamin C is acidic, be sure to avoid contact with the eye area when applying this serum onto the face.
- Follow with sunscreen to keep the skin shielded from harmful UV rays.
When To Apply
Drunk Elephant advises using this serum once a day, in the morning after cleansing.
However, you’ll want to be mindful of your skin type before using vitamin C products To prevent irritation [4].
Consider a patch test (placing a small amount of product on your inner arm) first, before using it.
Other Tips
1. Don’t Mix Vitamin C With Certain Skincare Ingredients
While vitamin C can be a powerful, active skincare ingredient, it is also very acidic, meaning it should not be mixed with other strong, active ingredients.
Retinol is definitely one of those ingredients, as mixing the two can cause irritation and inflammation to your skin [4].
2. Be Careful About How Much Vitamin C You Use
While it’s tempting to slap on as much vitamin C serum onto your face as you possibly can, its better starting off using your gradually, as using too much can leave the skin dry and irritated [5].
Instead, simply use your product as directed to see how your skin responds to it, or use it every other day, if you find it’s a bit dehydrating.
3. Always Follow With A SPF Product
Drunk Elephant advises using a sunscreen product after using its C-Firma Day serum.
When it comes to choosing a good sunscreen product, be sure to select (and reapply!) a product with SPF 30. This ensures you are adequately protected against harmful UV rays.
4. Give Your Serum Time To Work
As with all skin care products, it’s important to give this serum enough time to work it’s magic, before you discontinue using it altogether.
With this in mind, aim to use the serum for at least four to six weeks each day.
However, if the serum does cause irritation, it’s best to stop using it, and discuss other options (or practices) with your dermatologist.
What To Expect
When using the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum for the first time, you’ll want to give it enough time to work, before you discontinue using it altogether.
Some skin care products take at least four to six weeks to actually start working, making it important to continue using the serum regularly during this period of time.
However, if the serum causes irritation and inflammation to the skin, stop using it, and discuss other options with your dermatologist.
FAQs
How Do You Use Drunk Elephant C-Firma Serum?
After cleansing skin in the morning, apply an even layer of serum onto a dry face, chest, neck, and backs of hands. Follow with a sunscreen product for best results.
Can I Use Drunk Elephant C-Firma Serum Every Day?
Yes, you should be able to use this serum each day in the morning. However, if you notice irritation, it’s either best to reduce your usage, or consult with your dermatologist.
Can I Use Drunk Elephant C-Firma With Retinol?
Since vitamin C is very acidic, it should not be used with retinol, as both active ingredients are on the stronger side, meaning they cause irritation when used together.
How Do I Store Drunk Elephant C-Firma With Retinol?
Vitamin C can break down when exposed to sunlight and or heat, which can make your serum less effective over time. This makes it important to store your serum in a cool, dark place such as a medicine cabinet, or bathroom closet.
The Bottom Line
Because Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Serum is chockful of antioxidants and skin-care ingredients that have demonstrated the potential to work in some clinical studies, it’s a considerable investment serum for those who are looking to target multiple skin concerns, including dullness and signs of photoaging.
However, you’ll want to use this product as directed, and avoid combining it with strong active ingredients such as retinol.
