Brighter Days Ahead: My Review of the Vitamin C 23 Serum by COSRX
Let me paint a picture: It’s a sunny morning, you’ve just rolled out of bed, and your skin, well…it looks like it’s been through some things. You know, those lingering acne scars and that dullness that just won’t quit? Yep, I’ve been there. That’s exactly why I embarked on my 60-day journey with COSRX’s Vitamin C 23 Serum with Super Vitamin E + Hyaluronic Acid, and let me tell you, this serum has been nothing short of a glow-up in a bottle.
Here’s the kicker though—it’s now on sale at Ulta Beauty for just $12.50 (half off its original price of $25), which means you can snag it without feeling like you’ve splurged on another ‘meh’ product. After using this serum for the past two months, I’m excited to share my experience and why this serum might be exactly what your skincare routine has been missing.
A Powerhouse Serum Packed with Goodness
Let’s break down what makes this serum so special, starting with its star ingredient—23% Vitamin C. I’m no stranger to Vitamin C products, but this one feels extra potent, and that’s because it really is. Vitamin C is well-known for its brightening abilities and helping to fade acne scars by blocking the production of melanin caused by sun exposure. So, if your skin has been playing host to stubborn scars and dullness like mine, this serum means business.
On top of that, the serum features Super Vitamin E (Tocotrienol), which sounds like something from a superhero comic book. And honestly, it kind of is. Tocotrienol boasts up to 50 times the antioxidizing power of the more common form of Vitamin E (Tocopherol), which means you’re getting some serious skin protection against environmental stressors.
And let’s not forget Hyaluronic Acid—aka hydration in a bottle. This ingredient helps your skin retain moisture, which is essential if your skin tends to lean on the dry side (like mine during winter months). The addition of Allantoin also helps soothe and calm irritated skin, making this serum a multitasking marvel.
60 Days of Consistent Use: What Happened?
Here’s a little background on my skin before we get into the results. I’m someone who struggles with occasional breakouts, and even when the pimples fade, they like to leave their mark—literally. I also deal with some uneven texture and dryness in certain areas, so I was really hoping this serum could address all these issues. Spoiler: It didn’t disappoint.
- Week 1: The first thing I noticed was how lightweight the serum felt. It absorbed quickly into my skin, without leaving that sticky residue some Vitamin C products tend to have. I was a bit concerned about potential irritation (since Vitamin C can be tricky for some), but no redness or stinging—just a mild tingling sensation that let me know it was doing its thing.
- Week 4: By this point, I was starting to notice a real difference in the brightness of my complexion. My acne scars hadn’t completely vanished, but they were definitely less noticeable. My skin looked more alive, like it had been given a jolt of energy.
- Week 8: This is where the magic happened. The acne scars I’d been dealing with for months were significantly faded. My skin texture was smoother, and I was getting that “your skin is glowing” compliment from people (which, let’s face it, is the best compliment). The overall dullness I had been dealing with was a thing of the past. My face actually looked hydrated and radiant.
How to Use It (Without Turning Into a Sticky Mess)
One thing I love about this serum is how easy it is to incorporate into your routine. COSRX recommends using it in the morning and/or night, but let me offer you a pro-tip: Always use sunscreen if you’re applying this serum during the day. Vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so an SPF of 30 or higher is non-negotiable if you want to avoid undoing all that brightening work.
The application process is simple: after cleansing, lightly shake the bottle (but not too much—more on that later), and apply a few drops to your face. I like to gently massage it in using my fingertips, working from the center of my face outward. The formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling hydrated but not oily.
A word of caution: Because this serum contains such a high concentration of Vitamin C, it’s important to use it up within two months of opening. Also, keep it refrigerated to maintain the potency of the Vitamin C (seriously, treat it like you would fresh produce!).
The Packaging: A Science Experiment, but Make It Skincare
Here’s something fun—when you first open the bottle, you might hear a little gas sound escape. Don’t be alarmed; it’s totally normal. Vitamin C is notoriously finicky, and COSRX has created a special cap to seal in the freshness and prevent the serum from oxidizing too quickly.
But beware: Shake the bottle gently before use, or else you’ll end up with a fizzy, overflowing mess. I learned this the hard way after getting a little too enthusiastic one morning and finding Vitamin C serum all over my counter.
Reviews from Other Skincare Lovers
Now, don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what other skincare enthusiasts are saying about this serum:
- “This is the best Vitamin C serum I’ve ever used! It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and the results are so fast. My skin is brighter, and my dark spots are fading!”
- “I’ve tried other Vitamin C products that were too harsh for my dry skin, but this one is perfect. It’s moisturizing without being greasy, and I’ve already noticed a big difference in my skin’s texture.”
- “I love that this serum is affordable but doesn’t skimp on quality. I’ve had a hard time finding a good Vitamin C serum in my price range, but this one delivers!”
These reviews mirror my own experience. COSRX has found a way to pack all the benefits of Vitamin C into an affordable, effective serum without the usual irritation.
What I Loved (and a Few Tiny Gripes)
The Pros:
- High concentration of Vitamin C for serious brightening and scar-fading power.
- Super Vitamin E (Tocotrienol) gives extra antioxidant protection.
- Hyaluronic Acid keeps skin hydrated and plump.
- Allantoin soothes any irritation, making it great for sensitive skin.
- Affordable price (especially at the sale price of $12.50).
The Cons:
- The bottle can be a little tricky to handle due to the gas release—make sure you shake gently!
- You need to use it within two months of opening, which means it might not be ideal for someone who doesn’t use Vitamin C daily.
- Keeping it refrigerated adds a small layer of effort, but honestly, the results are worth it.
Final Thoughts: Ready for Radiance?
At the end of the day (or 60 days, in my case), COSRX’s Vitamin C 23 Serum with Super Vitamin E + Hyaluronic Acid is a game-changer for anyone looking to brighten their complexion, fade acne scars, and hydrate their skin in one fell swoop. For me, the biggest win was the noticeable improvement in my skin’s overall brightness and texture—something I’ve struggled with for years.
And at $12.50 on sale at Ulta Beauty right now, it’s kind of a no-brainer. Whether you’re new to Vitamin C or a seasoned pro, this serum delivers big results at a small price.
So, if you’re ready to give your skin a dose of radiance, grab this serum from Ulta Beauty for just $12.50 while it’s still on sale! Your skin will thank you—and so will your wallet.
“Because achieving glowing skin shouldn’t cost a fortune!”
