Dr DennisGross Vit C vs Cellex-C C Serum?
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free skin care · Tue Apr 24, 2012 4:05 pm

Please help me to choose between the two C serums. If anyone has tried both, which one is better for sensitive skin?

Any advice will be appreciated!

free skin care · Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:43 pm

Hi RussianSunshine,
I have not utilized the Dr. Gross product yet did want to provide my comments re: Cellex C.

Years ago I tried the High Potency Serum and found it very 'harsh'on my skin - tight feeling and it aggrivated my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (made the PIH spots yellower or darker in color)

I thought I would try the Advanced C serum after learning about it recently and started in January. I really, really like this product. No dryness, not aggrivated hyperpigmentation and great radiance/glow. When I started it I only used it every third day for a week, then every 2nd day for the next 2 weeks, then daily from then on. My approach to using it likely acclimatized my skin so I didn't get any irritation...and to be fair, I did not do this when I trialed the High Potency version, so it might actually be ok on sensitive skin as well.

I ran out of my serum a few days ago and re-ordered it. It is not here yet so I am using another one from a different company and don't like it as much as the Advanced Cellex C (getting some yellower or darker patches on my skin again). Four months of Cellex C and I will continue with it.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:41 am

What are the ingredients of each, percentage of vitamin C and pH RussianSunshine?

ETA

Cellex C $110
"Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Acetyl Tyrosine, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bioflavanoids."
Not sure this is the full list tho, nor the product you mean as I have found reference to three different Cellex C serums. Also found something indicating that it is normal for this to change colour, nope that is the C oxidising and becoming ineffective.

Dennis Gross $95
"Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclomethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Squalane, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Quercetin Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linoleic Acid, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Acrylates/Carbamate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Pentasodium Pentetate, Phytic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Gluconate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Purified Water (Aqua Purificata), Phenoxyethanol.

Both ridiculously expensive for ascorbic acid which is essentially a cheap active. You can DIY a stable C serum with high quality ingredients and a formula rooted in research for ~$10. But if you have sensitive skin you would be better choosing a product based on a non acidic form of vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:30 am

There are three made by Cellex

Sensitive Skin Serum (1oz.)

Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Acetyl Tyrosine, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pine (Pinus Pumilio) Bark Extract.

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Sensitive+Skin+Serum_247.htm

High-Potency Serum (1oz.)

Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Acetyl Tyrosine, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bioflavanoids.

http://www.dermstore.com/product_High-Potency+Serum_248.htm

Advanced-C Serum (1oz.)

Water (Aqua), Ascorbic Acid, Acetyl Tyrosine, Zinc Sulfate, Glycine, Grape Skin (Vitis Vinifera) Extract, Grape Seed (Vitis Vinifera) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bioflavanoids.

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Advanced-C+Serum_255.htm

Not sure they are divulging the entire ingredient list online.

BTW FireFox, What do you DIY, any Vitamin C or other products? If not what C serum do you use? I don't see any C serum listed in your sig. line?
Wink

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:17 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

Both ridiculously expensive for ascorbic acid which is essentially a cheap active. You can DIY a stable C serum with high quality ingredients and a formula rooted in research for ~$10. But if you have sensitive skin you would be better choosing a product based on a non acidic form of vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Firefox7275, thank you for suggestions but I am not really into DIY products. Besides I can find them much cheaper on ebay.

I will search for products having MAP. Do you know any serums that contain that ingredient?

DarkMoon, Sensitive Serum looks quite good, although it has less antioxidants than the Advanced C Serum. I will probably get samples on ebay.

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:41 am

RussianSunshine wrote:

Firefox7275 wrote:

Both ridiculously expensive for ascorbic acid which is essentially a cheap active. You can DIY a stable C serum with high quality ingredients and a formula rooted in research for ~$10. But if you have sensitive skin you would be better choosing a product based on a non acidic form of vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Firefox7275, thank you for suggestions but I am not really into DIY products. Besides I can find them much cheaper on ebay.

I will search for products having MAP. Do you know any serums that contain that ingredient?

DarkMoon, Sensitive Serum looks quite good, although it has less antioxidants than the Advanced C Serum. I will probably get samples on ebay.

Hi RS,

Skinactives has the CHAS serum which I just incorporated in to my routine, It has MAP and is very reasonable (Riley recommended it to me) and I am liking it a lot! It is a light serum and sinks in well. It has a nice amount of antioxidants in there! I bought the 1 oz. size, but if you wish to try it the 1/2 oz is an inexpensive option.

On the others I agree samples are your best option to decide what works well for you personally!

Here is the info and link for the CHAS:

.05 oz is 13.25$ great size to try.

http://www.skinactives.com/CHAS-Complete-Hydrophilic-Antioxidant-Serum-with-Glutarexodin-SOD.html

Water, sea kelp bioferment, sodium PCA, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, L-carnosine, L-carnitine, tetrahydrocurcuminoids, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), hesperidin methyl chalcone, aloe polysaccharides, lycopene, glutathione, glutaredoxin, superoxide dismutase, propylene glycol (and) diazolidinyl urea (and) methylparaben (and) propylparaben
Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:12 am

DarkMoon wrote:

RussianSunshine wrote:

Firefox7275 wrote:

Both ridiculously expensive for ascorbic acid which is essentially a cheap active. You can DIY a stable C serum with high quality ingredients and a formula rooted in research for ~$10. But if you have sensitive skin you would be better choosing a product based on a non acidic form of vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Firefox7275, thank you for suggestions but I am not really into DIY products. Besides I can find them much cheaper on ebay.

I will search for products having MAP. Do you know any serums that contain that ingredient?

DarkMoon, Sensitive Serum looks quite good, although it has less antioxidants than the Advanced C Serum. I will probably get samples on ebay.

Hi RS,

Skinactives has the CHAS serum which I just incorporated in to my routine, It has MAP and is very reasonable (Riley recommended it to me) and I am liking it a lot! It is a light serum and sinks in well. It has a nice amount of antioxidants in there! I bought the 1 oz. size, but if you wish to try it the 1/2 oz is an inexpensive option.

On the others I agree samples are your best option to decide what works well for you personally!

Here is the info and link for the CHAS:

.05 oz is 13.25$ great size to try.

http://www.skinactives.com/CHAS-Complete-Hydrophilic-Antioxidant-Serum-with-Glutarexodin-SOD.html

Water, sea kelp bioferment, sodium PCA, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, L-carnosine, L-carnitine, tetrahydrocurcuminoids, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), hesperidin methyl chalcone, aloe polysaccharides, lycopene, glutathione, glutaredoxin, superoxide dismutase, propylene glycol (and) diazolidinyl urea (and) methylparaben (and) propylparaben
Very Happy

Hi DM,

Do you use the CHAS serum at night/morning? Do you pair it with vitamin E as well? Thank you!

Edit: Have you tried the SkinActives Antioxidant booster as part of your skin care regimen, too?

http://www.skinactives.com/Antioxidant-Booster.html

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:44 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

BTW FireFox, What do you DIY, any Vitamin C or other products? If not what C serum do you use? I don't see any C serum listed in your sig. line?
Wink

Ooops you are right, my signature is very out of date!!

With my eczematous skin I prefer to minimise the number of products I layer on. But will be getting back into the DIY MAP serum when I am done with this. Also use ascorbyl palmitate on occasion, and have L-ascorbic acid for haircare experiments. TBH it feels a bit like a busman's holiday - I trained in hospital pharmacy many moons ago, later spent years in research labs .... I've had enough creams, agar gels and peptide solutions to last a lifetime. Laughing

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:08 pm

RussianSunshine wrote:

Firefox7275, thank you for suggestions but I am not really into DIY products. Besides I can find them much cheaper on ebay.

I will search for products having MAP. Do you know any serums that contain that ingredient?

DarkMoon, Sensitive Serum looks quite good, although it has less antioxidants than the Advanced C Serum. I will probably get samples on ebay.

Be careful with L-AA serums on eBay or even the pricey branded ones. Be sure the formula is stabilised (usually vitamin E and ferulic acid), is the correct pH for absorption, is freshly made for you and stored in light and air protective packaging. L-AA is temperamental and oxidises readily which is why many DIY. One of the DIYers on SCT even reported their powder stock oxidising!

I have DIY'd MAP so can't recommend anything else from personal experience.

Another option is Devita Skin Brightening serum, which contains plenty of antioxidants and my favourite anti-ageing base aloe vera and no nasty additives. Their sunscreens get rave reviews; I have the Rx UltraSolar.
"Aloe barbadensis, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Capric/caprylic triglycerides (derived from coconut), Olea europaea (olive) oil, Panthenol (vitamin B5), Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, Kojic dipalmitate, Arbutin, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Centella asiatica (goto kola), Tocopherol (vitamin E) nicotinate, Arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry) leaf extract, Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) seed extract, Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil, Potassium sorbate."
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/devita-skin-brightening-s-p_14018.htm

I was tempted by the Skinactives because there are some nice actives, but they ruin it by using paraben preservatives and EGF. Shame because some of their other products are paraben free. Crying or Very sad

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:13 pm

Firefox7275 wrote:

Another option is Devita Skin Brightening serum, which contains plenty of antioxidants and my favourite anti-ageing base aloe vera and no nasty additives. Their sunscreens get rave reviews; I have the Rx UltraSolar.
"Aloe barbadensis, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Capric/caprylic triglycerides (derived from coconut), Olea europaea (olive) oil, Panthenol (vitamin B5), Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract, Kojic dipalmitate, Arbutin, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Centella asiatica (goto kola), Tocopherol (vitamin E) nicotinate, Arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry) leaf extract, Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) seed extract, Thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil, Potassium sorbate."
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/devita-skin-brightening-s-p_14018.htm

This looks fabulous! I love the ingredients too.. I have a couple of small pesky spots (one upper lip, one jawline) that haven't responded to anything so far, so the "kojic" and "arbutin" in this is particularly appealing.. Think

Think I'll order it up.. Thanks for posting it.. Looks like an easy DIY venture as well.. Very Happy

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:40 pm

Kassy_A wrote:

This looks fabulous! I love the ingredients too.. I have a couple of small pesky spots (one upper lip, one jawline) that haven't responded to anything so far, so the "kojic" and "arbutin" in this is particularly appealing.. Think

Think I'll order it up.. Thanks for posting it.. Looks like an easy DIY venture as well.. Very Happy

Glad to be of use! I like the look of several of the Devita ingredients' lists and many get positive reviews on places like Amazon: definitely going to try more over time. Their 17% C serum is a combination of MAP and L-AA which is a messy concept pH wise. I will look forward to your DIY version if you fancy sharing? Your recipes always get great feedback. Cool

free skin care · Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:25 pm

fitgineer wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

RussianSunshine wrote:

Firefox7275 wrote:

Both ridiculously expensive for ascorbic acid which is essentially a cheap active. You can DIY a stable C serum with high quality ingredients and a formula rooted in research for ~$10. But if you have sensitive skin you would be better choosing a product based on a non acidic form of vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Firefox7275, thank you for suggestions but I am not really into DIY products. Besides I can find them much cheaper on ebay.

I will search for products having MAP. Do you know any serums that contain that ingredient?

DarkMoon, Sensitive Serum looks quite good, although it has less antioxidants than the Advanced C Serum. I will probably get samples on ebay.

Hi RS,

Skinactives has the CHAS serum which I just incorporated in to my routine, It has MAP and is very reasonable (Riley recommended it to me) and I am liking it a lot! It is a light serum and sinks in well. It has a nice amount of antioxidants in there! I bought the 1 oz. size, but if you wish to try it the 1/2 oz is an inexpensive option.

On the others I agree samples are your best option to decide what works well for you personally!

Here is the info and link for the CHAS:

.05 oz is 13.25$ great size to try.

http://www.skinactives.com/CHAS-Complete-Hydrophilic-Antioxidant-Serum-with-Glutarexodin-SOD.html

Water, sea kelp bioferment, sodium PCA, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, L-carnosine, L-carnitine, tetrahydrocurcuminoids, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), hesperidin methyl chalcone, aloe polysaccharides, lycopene, glutathione, glutaredoxin, superoxide dismutase, propylene glycol (and) diazolidinyl urea (and) methylparaben (and) propylparaben
Very Happy

Hi DM,

Do you use the CHAS serum at night/morning? Do you pair it with vitamin E as well? Thank you!

Edit: Have you tried the SkinActives Antioxidant booster as part of your skin care regimen, too?

http://www.skinactives.com/Antioxidant-Booster.html

Hi,

I only use the CHAS in the PM also my Tetra C which I add Vitamin E into my blend, so I am getting it that way.

I did try the Antioxidant Booster, but wasn't really thrilled with the feel, but I really personally prefer serums to creams so don't go by me on that!
The only cream I use is my AHA 8% which is a very, very light cream.

HTH Smile

free skin care · Thu Apr 26, 2012 5:31 am

DarkMoon wrote:

I did try the Antioxidant Booster, but wasn't really thrilled with the feel, but I really personally prefer serums to creams so don't go by me on that!

DM, the Antioxidant Booster IS a serum?

Ingredients: Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Seed Oil, Tocotrienols, Alpha-D-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Astaxanthin, Lycopene, Lutein, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Beta Carotene

free skin care · Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:12 am

rileygirl wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

I did try the Antioxidant Booster, but wasn't really thrilled with the feel, but I really personally prefer serums to creams so don't go by me on that!

DM, the Antioxidant Booster IS a serum?

Ingredients: Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) Seed Oil, Tocotrienols, Alpha-D-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Astaxanthin, Lycopene, Lutein, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Beta Carotene

LOL. Thanks Riley I must have it confused with another Skinactives product I tried about 2 years ago.....My Bad! Embarassed

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 3:39 pm

So forgive me if this was already answered, but I can't seem to find it if it was, what is a vit C with the E, map ect all ready in, that's not expensive but effective. I wish I could DIY but that does not seem to be my forte'

TIA

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 3:45 pm

Tiny wrote:

So forgive me if this was already answered, but I can't seem to find it if it was, what is a vit C with the E, map ect all ready in, that's not expensive but effective. I wish I could DIY but that does not seem to be my forte'

TIA

Hi Tiny,

It is in the CHAS serum (MAP that is) a skinactives ready made product. has other nice antioxidants in it as well.

http://www.skinactives.com/CHAS-Complete-Hydrophilic-Antioxidant-Serum-with-Glutarexodin-SOD.html

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 3:52 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

Tiny wrote:

So forgive me if this was already answered, but I can't seem to find it if it was, what is a vit C with the E, map ect all ready in, that's not expensive but effective. I wish I could DIY but that does not seem to be my forte'

TIA

Hi Tiny,

It is in the CHAS serum (MAP that is) a skinactives ready made product. has other nice antioxidants in it as well.

http://www.skinactives.com/CHAS-Complete-Hydrophilic-Antioxidant-Serum-with-Glutarexodin-SOD.html

Ty! I did see that, but does this one have Vit E in it as well? Or can one still just break open a vit E capsule Laughing

. I have 80 potions that I use, but I'd love to add C back in, I luckily am in the 60% that it works on, but want an all inclusive one, if I can find it.

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 3:59 pm

Tiny wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

Tiny wrote:

So forgive me if this was already answered, but I can't seem to find it if it was, what is a vit C with the E, map ect all ready in, that's not expensive but effective. I wish I could DIY but that does not seem to be my forte'

TIA

Hi Tiny,

It is in the CHAS serum (MAP that is) a skinactives ready made product. has other nice antioxidants in it as well.

http://www.skinactives.com/CHAS-Complete-Hydrophilic-Antioxidant-Serum-with-Glutarexodin-SOD.html

Ty! I did see that, but does this one have Vit E in it as well? Or can one still just break open a vit E capsule Laughing

. I have 80 potions that I use, but I'd love to add C back in, I luckily am in the 60% that it works on, but want an all inclusive one, if I can find it.

Here is the ingredient list, I am not sure about adding Vitamin E in, you might have to shake it before each use and I would only add a very small amount if you decide to!

Water, sea kelp bioferment, sodium PCA, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, L-carnosine, L-carnitine, tetrahydrocurcuminoids, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), hesperidin methyl chalcone, aloe polysaccharides, lycopene, glutathione, glutaredoxin, superoxide dismutase, propylene glycol (and) diazolidinyl urea (and) methylparaben (and) propylparaben

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 4:16 pm

thanks I appreciate it!

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 4:20 pm

Tiny wrote:

thanks I appreciate it!

You are welcome, if I am correct the small size is .5 oz and $13.25 and 1 oz. that I bought was $25.25. So not pricey at all.

free skin care · Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:39 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

Tiny wrote:

thanks I appreciate it!

You are welcome, if I am correct the small size is .5 oz and $13.25 and 1 oz. that I bought was $25.25. So not pricey at all.

My thougths exactly, great price. Off to order!

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