If you're on the market for a vitamin C serum, Timeless is well-known for having a similar formulation for the eye-wateringly expensive Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum, and made in the USA. It usually sells for $30-$40 for the 30ml size (e.g. $38.95 at Lila beauty), I've never seen it this cheap before. This is a limited time deal, so discount codes won't lower the price further. Stylevana website indicates that they are also in stock (which isn't always the case for this store, see blurb in second section)
I have tried many Vitamin C serums but haven't tried Timeless, but there are many reviews online and comparisons with Skinceuticals.
It comes in two strengths - 10% and 20% Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid, with added Vitamin E and ferulic acid, making a good combo for antioxidants and delaying the infamous oxidisation of Vit C. Like other water-based pure vitamin C serums, it should be used as soon as possible, stored in the fridge once opened and should be to be used up in a few months after opening.
Why would I use this?
Vitamin C brightens dull complexions and evens out skin tone (good for skin with hyperpigmentation), and the combo of Vit C - Vit E - ferulic acid protects against environmental stressors for the skin. Vit C is also good stimulating collagen production.
How do I use this?
Use it after cleansing and drying your skin, and before applying moisturiser/sunscreen. Store it either in the fridge (recommended after opening) or in a dark place as Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air.
Which concentration should I buy - 10% or 20%?
Get 10% if you are new to pure vitamin C serums, to build up your tolerance, as it can be irritating due to the low pH. If you're not a beginner, you can try the stronger 20%.
Which size should I buy - 30ml or 50ml?
I would only recommend buying the bigger 50ml size if you are going to be using it night and day, otherwise stick with 30ml for maximum efficacy.
Check out their flash sales or secret member sale for other deals to take your order up to $49.
Warning : please read below to avoid a disappointing customer experience with Stylevana
Stylevana has very good prices and ships from Hong Kong. However, customer support is close to non-existent, and you need to understand how to avoid waiting months for your parcel to be shipped. Not everything listed on their website is in stock, but the listing will tell you if something is in stock. If all your items are in stock, you'll get your parcel in 1.5 to 2 weeks. If even one item is not in stock, you can expect to wait for months for your order. To avoid long waits, you need to read the details on the product you're looking at which will have one of the following annotations.
- In Stock: Usually shipped within 24 hours
- Limited Stock: Usually shipped within 24 hours but low quantities are left
- Usually shipped within 7 working days
- Usually shipped within 7 – 14 working days
- Usually shipped within 30 working days
- Out of stock
Make sure everything in your basket is 'In stock' if you don't want to wait. They never ship in 24 hours even if that's the case, expect several days of delay before items are shipped out. Anything that says 'Usually shipped…' means they do not have stock.
I usually pay the $2+ insured delivery method which ends up being Aramex. This is because Stylevana is known to be unhelpful if the parcel is lost otherwise.
Thanks moocher - great post as usual.
This has been my “go-to” vitamin c for years now, it was a “dupe” for the very expensive skinceuticals one (or at least that’s what I tell myself).
I have the larger 120ml bottle and it hasn’t changed in color in several months but I store it in the fridge.