Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow vs. Skinceuticals Phloretin CF

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Today, I’m going to talk about C-Glow from Geek & Gorgeous, a Hungarian brand that I discovered only a few months ago. We will analyze this Vitamin C serum before comparing it with the incomparable Phloretin CF by Skinceuticals.

If The Ordinary, Niod, Paula’s Choice and Skinceuticals had a child (I know, it’s hard to have a child with 4, but let’s assume), it would be Geek & Gorgeous.

Geek & Gorgeous, what is it?

There is little information about this brand, as it is a Hungarian brand. The creator has created a cosmetic review website. She realized that it would be better if she launched her own brand, selling products with a minimalist list of ingredients, while having concentrated active ingredients.

C-Glow

C-Glow is one of their star serums, which contains 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). L-ascorbic acid is an anti-oxidant, which boosts collagen production and reduces hyperpigmentation

Since it is an unstable ingredient in water, Skinceuticals found a way to stabilize it with Ferulic acid and vitamin E. Unfortunately, this trick has been copied/pasted by quite a few brands, but obviously, the techniques are not the same. SkinCeuticals’ process is patented. Other serums contain ferulic acid and vitamin E, but they may not be the same concentration. C-Glow is therefore considered a dupe (a copy) of SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums, but with a much more affordable price (€10.5 vs. €157 at Skinceuticals).

To combat this instability, C-Glow is produced once a week. All C-Glow that is sent to consumers is fresh. Thus, we have access to the unoxidized serum, which will deliver its full potential.

Ingredients

Water, (L-)Ascorbic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Butylene Glycol, Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide

My opinion

Packaging : What I find cute about Geek & Gorgeous is the box with icons specific to each product. C-Glow has the sun icon

All serums at Geek & Gorgeous come in the dark bottles, to protect them from light. The dropper, included, is great!

Oxidation

2 months later, the bottle on the outside has oxidized, like in the picture (pipette on the left). The smell of the oxidized vitamin C is typical. It is a smell that one can recognize immediately.

The bottle in the fridge has oxidized a bit too (but less). It’s the pipette on the right. I admit that I did not respect the “cold chain.” As I changed countries and apartments in the meantime, the two unused serums stayed out of the fridge for several days (but not opened)

Texture

Like a normal water-based serum, the skin absorbs it immediately. Besides, it’s a bit dangerous because we tend to use too much of it, whereas a few drops are enough for the whole face.

Efficiency

When the serum arrived all clear, the serum was way too strong for me. Not only was L-ascorbic acid at 15% (I usually use 10% max), but it was fresh and therefore even stronger. My skin was strong enough at that point but not strong enough for 15%, apparently. I had a skin reaction (two cystic pimples that took a long time to heal).

I waited for the two pimples to heal before using this serum again a month later (you should never use vitamin C with active acne). In the meantime, it oxidized a bit, so it was much better for me. I also use less product: only 2 drops instead of 4 drops.

I honestly think that my sensitive skin can’t stand overly concentrated Vitamin C, and doesn’t like Vitamin E very much.

When the serum became oxidized, I was much better. No more reactions to report. I use it in the morning with an SPF, as recommended

In terms of effectiveness against hyperpigmentation, this vitamin C alone does not have a huge impact. However, when I use it alternately with retinol (vitamin C every morning and retinol 2-3 times a week in the evening), my skin suddenly has more radiance. The two create a synergy that brings out the best in each other. Of course, I always recommend Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni retinol (Sephora link)

Geek & Gorgeous vs. Skinceuticals

Since this is a Skinceuticals dupe, I’m going to do the comparison between this product and Skinceuticals vitamin C.

You can see that C-Glow is closer to the formulation of CE Ferulic from Skinceuticals than to Phloretin CF (my serum).

I only bought Phloretin CF, so I’m only comparing it with the serum I have. Already, it is clearly noticeable that Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow is “fresher” than Phloretin. My Phloretin CF serum, upon purchase, is immediately a bit yellow, while the Geek & Gorgeous serum is transparent. By the way, Skinceuticals never said that their serum had to be transparent.

After a year, my Skinceuticals has become very yellow, very oxidized, but it’s not a particular incident (my skin is not more yellow after application).

Since Phloretin CF contains less Vitamin C (10% vs. C-Glow) and does not contain Vitamin E, I have never had a purge or reaction with Phloretin.

Now, with C-Glow, before it oxidized, I had an immediate reaction with this serum.

Even when heavily oxidized, Phloretin CF has more effect on dark spots than fresh C-Glow. C-Glow needs to be combined with regular use of retinol, to give the same result as Phloretin CF alone.

Conclusion

• I think that on sensitive skins, it is necessary to wait for C-Glow oxidation to use it.
• It would be best if you used it when you have no more pimples
• The serum is effective if retinol is integrated into the routine and used regularly
• SkinCeuticals’ Vitamine C is always more effective. They have the best vitamin C on the market. However, if you don’t have the possibility to spend 157€ in one go for Phloretin CF, C-Glow is a good alternative, but it will be slower, that’s all

Where to buy ?

Geek & Gorgeous is currently only sold on their official website. This allows them to deliver the freshest products.

You can buy it here for 10,5€ for 30ml

Delivery is free for all orders over 50€, and costs 5€ for all orders between 25€ and 50€. 15€ for any order under 25€.

Personally, I also recommend you to buy aPad, B-Bomb and HA 5 Light from the same brand, which I already reviewed. These products are excellent too.

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