I had read about the benefits of adding a vitamin C serum to my routine so many times but I didn't really give it much thought because I already had products with brightening agents. Most of the vitamic C serums I saw were also past my budget so it was in the least wanted products for me. In one of my skincare shopping however, I bought one because it was affordable and then the anti-aging properties it promises.
Vitamin C used topically is known to help fade hyperpigmentation caused by acne, improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten the skin appearance, and protect from UV light. The Dr Rashel Vitamin C Brightening & Anti-aging Face Serum claimed to do all these like every other vitamin C product out there and for the price of 2500 Naira. I wouldn't say I'm a cheapskate but I always love a good deal. What's the worse that could happen? It's just 2500 Naira, I thought.
Well, a lot happened in just one week of usage. I had read the negative reviews about this product but I was willing to give this a try because I had earlier used a face cream from the brand. The face cream didn't do anything for me and the smell irritated me but nothing bad happened to my face. I went in with the same mindset that this serum wasn't going to harm me, I thought the worse that would happen was that it wouldn't make a difference in my routine.
In the week I used it, I noticed I had an acne breakout which was weird because I had just recovered from a long breakout. I had to stop this new product I introduced to my routine just in case that was the problem. Weeks later, I decided to try again and the same thing happened. At this point, it was clear that the Dr Rashel vitamin C serum was the culprit.
All of the negative reviews are indeed true, this serum causes a very bad acne breakout that takes a while to recover from. People with oily/acne prone skin will probably suffer this more but I wouldn't advice even normal skin types to try this after my experience. I mistakenly used it a few more times because it was sitting with the rest of my serums and I also had the same experience.
It crossed my mind that I might have bought a fake but I highly doubt that because I got it from a trusted vendor and the QR code on the pack shows it's authentic. Some products work better for some more than others, in this case, the negative reviews overshadow the positive. I think this is a bad product and I will never recommend it to anyone. You're better off saving to buy quality, effective and safe brands.
I won't be purchasing the Dr Rashel Vitamin C Brightening & Anti-aging Face Serum or any other product from the brand ever again. I'd rate the serum 0/10. It is ineffective, has a strong irritating citrus smell, heavy texture, and acne causing.
Images are mine. Edited on Lensa and Lightroom.
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Is this product approved by the authorities? Too bad there are products circulating that cause more problems and not solutions.
I think it is over here.
How unfortunate! Just because it is original, does not mean it is approved for use or that it is good. I have a vitamin C serum, it hasn't produced acne breakouts and it's from the Garnier brand, although I honestly don't see much positive effect on my skin, but negatives none at least.
Garnier is a reputable brand, I have used their micellar water before and it was great.
That's true!
It's often the case with citric products, sadly. It sucks, especially since it's so easy to get sucked into the hype for a skin product. Personally, I've found simple, natural products work best. I love clay masks and baking soda for breakouts, and natural oils (rosemary, geranium, camelia) for moisturising.
Oh wow. I didn't do my findings well enough. Just learning now that acne prone skin might react to Vitamin C.
I use ready-made clay masks sometimes, I am weary of diy-ing skincare because of my acne problems.
It's why I've been so cautious buying skin care. I am mostly sticking to name brand and I think they work just fine. Although there are plenty cheaper skin care, I am very cautious of them. But yeah, like you mentioned about Vit C, a lot of people mention they're good for anti-aging but I am assuming it also depends on the skin type too.
I have now learnt Vitamin C is not so great for acne prone skin. Won't be buying it anymore.
I'd rather stick to what I know but sometimes the rave gets to me and I get curious.
How sad that you have had such an experience, unfortunately no one is free from suffering an allergic reaction. Hopefully if you choose to try vitamin C again you will have a different and positive experience.
I'm too scarred to try it again 😄 It was a good learning experience though.
Thanks for sharing,I also would love to try it out🤗
You would? I thought I did a good job demarketing it 😄
Thanks for sharing 🤗
Thank you. Seen it.