Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.2 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈15.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum also contains contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Acetyl Glucosamine, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈15.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
15.1
15
3
2
1.5
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.6
2
1.2
1.1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.3
1.3
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.6 10
9.6
2
1.2
1.1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.3 20
1.2
1.3
1.0
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.2
1.1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.6 10
9.6
All humectants
9.6
2
1.2
1.1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
1
All occlusives 2.3 20
1.2
All occlusives
2.3
1.3
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 15 2.5
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
15
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
15
1.1
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 21.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
21.2
Ascorbic Acid
15
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
1.1
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
1
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1
Tocopherol
1
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Ferulic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
0.3
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.2
1.1
1
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.9 5 No
All soothing
3.9
1.2
1.1
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %45
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %15.1
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %15
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Laureth-23
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %1.2
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %1.1
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruits of the Indian gooseberry, also called Amla, which is rich in acids, vitamin C, astringent tannins, and humectant moisturizing sugars.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Tocopherol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment ExtractPomegranate juice that has been fermented by Lactobacillus bacteria. It is reported to be able to promote the creation of moisturizing hyaluronic acid.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Wheat ProteinWheat protein broken down into its individual amino acids. It is commonly used as a film-former and antistatic agent.
Ferulic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ferulic AcidA plant-based phenolic acid with powerful and scientifically proven antioxidant properties. It enhances the effects of vitamins C and E, as well as the UV protective effects of sunscreens.
Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TetrahydrodiferuloylmethaneAn antioxidant turmeric derivative.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Sucrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SucroseThis ingredient is more commonly known as table sugar or saccharose and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. It is used as a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products, as well as a sweetener.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chondrus Crispus ExtractAn extract from the species of red marine algae called Irish moss or carrageen moss. It is edible and widely used to produce carrageenan, a polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium DehydroacetateA sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid that is most commonly used as a preservative. It is a strong fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it an effective broad-spectrum preservative.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.