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

Results you may expect from using Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum:

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

  • Moderate moisturizing. It 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.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum has 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%).

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

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 anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
 
Among others, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum also contains contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Acetyl Glucosamine, two ingredients 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

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
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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
The 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
A 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

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-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

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
Description is coming soon
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A 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
An 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
Description is coming soon
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
An 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
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
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
Pomegranate 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
A 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
Description is coming soon
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
Description is coming soon
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Wheat 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
A 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
A 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
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
Description is coming soon
Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant turmeric derivative.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A 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
This 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
A 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
An 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
An 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
A 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
The 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
A chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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
A 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
An 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
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
A 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
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
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
A preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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
A 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
A 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
An 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
A 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.