Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
8.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 2.4 out of 10 and a very high Occlusivity of 8.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈9.0%) and C10-18 Triglycerides (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, and Alteromonas Ferment Extract. 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 generate 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 some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Rich Hydration Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈4.0%).

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
60
Water
9
Squalane
6
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
4
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
3
C10-18 Triglycerides
2.5
PEG-8 Beeswax
2
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
1.5
Tapioca Starch
1.3
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
1
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
0.3
Glycerin
0.3
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
0.3
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
0.3
Bisabolol
0.3
Jojoba Esters
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Nylon-12
0.3
Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax
0.3
Rosa Damascena Flower Wax
0.3
Sodium Phytate
0.3
Cetyl Alcohol
0.3
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Alcohol Denat.
0.3
Chlorphenesin
0.3
Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract
0.3
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
0.3
Lippia Citriodora Flower Extract
0.3
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
0.3
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
0.3
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
0.3
Benzyl Alcohol
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
C10-18 Triglycerides
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8 Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Tapioca Starch
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Nylon-12
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Damascena Flower Wax
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lippia Citriodora Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
16.1
9.0
3.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.4 10
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 16.1 20
8.1
9.0
3.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.4 10
2.4
All humectants
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 16.1 20
8.1
All occlusives
16.1
9.0
3.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 4 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
4
Tocopherol
0.3
Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
0.3
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
0.3
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Squalane
Est. %9
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
C10-18 Triglycerides
Est. %3
Function
Origin
C10-18 TriglyceridesAn occlusive ingredient that helps lock in moisture. It provides a soft, smooth feel and melts at body temperature.
PEG-8 Beeswax
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PEG-8 BeeswaxDescription is coming soon
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 DistearateDescription is coming soon
Tapioca Starch
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Tapioca StarchTapioca starch is used to absorb excess oil and provide slip for dry powder formulations.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Vegetable OilA solid, butter-like substance that is a highly occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It is a mixture of various plant oils (such as soy, olive, corn, canola, peanut, and many others) which has been refined.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI CopolymerDescription is coming soon
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel OilA fragrant oil extracted from tangerine peels that, like other citrus peels, contains a citrusy-scented phytochemical known as limonene.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates CopolymerA synthetic polymer that can come in various forms and is often used to create light gel-like textures. Some versions can also create a light film on the skin.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BisabololAn anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LimoneneOne of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Nylon-12
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nylon-12A synthetic powdered ingredient that imparts unique sensorial characteristics due to its microsphere structure. It can also control viscosity by bulking up the oil phase of a skincare product.
Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Centifolia Flower WaxDescription is coming soon
Rosa Damascena Flower Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower WaxDescription is coming soon
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 BeeswaxDescription is coming soon
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out 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.
Citrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Australasica Fruit ExtractDescription is coming soon
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit ExtractExtracted from the fruits of the Kakadu plum (which is the richest source of vitamin C among all plants) this ingredient acts as an excellent antioxidant. Besides this, it is also an antimicrobial agent with some humectant properties.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract

For the most part, shea butter extract has the same composition and uses as the regular shea butter. It is used in skincare products as an emollient ingredient.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAn 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.
Citrus Junos Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Junos Fruit ExtractAn extract from Yuzu (a citrus hybrid) which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from the fruits of the acai palm. It has a high content of anthocyanins, responsible for the dark purple color, as well as other antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Lippia Citriodora Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lippia Citriodora Flower ExtractDescription is coming soon
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed ExtractAn occlusive moisturizing extract from the seeds of the evening primrose that contains a rare emollient gamma-linolenic acid.
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruits of the Rosa canina, better known as rosehip. It contains carotenoids, which give it its bright, orange-red color, as well as high amounts of antioxidant vitamin C, flavonoids, tannins, and organic acids.
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alteromonas Ferment ExtractAn (allegedly) anti-wrinkle mixture of exopolysaccharides from marine microorganisms.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.
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.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.