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C.E.O. C + E Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer has a creamy, rich texture ideal for improving dry skin. Its anti-aging action comes from a stable form of vitamin C known as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which can help protect and repair skin (you still need sunscreen) It also contains some impressive emollients.
Despite these positive traits, the formula rates on the low side thanks to the inclusion of tangerine peel oil and fragrant plant extracts, including the called-out lime pearl. And my goodness, is this moisturizer ever fragrant!
The lime is from an Australian species of the citrus fruit. It contains a high amount of limonene, a potent skin sensitizer (Phytochemistry, January 2015). See More Info to learn how daily use of fragrant products is bad news for skin.
The other issue isn't quite as troublesome as the fragrance, but deserves mention because it is a waste of your money and that's the jar packaging. Although the form of vitamin C is more stable than pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), it can still begin breaking down with repeated exposure to light and air, as we explain in the More Info section. This moisturizer also contains good plant extracts prone to breaking down when exposed to light and air.
C.E.O. C + E Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer claims to fight the visible signs of sensitivity, dehydration, dullness, uneven tone, and premature lines and wrinkles, but its formula comes up short in too many ways. The fragrance ingredients absolutely won't fight sensitivity, but they can trigger it! And although higher amounts of vitamin C (this product contains 5%) can improve wrinkles and skin tone, the issues jar packaging presents reduces that potential. See our list of Best Vitamin C products and Best Moisturizers for instant access to products that don't have this one's drawbacks.
- Creamy rich texture is ideal for improving dry skin.
- Contains an impressive amount of a reliable form of vitamin C.
- Tangerine oil, lime pearl, and fragrance pose a strong risk of irritation.
- Jar packaging won't keep this formula's best ingredients stable once opened.
This reaction in turn leads to all kinds of problems, including disrupting skin's barrier, worsening dryness, increasing or triggering redness, depleting vital substances in skin's surface, and generally preventing skin from looking healthy, smooth, and hydrated. Fragrance free is always the best way to go for all skin types.
A surprising fact: Even though you can't always see or feel the negative effects of fragrant ingredients on skin, the damage will still be taking place, even if it's not evident on the surface. Research has demonstrated that you don't need to see or feel the effects of irritation for your skin to be suffering. Much like the effects from cumulative sun damage, the negative impact and the visible damage from fragrance may not become apparent for a long time.
References for this information:
Biochimica and Biophysica Acta, May 2012, pages 1410–1419
Aging, March 2012, pages 166–175
Chemical Immunology and Allergy, March 2012, pages 77–80
Experimental Dermatology, October 2009, pages 821–832
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2008, pages 191–202
International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 27, 2008, Supplement, pages 1–43
Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 2008, pages 446–475
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 789–798
Jar Packaging & Anti-Aging Moisturizers: Beneficial anti-aging ingredients, which include all plant extracts, almost all vitamins, antioxidants, and other state-of-the-art ingredients, are unstable, which means they begin to break down in the presence of air. Once a jar is opened and lets air in, these important ingredients begin to deteriorate, becoming less and less effective. Routine exposure to daylight also is problematic for these ingredients.
Jar packaging is also unsanitary because you dip your fingers into the jar with each use, contaminating the product. This stresses the preservative system, leading to further deterioration of the beneficial ingredients.
Remember: The ingredients that provide the most benefit in addressing visible signs of aging must be in airtight or air-restrictive packaging to remain effective throughout usage. Buying products in this type of packaging means that the ingredients have the best chance of remaining effective—to the benefit of your skin!
References for this information:
Pharmacology Review, July 2013, pages 97–106
Dermatologic Therapy, May-June 2012, pages 252–259
Current Drug Delivery, November 2011, pages 640–660
Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, May 2011, pages 4676–4683
Journal of Biophotonics, January 2010, pages 82–88
Guidelines of Stability Testing of Cosmetic Products, Colipa-CTFA, March 2004, pages 1–10
Luxuriously hydrating and scientifically advanced, C.E.O. provides fast-absorbing moisturization without greasinessprotecting during the day and visibly repairing at night. It is enriched with five percent powerful, lipid-soluble, advanced vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, the most superior form), which is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid and other vitamin C derivatives. Blended with protective, anti-pollution exopolysaccharides and refining lime pearl extract, C.E.O. moisturizes your skin, visibly brightens, supports natural collagen, provides antioxidant support, and expertly fights the five visible signs of environmental and micropollution-induced skin damage: sensitivity, dehydration, dullness, uneven tone, and premature lines and wrinkles.
Sunday Riley is a brand that has captured the attention of many with its mix of luxury-positioned skincare products and its ties to today's top fashion designers. This coupling, plus the brand's cult-like status among beauty editors, has led many of our readers to ask us whether Sunday Riley products are deserving of the hype. The answer: Yes and no.
Often noted in Sunday Riley's products is the NV-5 Ageless Complex. Despite the number 5 in this trade name, the complex contains a mix of seven plant ingredients: prickly pear extract, blue agave, lady's slipper orchid extract, opuntia tuna fruit, cactus extract, aloe, and a type of yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
We explored the research on each of the ingredients in the NV-5 Ageless Complex. While all of them have some benefit for skin, they're not ingredients that have comparative benefit to long established ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide, for example.
This brand has some intriguing products and many of them contain beneficial ingredients that are packaged to maintain their effectiveness, but there are a few missteps in terms of highly fragrant formulas. Even the highly rated products are on the pricey side for what you get, but at least if you choose to indulge you'll know which products are worth buying.
Sunday Riley products are available at several online retailers, as well as at Sephora stores.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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