By now you probably know why having Vitamin C in your skincare routine matters. But sometimes the high price of certain products can feel like a prohibitive factor in adding in this great ingredient.

That’s why I was really excited to test and review Derma E’s new Vitamin C line and give you my thoughts! This is a line with products at such an accessible price point, that work. Each product features a totally stable form of Vitamin C that they claim “may support collagen health.” The line is also 100% vegan, soy- and cruelty-free.

Let’s dig in!

DERMA E VITAMIN C MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER REVIEW

First things first—I stan a good micellar water. I find them to be the best for gentle morning cleanses and removing eye makeup. (Yes, even better than those greasy oil-based eye makeup removers that work well but leave your skin feeling like an oil slick.)

I used this one in the morning in place of cleanser and was happy with how it was able to gently remove what traces of treatment were on my skin from the night before. It stung a touch around the eyes (maybe the Vitamin C at work), but not prohibitively so.

Big thing to note with this one: This formula contains traces of essential oils for fragrance, which can be irritating for some skin types. It’s last on the ingredient list, but still worth noting if you have any sensitivity toward fragrance, natural or otherwise.

DERMA E VITAMIN C GENTLE DAILY CLEANSING PASTE REVIEW

This one! Okay, so this one was the biggest surprise of the whole line. I read the words “cleansing paste” and immediately worried this would make my currently breakout-prone skin go on the fritz, and dry it out in a major way. Imagine my surprise when I used it and realized that it’s actually quite gentle and soothing on the skin.

The formula is a carnation-pink paste that gently foams when water is added. When rinsed, it actually left my skin feeling quite soft, and not stripped of moisture at all.

I will continue to use this as a great gentle morning cleanser, or as a second step after oil cleansing at night.

Truly loved this one. And at $13.95, this is a great deal too!

DERMA E VITAMIN C RENEWING MOISTURIZER REVIEW

This moisturizer lives up to its description—a “lightweight, radiance-boosting moisturizer.” It comes in a pump to preserve the active nature of Vitamin C, and it does truly have a light and fast-absorbing texture. There is a slight natural-fragrance smell to it, and when I applied it in the morning or night, it absorbed into my skin with no irritation within 1-2 minutes.

I didn’t notice any immediate lightening of spots, but I’ve only been sampling this for a short time, so it very well may deliver that for some people. I’d suggest this for someone who wants to start to integrate Vitamin C into their routine but doesn’t want to do a serum. It’s definitely a less-powerful (and therefore potentially less irritating) formula than a serum, but still delivers the benefits of Vitamin C into your skincare routine. As always, if you’re using this during the daytime, follow up with a great SPF!

Again, a great price point at $19.99.

DERMA E VITAMIN C CONCENTRATED SERUM REVIEW

This formula has both Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which helps skin to attract and maintain moisture—so you’re getting two benefits in one!

The consistency of this serum is more on the watery side, which is a definite plus in my book! I find many Vitamin C serums feel tacky and leave my skin sticky; the fact that this one soaked right in, with no irritation, is a huge plus. I’m always rotating my Vitamin C serums, but this one may get a full-time placement because of its ease of application.

I can’t speak to its performance versus high-end products, because I don’t have the ability to give side-by-side performance data in a scientific way, but I will say, if you’re looking to add in a well-priced, stabilized Vitamin C serum that won’t leave your skin feeling irritated (Vitamin C is an acid, after all!), or you generally have sensitive skin, this serum might be a good place to start. Use it after cleansing and before moisturizer/SPF, and see how your spots fade and your face brightens over time!

Again, at $19.99 (and coupons all the time at Ulta), what do you have to lose?!

DERMA E VITAMIN C BRIGHT EYES HYDRO GEL PATCHES REVIEW

Let me preface this review by saying, I kinda hate hydro patches for eyes. I find them to be a little redundant; like, if I’m using a great eye cream already, why do I have to stick it under some plastic for 20 minutes?

Well in the interest of giving a full review, I had to try these when I got them, and you know what? They may actually make a convert of me!

These are made of a thin gel that clings to skin, and they’re infused with Vitamin C and other hydrating ingredients. They left my undereye area feeling soothed and not at all irritated—another massive miracle, considering how irritating Vitamin C as an ingredient can be overall. Because the serum is left on your skin after peeling off, there was a stickiness to my undereye area after I removed them, but it wasn’t a big deal since I was just going to bed. Probably best to use these at night for that reason.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This is an awesome line to get introduced to the benefits of Vitamin C, at a reasonable cost and with (at least in my experience) no irritation. I was truly satisfied with the results, and the only people who may experience issues are those with sensitivities to fragrant oils (which are in several of the formulations; make sure to check the labels if this is you!).

They also make a Vitamin C Instant Radiance Citrus Facial Peel with glycolic and lactic acids, for a quick glow on the go.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!