*Spoiler! I'd say this deserves ★★★★½ 

After two weeks of consistent use, I’m pleasantly surprised by how well the e.l.f. Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum has performed, especially considering its price point. Here’s a breakdown of my experience.

● Pros

• Noticeable Radiance Boost. Within days, I saw a visible improvement in skin glow and overall radiance. With continued use, the results became even more impressive.

• Layers Beautifully. It wears exceptionally well under moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup, no pilling or greasiness.

• Affordable Skinceuticals Dupe. At just $8 for the mini and $16 for the full size, this is a standout alternative to the $182 Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum.

• User-Friendly Packaging. The mini comes with a standard squeeze dropper, while the full size features a push-button dropper, both offer good control and easy application.

• Sensitive Skin Approved. I have dry, sensitive skin and experienced zero irritation, which is rare with vitamin C products.

• Clean, Non-Greasy Finish. No lingering oily or tacky residue. Just smooth, hydrated skin.

• Effective Formula. Light hyperpigmentation has visibly faded, and my skin tone appears more even and refined.

• Great Texture. The consistency feels lightweight and hydrating with a smooth application.

• Hydrating Bonus. Leaves skin feeling firm, plump, and moisturized, impressive for a vitamin C product.

• Aesthetic Packaging. The sleek glass bottle feels high-end and looks great on the shelf.

■ Cons/Neutrals

▪︎ The scent. It has a subtle earthy, herbal scent with a slightly medicinal undertone. It’s not unpleasant, and it dissipates quickly.

▪︎ Initial Stickiness. There’s a light tacky feel at first, but it fades quickly, especially once moisturizer or SPF is layered on top.

▪︎ Dropper Quirks. Occasionally, small air bubbles appear in the dropper, which can affect dispensing slightly.

▪︎ Pilling Only With HA Serum. I noticed very mild pilling twice when layering this over hyaluronic acid serum without giving it enough time to absorb. When I let my first serum dry properly, I had no issues.

Conclusions 

This serum has absolutely earned a spot in my regular routine. The glow it gives rivals that of many luxury brands I’ve tried, and the ingredient list is thoughtfully formulated for both efficacy and tolerance. While it has a few minor quirks, the benefits, especially at this price, easily outweigh them.

I’ll be repurchasing the full size as soon as my mini runs out. If you're on the hunt for an effective, budget-friendly vitamin C serum that delivers real results, this is a fantastic one to consider.

* This is where I got, so If you are interested, give it a shot!