Price : ~$20 for 2oz (US)

Special Info : Vegan, cruelty-free

Main Claim : Brightening, antioxidant-rich serum with sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP)

I received a sample of the Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum in a Whole Foods beauty bag, and got impressed with it, making me purchas one. I’ve been using this long enough to share some thoughts, especially since SAP-based vitamin C serums don’t get nearly enough love around here.

Ingredient Highlights

The star here is sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP), a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C. It’s not as strong as pure ascorbic acid, but it’s much gentler on the skin and doesn’t oxidize nearly as quickly. If you’ve ever been burned (literally or figuratively) by traditional low-pH vitamin C serums, this is worth looking into.

SAP has a few well-documented benefits

✅ Photoprotection (though less potent than ascorbic acid)

✅ Helps inhibit melanin production (can assist with hyperpigmentation)

✅ Collagen support (based on in vitro studies)

✅ Effective for acne (some studies back this up)

That said, it’s important to remember that a lot of this research is either in vitro or based on animal models. Still, the general consensus is that SAP is a solid, gentle alternative for those who want the benefits of vitamin C without the irritation.

The Downside?

Unfortunately, Derma E doesn’t disclose the percentage of SAP in the formula. Their customer service gave a thoughtful (if vague) explanation: the formula is designed for maximum effectiveness without irritation. Fair enough but for ingredient-focused buyers, that lack of transparency is a bit of a bummer. If you want a known SAP concentration, Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum (10% SAP) might be a better pick.

Texture, Scent & Packaging

Texture-wise, light and smooth, layers beautifully under moisturizer and sunscreen. No tackiness.

Scent-wise, a soft, lemony cake scent that disappears quickly. Personally, I found it pleasant and subtle enough not to irritate.

Packaging-wise, my sample came in an airless pump, which I loved. The full size also has a pump, though I’m not sure if it’s airless.

My Experience

For context, my skin is pretty “normal”, a little dry in winter and a bit oily in the summer. I had some irritation going on when I started testing this, and I’m happy to report it caused zero stinging or flare-ups.

I’ve been using it mostly for maintenance, not to treat a specific issue, so I can’t say I saw a dramatic transformation. But it feels like a high-quality, well-formulated serum, one I actually look forward to using. It plays nicely with the rest of my routine and hasn’t caused any breakouts or sensitivity.

Therefore

If you're new to vitamin C or have had trouble with irritation in the past, this is a fantastic entry point. I do wish they were more transparent about the active concentration, but the formula itself is thoughtfully made and truly enjoyable to use.

I'd give 4 out of 5 to this.

Would be a solid 5 if they disclosed the percentage of SAP!

Reminder! Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so definitely seek out multiple reviews and patch test when trying something new, especially with actives like vitamin C.

Let me know if you’ve tried this one or if you have a favorite SAP serum!