Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
Paraben FreeSulfate FreeSilicone FreeMineral Oil FreeNormal SkinDry SkinCombination SkinMature SkinAnti-AgingHyperpigmentationDrynessBrighteningFirming
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
Skincare · Moisturizer · Luxury
We put Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream through our full ingredient analysis.
Chapter I · The Score
The numbers don't lie.
After analyzing 13 ingredients across four dimensions, our algorithm returned a verdict that surprised us.
0/100
Overall
Conditionally Approved
0/100
0/100
0/100
Chapter II · The Ingredients
Inside the formula.
We scored every ingredient individually. Some impressed us. Others raised serious questions.
Squalane
A high-quality, nourishing lipid that strengthens the skin barrier and effectively retains moisture.
100/100
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A very stable and oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that penetrates deep into the skin and acts as an antioxidant.
95/100
PEG-8 Beeswax
PEGs act as emulsifiers, but they can make the skin barrier more permeable to potential harmful substances.
45/100
Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil
This essential oil provides fragrance but can cause irritation or photosensitization in sensitive skin.
55/100
Bisabolol
A soothing active ingredient from chamomile that inhibits inflammation and supports skin regeneration.
100/100
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid intensely binds moisture in the skin and provides a plumping effect.
100/100
Nylon-12
A synthetic filler that pollutes the environment as non-biodegradable microplastic.
30/100
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
A synthetic polymer that provides an improved texture but is ecologically questionable.
40/100
Limonene
A declarable fragrance with allergenic potential that can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
50/100
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit (Kakadu Plum) Extract
This extract is an extremely rich natural source of Vitamin C and offers strong protection against free radicals.
100/100
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Turmeric extract has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and promotes a radiant complexion.
100/100
Tocopherol
Pure Vitamin E, which protects the skin from oxidative stress and simultaneously increases product stability.
95/100
Phenoxyethanol
A standard preservative that can rarely cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
60/100
Full ingredient list
Water/Eau/Aqua, Squalane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, C10-18 Triglycerides, PEG-8 Beeswax, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Tapioca Starch, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Citric Acid, PPG-12 Smdi Copolymer, Glycerin, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Bisabolol, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Lecithin, Nylon-12, Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax, Rosa Damascena Flower Wax, Sodium Phytate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Chlorphenesin, Microcitrus Australasica (Lime Pearl) Fruit Extract, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit (Kakadu Plum) Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Lippia Citriodora (Lemon Verbena) Flower Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Seed Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Fruit Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linalool, Dehydroacetic Acid, Water/Eau/Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Chapter III · The Deep Dive
Our expert's complete verdict.
The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream is a rich face cream that primarily focuses on brightening the complexion and protecting against free radicals with Vitamin C. It combines moisturizing lipids with various plant extracts for intensive care.
🟡 Overall Rating: Moderately concerning
The formulation contains high-quality antioxidants and lipids, but is devalued by the use of potentially irritating fragrances (essential oils), PEGs, and synthetic polymers. It is effective for non-sensitive skin, but only partially recommended for very sensitive skin types or for those focusing on pure natural cosmetics.
Individual Review of Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Rating | Function & Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Squalane | 🟢 | Nourishing lipid that strengthens the skin barrier and preserves moisture. |
| Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | 🟢 | Very stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative with excellent penetration ability. |
| PEG-8 Beeswax | 🟡 | Emulsifier based on beeswax; PEGs can make the skin more permeable to pollutants. |
| Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil | 🟡 | Essential oil for fragrance; can cause irritation in sensitive skin. |
| Bisabolol | 🟢 | Soothing active ingredient derived from chamomile. |
| Tocopherol | 🟢 | Vitamin E; acts as an antioxidant and protects ingredients from oxidation. |
| Nylon-12 | 🟡 | Synthetic filler for texture; environmentally difficult to degrade. |
| Alcohol Denat. | 🟡 | Solvent; can be drying in higher concentrations. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | 🟢 | Hyaluronic acid; effectively binds moisture in the skin. |
| Curcuma Longa Root Extract | 🟢 | Turmeric extract; acts as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. |
| Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract | 🟢 | Kakadu plum; natural source of vitamin C and antioxidants. |
| Limonene / Linalool | 🟡 | Declarable fragrances; potentially allergenic. |
| Polymethylsilsesquioxane | 🟡 | Synthetic polymer for texture improvement (soft-focus effect). |
| Phenoxyethanol | 🟡 | Classic preservative; potentially irritating in high doses. |
Environmental Compatibility
The ecological balance of the product is mixed, as it contains both natural and difficult-to-degrade synthetic components.
- ◈Biodegradability: The plant oils and extracts contained are well biodegradable, while polymers (Nylon-12) are problematic for the environment.
- ◈Microplastics: The product contains synthetic polymers such as Nylon-12 and Polymethylsilsesquioxane, which are partly classified as difficult-to-degrade plastics.
- ◈Silicones/Mineral Oils: No classic silicones or mineral oils are included in the list.
- ◈Palm Oil Issue: Ingredients such as Glycerin or Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride can be palm oil-based; information on sustainable sourcing (RSPO) is missing.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Conclusion: The cream impresses with the use of a very stable and effective form of Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) as well as high-quality plant extracts. Deductions are made for the use of potential allergens (fragrances/essential oils) and synthetic polymers, which cloud both skin compatibility and environmental balance.
Recommendation:
- ◈Who is it suitable for? Ideal for dry, dull skin seeking a "glow effect" and intensive protection.
- ◈Special Notes: Due to the essential oils (Tangerine) and fragrances (Limonene, Linalool), a patch test should be performed beforehand for rosacea or fragrance allergies.
- ◈Purchase Recommendation: Yes, for users who value performance ingredients (Vitamin C) and have no issues with perfumed products. Users of certified natural cosmetics should choose an alternative.
⚠
High Concern — Flagged Ingredient
Nylon-12
A synthetic filler that pollutes the environment as non-biodegradable microplastic.
Chapter IV · The Verdict
◈
Conditionally Approved
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream earns a 68/100 from our algorithm. A good score with some areas worth reviewing before purchase.
68Overall
62Skin Compatibility
45Environmental
55Naturalness