
ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid
the claim
The Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid Serum claims antioxidant care, skin brightening, acne prevention, boost collagen and recovery from UV rays and recommended for oily-combination skin and for vitamin C beginners.
the science
Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin. It has the ability to decrease sun damage and dehydration plus reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Ascorbic Acid (often referred to as L-ascorbic acid or LAA) is considered its most potent form, effective at concentrations over 10%. Vitamin C is also easily absorbed into the skin and enhances the skin’s ability to repair, speeding up cell turnover with an increased ability to remove accumulated dead and damaged skin cells. Therefore, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring is able to be eased by breaking up dark spots and rejuvenating dull skin for a brighter complexion and improved texture. However, one major disadvantage of ascorbic acid is its instability, oxidising with air exposure, heat and light.
As well as containing 15% LAA, this serum also includes a much smaller concentrations of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) and Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether (EAE), stable, less effective but valuable Vitamin C derivatives. Research suggests that 1%-5% SAP can have a positive impact on breakouts so makes a good inclusion for acne defense. It appears to be added in this formula to benefit the target audience – the serum recommended for oily to combination skin types.
The serum base comprises Sea Buckthorn water, an antioxidant rich, skin super food which itself includes Vitamins C together with Vitamin E, folic acid, carotenoids, omega fatty acids and flavonoids. These impressive components give it the ability to reduce wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and photo-aging as well as stimulate collagen production. Like SAP, it’s also good for acne as it helps to keep pores clean.
Together with Vitamin C, the other hero of this formulation is Ferulic Acid, a strong antioxidant source that has the ability to decrease the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of premature aging caused by environmental stressors.
Other notable ingredients include Niacinamide, a well tolerated form of Vitamin B3. It acts as a restorative agent to offer multiple skin benefits. It can brighten skin by inhibiting melanin production, is an effective treatment against hyperpigmentation and provides a strong defense against the appearance of discolouration and age spots. Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E whose antioxidant strength boosts the fight against free radical damage to promote skin healing and diminish the signs of aging.
A good chunk of Diglycerin ensures the serum is not drying. This ingredient is a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) that helps to reduce water loss from the upper layer of the skin to retain hydration. Related to glycerin, it penetrates at a slower rate due to a larger molecular structure which in term means longer lasting moisture.
the ingredients
Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid (15%), Diglycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Tromethamine, Ferulic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Maltodextrin, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCl, Silica
the analysis
Consisting of a short list of 20 ingredients free of harmful chemicals, the CosDNA assessment returns a low hazard rating.
the packaging
The serum comes in a dark brown glass bottle with a screw top dropper dispenser. When new, in order to prevent it prematurely oxidising, it is secured with a screw top lid and plastic seal, the dropper hygienically provided in a separate pack as shown below.
the application
After cleansing, prep the skin with toner. Apply 4-5 drops of serum over dull areas that lack elasticity. When using during the day, apply UV filter with SPF15 or greater.
the scent
The serum is free of artificial fragrance and has no noticeable scent either.
the cost
A 30ml bottle costs USD$28.00.
the availability
You can purchase the ByWishtrend Pure Vitamin C 15% with Ferulic Acid from Wishtrend and Yes Style.
the expiry
This serum has a shelf life of 2.5 years and must be used within 6 months of opening.
the performance
I’m a huge fan of the 21.5% Vitamin C serum so was excited to try this comparable product. Although both are suspended in a skin loving base of Seabuckthorn Water and contain Vitamin C in its most potent LAA form, the remainder of the formulations have quite different compositions. The original appears more hydrating with Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Allantoin and Panthenol while this new release is more focused on neutralising free radicals and discolouration with abundant antioxidants and brightening agents respectively. Personally, I saw great benefit in both. They share many attributes including packaging, application, appearance and even results.
This serum is quite watery and clear and absorbs well without tackiness or residue. I purposely stored it in a drawer with my other serums to see how quickly it might oxidize. Some LAA serums begin to oxidize immediately without refrigeration. I was delighted to see that the serum only started to change colour (a sure sign of degradation) when it was near finished. Below, the first image shows the clarity of the serum when opened while the photo that follows was taken upon finishing the product. Clearly, it maintained its potency very well considering it was never refrigerated. It should be noted that I used this throughout a fairly mild Melbourne winter which had it subjected to regular indoor ducted heating although it was never hot.
I didn’t feel any sensation on the skin at any point throughout the three month usage. My skin didn’t tingle and it didn’t feel sensitized or irritated. This serum transitioned seamlessly into my routine. Being a consistent user of such actives, I didn’t expect any drastic change in the appearance of my skin in terms of lines or tone. Afterall, I’ve been using similiar or higher strength LAA products consistently for several years. This serum definitely continued where those left off, my complexion remaining fresh and bright. There wasn’t any improvement observed in dark spots but my imperfections are pretty permanent, present due to sun damage.
Regarding the claims, this definitely presents antioxidant care to address ageing concerns and also helped to keep my skin bright. I didn’t recognize any boost to collagen which is near impossible to gauge without lab conditions anyway. I can see this being useful for treating acne scars and accelerating their repair while the different vitamin C derivatives would also help prevent breakouts. However, inflamed acne is not a condition I suffer so I can’t confirm this claim.
As for the recommendation, it’s not only great for oily-combination skin types and vitamin C beginners, I would go so far as to state that it’s a universally suitable product. The only exception I can envisage would be those sensitive to acids in general or allergic to any of the ingredients. It’s sufficiently potent to satisfy Vitamin C lovers and yet gentle enough to please beginners too.
the conclusion
I didn’t expect to enjoy this serum as much as my favourite Vitamin C, the sister product from ByWishtrend but I really did! I loved this serum and would be more than happy to have it in my routine again. It’s so gentle yet effective, an excellent alternative to the 21.5% version which although still remarkably gentle, may challenge some users due to its high concentration of LAA.
the summary
Pros | Cons |
Safe formula without harmful ingredients | Only available online |
Slow rate of oxidation | |
Effective LAA concentration | |
Improves brightness and tone | |
Non sticky, fast absorption | |
Suitable for all skin types |
the references
Wishtrend webisite
What Are Vitamin C’s Benefits For Skin? Into the Gloss
How does Vitamin C help my skin Paula’s Choice Skincare
The incredible skincare benefits of Vitamin C! Nourished Life
Revitalize Aging Skin with Topical Vitamin C Gary Goldfaden, MD
Sea Buckthorn Berries, the Superfood for Your Skin AnneMarie Skin care
Sea Buckthorn Truth In Aging
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Paula’s Choice Skincare
Diglycerin INCI Decoder
What Is Ferulic Acid? Everything You’ve Wanted to Know (And More) Brooke Shunatona
the disclaimer
Please read in context with my disclaimer.
This product was provided to me free of charge by WishTrend for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by WishTrend or any of its representatives.

