SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream
by Sunday Riley · other
Editor's Take
Stable Vitamin C and real antioxidants in a silicone-heavy cream-gel that feels modern but leans hard on synthetic polymers.
Four-pillar formula scores
- Performance: 7.8 / 10
- Innovative Ingredients: 8.0 / 10
- Clean Standards: 2.5 / 10
- Formula Sustainability: 6.9 / 10
The Verdict
This is a highly advanced brightening cream that delivers on its Vitamin C promise with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate at active levels, backed by Ergothioneine and Xanthophyll for environmental defense. The cross-linked polymer network provides a sophisticated cream-gel texture and sustained hydration. The trade-off: a silicone-led base with synthetic polymers throughout, which tanks the clean score but keeps the formula stable and cosmetically elegant. Worth it if you prioritize proven actives and texture over green chemistry.
Full INCI list
Water/Eau/Aqua, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Polyglycerin-6, Propanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ergothioneine, Xanthophyll, Allantoin, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer, Mannitol, Pentylene Glycol, Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Phytate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate