Marie Veronique Vitamin C Serums Review: Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum vs. C-Therapy Serum

January 12, 2025

When it comes to Marie Veronique Vitamin C serums, the quest for a potent yet clean formula that delivers noticeable results is one many skincare enthusiasts pursue. Marie Veronique, a pioneer in green and scientifically advanced skincare, offers two standout contenders: the Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum and the C-Therapy Seru m. Both are crafted with the brand’s signature dedication to clean beauty and botanically-rich formulations. But which one should you choose? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison to help you decide.

Formula & Ingredients

Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m

Marie Veronique’s Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m takes inspiration from the renowned C E Ferulic formula pioneered by Skinceuticals, but with a clean beauty twist. Unlike many Vitamin C serums that rely solely on one form of Vitamin C, this serum incorporates multiple forms for enhanced efficacy:

L-Ascorbic Acid (5%): The most potent and well-researched form of Vitamin C, known for its ability to brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote collagen production.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that penetrates deeper into the skin, supporting collagen synthesis and reducing signs of aging.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A gentle, water-soluble form of Vitamin C with proven brightening and antioxidant benefits.
L-Ascorbyl Palmitate: A fat-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant protection and stability.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Enhances the stability of Vitamin C and provides additional antioxidant protection.
Ferulic Acid: Works synergistically with Vitamins C and E to boost their efficacy and stability.
Botanical Extracts: The inclusion of green tea leaf infusion, apricot kernel oil, and tomato fruit/leaf stem extract provides additional antioxidant and soothing properties.
Advanced Actives: Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone), Glutathione, Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid), and Astaxanthin are potent antioxidants that further enhance skin protection against environmental stressors.

This serum is a high-performance option, delivering visible brightening, firming, and evening out of skin tone. Its clean formulation without unnecessary fillers gives it an edge over many other CE Ferulic competitors.

C-Therapy Serum

The C -Therapy Serum, a collaboration with skin expert Kristina Holey, offers a more sophisticated, nuanced approach to Vitamin C delivery. Its ingredients include:

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that penetrates deeply, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Provides brightening and antioxidant benefits in a gentle, water-soluble form.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: Another gentle form of Vitamin C known for its stability and ability to improve skin tone.
3-Glyceryl Ascorbate: A less common form of Vitamin C that offers hydration alongside antioxidant protection.
Niacinamide: This multi-benefit ingredient improves skin barrier function, reduces redness, and helps regulate oil production.
Botanical Oils: Jojoba, broccoli seed, and grape seed oils offer lightweight hydration and antioxidant benefits.
Ferulic Acid: Like in the Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum, it boosts the efficacy and stability of the Vitamin C forms.
Beta-Glucan and Mushroom Extracts: Known for their soothing and hydrating properties, making this serum particularly suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.
Turmeric Root Extract: Provides anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits.
Advanced Actives: Glutathione and Alpha-Lipoic Acid offer additional antioxidant and anti-aging support.

While C-Therapy focuses on gentleness and barrier support, it sacrifices some of the potency found in the Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m. This makes it a great choice for sensitive or compromised skin but less ideal for those seeking maximum performance.

Performance

In terms of visible results, Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum outshines C-Therapy Seru m. Over weeks of testing, we noticed a more pronounced improvement in skin brightness and texture with the former. The inclusion of 5% L-Ascorbic Acid and multiple other forms of Vitamin C provides immediate and longer-term benefits, making it suitable for those wanting to target stubborn hyperpigmentation or achieve an overall glow.

C-Therapy Seru m, on the other hand, offers a gentler experience. It’s perfect for those prone to sensitivity, redness, or irritation. While it does improve skin tone over time, the results are subtler, making it more of a maintenance product for already healthy skin rather than a corrective powerhouse.

Texture & Feel

Both serums have a similar texture: a thicker, brown gel reminiscent of maple syrup. This consistency is slightly sticky upon initial application, but layering a moisturizer over it mitigates any lingering tackiness. Neither serum feels heavy, and both absorb well after a few moments, leaving skin prepped for the next steps in your routine. If we are to differentiate: C-Therap y has a runnier texture compared to the thicker feel of the Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m, however, they both absorb about the same.

If you prefer a serum that disappears completely into the skin without any hint of tackiness, you might find Marie Veronique’s offerings less ideal. Alternatively, consider Gentlerist’s Liquid Courage Antioxidant Seru m, which offers a similar CEFerulic blend but in a milky emulsion that absorbs more efficiently.

Scent

Both serums have a natural scent derived from their ingredients, with no added fragrances. The scent is mild sweet and earthy herbal, dissipating quickly after application. C-Therapy has a more subtle fragrance compared to Vitamins C+E+Feruli c which does feel comparatively slightly more amplified. With that said, the difference in fragrance strength is not significant enough to factor into choosing between the two serums.

Who Should Use Which Serum?

For High-Performance Seekers: If you’re looking for noticeable brightening, firming, and correction of discoloration, Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m is the clear winner. It’s perfect for those without sensitivities who want results comparable to industry heavyweights like Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, but in a cleaner, more botanical-rich formula.
For Sensitive Skin: If your skin tends to react to stronger formulas, or you’re dealing with redness, irritation, or barrier issues, C-Therapy Seru m is a better fit. Its gentler forms of Vitamin C, combined with barrier-supporting niacinamide and nourishing botanicals, offer a more soothing approach to skincare.

Worth Considering

Both Marie Veronique serums stand out in the Vitamin C category due to their thoughtful formulations and clean beauty ethos. Compared to S kinceuticals CE Ferulic, the Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum offers similar (if not better) performance with a cleaner ingredient list. Meanwhile, the C-Therapy Serum fills a niche often overlooked by traditional Vitamin C serums: those needing a non-irritating option that still delivers antioxidant benefits.

For those exploring newer alternatives, Gentlerist’s Liquid Courage Antioxidant Serum offers a unique take with a bi-phasic milky emulsion texture and a CEFerulic blend bolstered by additional botanical actives. It wears beautifully under makeup and offers a luxurious sensory experience without sacrificing performance.

Final Thoughts

While both serums have their strengths, the Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m delivers superior performance, making it the better choice for those focused on visible results. The C-Therapy Seru m is ideal for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin who need a gentler approach to antioxidant protection. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your skin type and goals. For those seeking high-performance, brightening, and anti-aging benefits, Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Seru m is the standout pick. For sensitive skin or maintenance purposes, C-Therapy Seru m offers a sophisticated, calming option.

Marie Veronique continues to impress with its ability to balance cutting-edge science with clean beauty principles, offering options that cater to diverse skin needs without compromising on efficacy.