CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum Versus APRILSKIN Vitamin ACE Brightening Serum
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
APRILSKIN Vitamin ACE Brightening Serum 62 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
APRILSKIN Vitamin ACE Brightening Serum 62 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propanediol
Solvent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Methylpropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
C12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Bisabolol
Masking
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingGlutathione
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract
Masking
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Saccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Pullulan
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientMadecassoside
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Indigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
Emollient
Retinal
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Water, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Panthenol, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, C12-14 Pareth-12, Sodium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Bisabolol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glutathione, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cellulose Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Citrus Nobilis Peel Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Fructooligosaccharides, Sorbitol, Pullulan, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hyaluronic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Beta-Carotene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Cholesterol, Retinal, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Silica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
APRILSKIN Vitamin ACE Brightening Serum 62 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum 26 ingredients
didnt improve my skin at all. irritated my skin and broke my skin barrier which made me have to try several different products to try and repair it again. oxidized so quickly and rust was everywhere on the product, smell was bad and ruined my skin. poopy product ew stinky product poopy
Did not work for me
I've been trying to find a good vitaminc c cream/serum to include in my routine and this was sadly not it.
I used for a few days and noticed a ton of new breakouts. This was the only new product I was using, so I stopped it and the breakouts stopped.
Product-wise, it feels nice on the skin, doesn't have a strong scent, and it absorbes really nice.
