1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Hydration
Timeless
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
face serum
Timeless
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
42%
Combination (dry)
42%
Balanced
72%
Combination (oily)
98%
Oily
98%
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11
Ingredients
5
Benefits
3
Actives
Give your skin a megadose of Vitamin C. Our 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid serum brightens skin, helps support and build collagen, and evens out tone. Enhanced with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid, this serum is a great pick me up for dull, discolored, and stressed skin, while providing 24/7 protection against environmental pollutants.
Key Insights
Benefits
5
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Soothing
Active Ingredients
3
Hyaluronic acid
Vitamin B5 (panthenol)
Vitamin C
Risks
2
Alcohol
Allergen
Full Ingredients
11 total
About 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
Overview
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a watery-light serum from Timeless, a brand based in USA. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 11 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
What the formula does
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Water and Propylene Glycol.
Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol and Ferulic Acid.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol and Tocopherol.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on oil control, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
What is not in it
Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No essential oils
- No drying alcohol
- Silicone-free
- No microplastics
- Strong humectant content for hydration
- No common irritants flagged in the list
Things to know
- Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
- One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
May suit
- Balanced skin
Less suitable for
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Anti-Aging 4 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
-
Hydration 4 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
-
Soothing 2 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Smooths Bumpy Skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Ascorbic acid
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
Hydration
5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Soothing
Panthenol
Vitamin B5 (panthenol)
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
Hydration
Soothing
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
Anti-Aging
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
High
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
Low
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
Moderate
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
None
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
Moderate
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Moderate
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
None
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (3)
- Ascorbic Acid · 5–20%
- Panthenol · under 1%
- Hyaluronic Acid · under 1%
Supporting ingredients (8)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Water
Ethoxydiglycol
Propylene Glycol
Tocopherol
Polysorbate 80
Ferulic Acid
Benzyl Alcohol
Dehydroacetic Acid
What is and is not in it
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Free from
- Essential-oil-free
- No drying alcohol
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Microplastic-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Oil-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
Contains
-
Fragrance
Benzyl Alcohol
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- PHAs (gluconolactone)
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Use with caution
-
Benzoyl peroxide
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
-
Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
-
BHA (salicylic acid)
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Treat" step.
- Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
- Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- 1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 80. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
- Recorded ingredient risks
- Alcohol, Allergen
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 11 ingredients on the label.
4
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
3
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
3
Antioxidant
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
3
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
3
Preservative
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
2
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
1
Fragrance / colour
Changes how the product smells or looks
1
pH adjuster
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
1
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 30–80%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Solvent
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Hydration
3 scientific references
- Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
- Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
- Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Solvent
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, Antioxidant, pH adjuster
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Ascorbic acid
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
12 scientific references
- Drug Delivery, February 2021, pages 445-453
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2020, pages 3, 262-3, 269
- Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, May-August 2020, pages 374-382
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2020, pages 671-676
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, July 2017 pages 14-17
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2016, pages 863-867
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, September 2015, pages 463-470
- Indian Dermatology Online Journal, April-June 2013, pages 143-146
- AAPS PharmSciTech, July 2011, pages 917-923
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, Supplement, pages s2-s6
- International Journal of Toxicology, Supplement 2, March 2005, pages 51-111
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, July-August 2004, pages 200-206
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
Hydration
5 scientific references
- CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
- Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
- Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
- International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
- Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Antioxidant
5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Soothing
4 scientific references
- Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
- Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
- Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Surfactant
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)-
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Active
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
Hydration
Soothing
7 scientific references
- The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534-547
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346-354
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1-51
- The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173-180
- Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361-370
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Volume 3, 2002, pages 427-433
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Antioxidant, Preservative
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
Anti-Aging
8 scientific references
- Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, October 2020, pages 281-288
- Acta Biologica Marisiensis, December 2018, pages 53-60
- Food and Chemical Toxicology, March 2014, pages 185-195
- The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, May 2012, pages 443-451
- International Journal of Pharmaceutics, October 2010, pages 44-51
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, August 2008, pages 290-297
- Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, March 2007, pages 92-100
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, October 2005, pages 826-832
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Active
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid
Anti-Aging
Hydration
5 scientific references
- Journal of Evidence-Based, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, October 2017, pages 816-823
- Journal of Medicinal Food, October 2016, pages 1, 172-1, 179
- Nutrition Journal, July 2013, ePublication
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011, issue 9, pages 990-1000
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, March 2009, pages 38-43
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative, Fragrance / colour
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzyl alcohol
Alcohol
Allergen
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Preservative
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-Acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?
WATER, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, ASCORBIC ACID, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHEROL, POLYSORBATE 80, PANTHENOL, FERULIC ACID, HYALURONIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID.
What are the active ingredients in 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?
ASCORBIC ACID, PANTHENOL, HYALURONIC ACID.
How do I use 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?
APPLICATION: Apply and smooth 1-2 pumps onto freshly cleansed face and neck. Wait until the product has fully absorbed into the skin before the next step in your routine. SPF recommended for AM use. FREQUENCY: Use daily, AM or PM. For optimal efficacy, begin use upon receipt and store in the refrigerator.
What skin types is 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Is 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum fungal acne safe?
One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 80. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.
Can I use 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum while pregnant?
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Is 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum fragrance free?
No — it contains Benzyl Alcohol.
Does 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum contain alcohol?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Is 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum silicone free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Does 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum contain essential oils?
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Is 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum paraben free?
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
What can I layer with 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Benzoyl peroxide, Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
When should I apply 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
How many ingredients does 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum have?
It lists 11 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
Who makes 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?
Timeless, a brand based in USA.