Garnier Skin Active Vitamin C Serum Cream

I’ve enjoyed Garnier products in the past, and I don’t currently use a Vitamin C product so was excited to try this.

I need 2-3 pumps for my entire face. The first thing I noticed was that it felt like a makeup primer. This isn’t at all a bad thing, and I liked the balance of a smooth dimethicone texture without pilling upon application. I next noticed the fresh citrus smell, which isn’t overwhelming but something to note if you are averse to fragrance in skincare.

My issue is I don’t know what this product is meant to be… it basically has an identity crisis. It’s not really a serum so I don’t feel it gives a concentration of active ingredients. It’s not a cream so it doesn’t give moisture. The SPF is so low that you definitely can’t use it as your main sun protection. Maybe it is nice as a non-sticky hand cream? Or a stand alone makeup primer?

I definitely won’t repurchase or recommend.

For me, the idea of this product is great: combining a serum with a day cream and adding SPF 15. The formula felt non greasy amd went on well, however I needed to use more than expected to cover my face. I have sensitive skin and didn't enjoy the 'feeling' of this product as it went on. The smell is typical of Garnier products, a strong but fresh fragrance. I don't feel a weeks use is long enough to judge the effectiveness of the key ingredients on sun spots. Overall, I would not buy this again as it doesn't suit my skin.

I was lucky enough to trial this product. I love the fact that it has a sunscreen in it, and it's a thicker cream rather than liquid. To be completely honest, after using it for one/two times a day for a week, I didn't see any change with my skin at all. I have gifted the bottle to a friend and will update with her review :)

I like the idea of a serum/cream/SPF and I'm sure this product will work well for some, but I definitely won't be repurchasing this one.

The product comes in a neat little pump bottle. It says to keep the bottle upright so probably not ideal for travel.

The cream is quite thick and has a moderate scent. My biggest issue with this product is that it didn't seem to sink into my skin very well, it felt like it just sat on the surface and made my skin suuuper shiny - it claims to help dull skin so I'll give it that. My face was most definitely not dull when using this.

SPF 15 seems pretty pointless in NZ but I guess it's better than nothing!

I love vitamin C as a skincare ingredient, but probably need to trial this cream for longer to be able to tell if it's making any difference to my skin.

I recently gave the Garnier Skin Active Vitamin C Brightening Serum Cream with SPF15 a try, and here's my take on it:

Pros: Lightweight texture, easy to apply. Noticed a subtle improvement in skin radiance. Convenient sun protection with SPF15. Pleasant citrus scent during application. Suitable for combination skin types.

Cons: Left a slightly tacky feeling on the skin. SPF15 might be insufficient for extended sun exposure. Hydration level was average, not ideal for dry skin. Didn't address specific skin concerns like redness.

Overall Impression: The Garnier Skin Active Vitamin C Brightening Serum Cream with SPF15 is an average product that delivers on some claims. It's a decent option for those seeking basic skincare and sun protection in one step. While it may not be a game-changer, it's a straightforward choice for everyday use, particularly for those with less complex skin needs.

I'm on the fence with this one! I can't say that I have noticed any major difference in my skin after using this, however I have really enjoyed the feel it gives my skin when I am using it. This wears really well under my makeup and doesn't get greasy throughout the day which is always a big tick of approval for me! I find it melts in to the skin really well, so looks and feels good even when worn alone, however I wouldn't say it really gives me that "brightened" look.

The serum feels like a moisturiser. It appears nicely and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on my face like I expected as it contains sunblock. It also didn’t leave my face appearing with a white cask like some sunblock does. The serum is a slightly yellow colour which I believe helps skin / face appears brighter. I have previously used the Gariner Green Labs range which includes products that appear similar, if not identical to this serum also by Gariner, just in a new range.

The first time I used it, I immediately noticed the somewhat strong scent (which I personally liked) and thought when working the cream into the skin, it was a little bit thick and required a wee bit more gentle massages..

Immediately after use, I didn’t notice any significant or noticeable brightness to my skin but felt that my skin Upton touch was quite soft! The best feeling personally after using a serum!

I also did love the many benefits in the one bottle especially the SPF! One (or two if you include the moisturising properties) less step in the morning or in general if you are a mum like me! Absolutely love!

I think I will need to use the product for longer than ten days to see if there is a significant improvement/difference in my skin brightness but overall love the multi steps in the one application!