As a skincare editor who tests a vast array of vitamin C serums, I’m often asked how buzzy K-Beauty brand Glow Recipe compares to French pharmacy favorite La Roche-Posay. While […]
As a skincare editor who tests a vast array of vitamin C serums, I’m often asked how buzzy K-Beauty brand Glow Recipe compares to French pharmacy favorite La Roche-Posay. While both companies offer brightening formulas, their approaches differ. Based on my firsthand testing, here’s an insider’s take on how these popular serums stack up.
Hero Ingredients
The star ingredient in Glow Recipe’s Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Treatment Serum is a stabilised form of vitamin C from guava and acerola cherries to fade pigmentation. Meanwhile, La Roche-Posay’s Pure Vitamin C Face Serum 10 contains a high 10% concentration of pure vitamin C to target signs of aging. Both formulas also incorporate hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Texture and Absorption
I find the juicy gel-cream texture of the Glow Recipe serum more emollient, cushioning skin in a comforting moisture blanket. The thinner fluid consistency of the La Roche-Posay absorbs rapidly but feels slightly more drying by comparison. Neither serum stings or causes irritation in my experience, but Glow Recipe feels gentler.
Brightening Effects
With consistent use, the concentrations of vitamin C in both serums make an impact fading sun spots and evening out skin tone noticeably. The Glow Recipe serum lends a gradual luminosity over 4+ weeks, while the La Roche-Posay option brings faster results minimizing red acne scars in 1-2 weeks.
Suitability for Skin Types
The rich, soothing formula of Glow Recipe’s serum better nurtures normal to dry skin in my opinion, while the lighter fluid serum from La Roche-Posay won’t clog pores on oilier skin types. Both brands suit sensitive skin, but again, the Glow Recipe serum goes easier thanks to skin-conditioning botanicals.
Reviews and Awards
Fans call the Glow Recipe vitamin C “a game changer” for gradually improving texture and glow while combatting dryness. Meanwhile, La Roche-Posay garners consistent praise for delivering powerful vitamin C brightening to sensitive skin without stinging or redness. Both serums have won their share of beauty awards.
Affordability
At $45 for 1 oz, the clean, vegan Glow Recipe serum comes at an accessible price point for such a high-performing natural vitamin C. The $30 La Roche-Posay serum offers a lower cost per use. So while both rate as worthwhile investments for achieving youthful radiance, the Glow Recipe formula does cost a bit more upfront.
At the end of the day, those seeking serious brightening from vitamin C can’t go wrong with either serum. I’d opt for the Glow Recipe guava vitamin C to gently nourish normal to dry skin with adewier glow. For fast-acting spot-fading suitable sensitive or acne-prone skin, grab La Roche-Posay for an irritation-free C-boost. Both deliver Insta-worthy radiance without the stinging!