I love anything with turmeric—food and skincare included—so trying out the Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil was a no-brainer. But while I was drawn to it for the turmeric, I ultimately stayed for the Vitamin C.
What makes the vitamin C in Sunday Riley CEO Glow so exceptional?
That’s because the CEO Glow Face Oil bypasses traditional forms of Vitamin C (usually L-ascorbic acid) for the new Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, also known as THD Ascorbate.
At a 3% concentration, THD Ascorbate is considered a quasi-drug in Japan for its skin-brightening and rejuvenating benefits.
While Sunday Riley doesn’t list the exact concentration of THD in this oil, it occurs high up on the ingredient list, so I assume it’s heavy-duty enough to count.
THD is an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, which can penetrate through the oil-rich skin barrier to reach the dermis. L-ascorbic acid, on the other hand, works only on the skin surface.
That makes it effective at protecting against free radicals, but the magic really happens in the dermis.
THD works deep to stimulate collagen production and address dullness, loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles, redness, and dark spots at the very source.
It’s also less irritating for those with sensitive skin. However, that’s not a problem for me as I can tolerate high concentrations of L-ascorbic acid well.
THD Ascorbate is exceptionally stable at a pH of <5, so you can afford to have see-through packaging, which would be a complete no-no with most forms of Vitamin C.
It also means that products with THD retain their potency a lot longer.
And the results speak for themselves.
Most skincare products take at least 28 days to show accurate results, so anything less than that is usually superficial—that’s why writing about a skincare product that I haven’t tested for at least a month is a no-go in my book.
And the turmeric?
The Vitamin C is joined by golden turmeric, a skincare savior!
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric in the Sunday Riley CEO Glow oil helps to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and even out your complexion.
If you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or just want to keep your skin looking calm and collected, turmeric is the friend you never knew you needed.
Call me superficial, but I even love the bright orange color of the oil… and no, it doesn’t leave any hint of the hue on the face.
Other ingredients: The Sunday Riley CEO Glow supporting cast
While Vitamin C and Turmeric are the headliners, this face oil’s supporting cast of ingredients deserves applause as well. Here are a few standouts:
Evening primrose oil: The hydration expert
Evening primrose oil, rich in essential fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is a moisturizing powerhouse. It maintains the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping it hydrated and plump. Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, it provides deep nourishment without feeling heavy.
Ginger root extract: The texture transformer
Ginger root extract adds antioxidant protection and improves skin texture. Known for its soothing properties, ginger reduces scars and promotes even skin tone. It also boosts circulation, giving your skin a revitalized, youthful look.
Jojoba seed oil: The balancing act
Jojoba seed oil mimics our skin’s natural oils, making it perfect for balancing oil production. It is suitable for all skin types and keeps your complexion soft and supple without clogging pores.
Pomegranate seed oil: The antioxidant booster
Pomegranate seed oil fights free radicals and prevents skin aging. It promotes collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness. Think of it as an anti-aging elixir that keeps your skin looking firm and youthful.
Cranberry seed oil: The skin softener
Cranberry seed oil contains a balanced ratio of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, maintaining the skin’s natural lipid barrier for soft, hydrated skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, calming irritated skin.
Aloe leaf extract: The soothing agent
Aloe leaf extract is known for its soothing and healing properties. It calms irritated skin, reduces redness, and provides a burst of hydration.
Red raspberry seed oil: The environmental defender
Packed with vitamins A and E, Red Raspberry Seed Oil boosts the skin’s defense against UV rays and pollution. This oil repairs and protects the skin’s barrier, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Sunday Riley CEO Glow: The experience and results
Back to the Sunday Riley CEO Glow: I have been using it for almost a month now, and my skin is definitely bouncier and far more glowy. This is despite last month being terribly exhausting, both mentally and physically.
I have been caught up in a personal crisis, and the stress of that would have otherwise sent my skin in a downward spiralsince all the inner workings of my head seem to show up on my face pretty quickly. (Does this happen to you too?)
It’s not the strangers-have-stopped-me-in-the-street-and-asked-me-my-secrets kind of glow. But it’s the kind of glow that has my husband wondering where I am getting time for regular facials (I haven’t managed a facial in four months… sigh!)
It’s also done wonders for the spots of hyperpigmentation from ghosts of acne past. They are definitely lighter and need much less concealer. In fact, I am even breaking out less, which is always a good thing, right?
Are there any cons?
What would I change about CEO Glow? Probably the fragrance.
Though it’s much more pleasing and delicate than Sunday Riley’s other star product—Good Genes, which smells of sour milk and lemon juice because of all the lactic acid—it’s still a bit OTT. Though it dissipates quickly, so there’s that. Still, if you have a problem with fragrance in your products, do a sniff test first.
Sunday Riley recommends layering CEO Glow with its AHA or retinol products since THD plays well with other ingredients.
I have, however, not made that jump—sticking instead to using Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
It’s really lightweight, having none of the tackiness associated with oils. It sinks in quickly, and I layer it with a light moisturizer (Tatcha Water Cream) for maximum hydration.
Do you really need the Sunday Riley CEO Glow?
There are many Vitamin C products on the market, but I like the Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil because it’s more stable, works deeper, and lasts longer.
You need this if you have hyperpigmentation or are showing signs of aging (think fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin).
It’s also good for those with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate more conventional forms of Vitamin C.
Yes, starting at $40 for a 0.5 fl oz bottle, it’s on the expensive side. But it lasts forever since you only need 3-4 drops at a time.
Final scorecard: 4.5/5
Have you tried the Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Your insights could help someone else discover their new favorite skincare product!
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
Kristina Sexton says
Turmeric is my favorite ingredient in food and skincare products. So I thought I would give it try after reading your blog!