Expected results and delayed acne from Vitamin C serum

Question

I mixed a Vitamin C E Ferulic serum kit. Initially, I saw good results (brightening, firmness). However, after using it for 2-3 months, I started getting acne.

I personally think the formula doesn't have anything that would cause allergies or acne, except possibly Ethoxydiglycol which I used in a relatively high amount. Could this ingredient at a high concentration be the cause of the delayed acne?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Based on your experience and the staff's response, here's a summary:

It's common to see significant initial results (like brightening and firmness) from skincare ingredients like Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid. These ingredients can help address specific skin concerns, and once the skin reaches its optimal state for that particular benefit, the visible improvement may plateau. This doesn't mean the product stops working; ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid continue to provide antioxidant benefits, which help protect the skin over time, even if the immediate visible changes aren't as dramatic as in the beginning.

Regarding the acne that appeared after 2-3 months, the staff's opinion is that if an ingredient in the formula, such as Ethoxydiglycol, were causing irritation or breakouts, these symptoms would typically appear much sooner, usually within the first few weeks of use. The delayed onset suggests that other factors might be contributing to the acne, rather than the serum formula itself.

The staff response did not indicate that Ethoxydiglycol at the concentration used in the kit is a common cause of delayed acne or suggest alternative ingredients for this specific situation, as they attributed the acne to other variables.