I Tried My Friend’s Go-To Brightening Cream and Snagged My Own

My long-distance best friend and I visit one another every few months — and rarely pack our own skincare when we do. We’ve each amassed plenty of product over the years, and there’s a reciprocal understanding that we’ll simply dip into the other’s supply as needed. This also allows us to try products we otherwise may not have. For instance, my most recent visit enlightened me to what has become one of my favorite moisturizers for cold weather: Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. Rich Cream. After scooping gobs of the stuff onto my face for the duration of my stay, I considered *accidentally* packing it in my suitcase. Instead, I snagged a jar of my own as soon as I touched down in NYC.  

The Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Rich Hydration Cream is a thick, creamy face moisturizer infused with 5 percent vitamin C. Formulated for all skin types, it visibly brightens and fades hyperpigmentation, delivering a radiant glow and more even tone.

For context, I’ve long been fond of other Sunday Riley C.E.O. products; namely, the redness-relieving Vitamin C and Tumeric Face Oil and Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream Face Moisturizer — a lighter version of the Rich Cream that’s ideal for balmier months.

As for the Rich Cream: I’ve yet to find a C-spiked moisturizer that rivals its comforting, smoothing feel — or a skincare product, period, that delivers such noticeable, instantaneous radiance; the cream has a tangerine-tinted formula, which applies sheer on skin to instantly leave a sunny glow in its wake. 

Longer-term radiance is thanks to a particularly potent form of vitamin C, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, aka THD. As Dr. Adrienne O'Connell, Medical Director of Laguna Beach Aesthetics, previously explained to InStyle, “THD is a highly stable form” of the notoriously unstable antioxidant. Moreover, THD delivers “a brighter, more hydrated glow” than other forms of vitamin C, Dr. O’Connell says.

The cream also contains shea butter and jojoba esters, hence its dense texture and skin-smoothing magic. Squalane — a softening lipid — is also present, as is glycerin, a humectant with plumping, glow-inducing powers, which is apparent both instantly and hours post-application. Finally, tocopherol (aka vitamin E) bolsters this moisturizer’s antioxidant prowess and works splendidly with vitamin C to protect against damaging free radicals.

One shopper, who’s finished four jars, calls the moisturizer their “favorite skincare [product] ever,” adding that they “almost don't want to write [a] review” in fear of the cream selling out. “It gives skin a healthy glow…immediately,” the shopper says,” and “layers well under foundation” despite its richness. Similarly, my friend swears it keeps her “radiant and hydrated,” even in the face of brutal Chicago Decembers, while delivering a “lovely, even tone.”

For your brightest, smoothest, softest skin — even in the face of whipping winter winds — shop the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Rich Hydration Cream at Amazon. I’m absolutely stocking up — and because I “borrowed” quite a bit from my friend, I might snag an extra jar to replenish her beloved cream, too.