You’ve seen the bright orange jar. It’s hard to miss. In the world of high-end skincare, Sunday Riley has carved out a space that feels both scientific and a little bit like a status symbol. But when you’re looking at $65 for a jar of face cream, you start asking questions. Is it actually doing anything, or am I just paying for the brand name?
Honestly, the Sunday Riley CEO moisturizer—officially called the C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream—is one of those polarizing products that people either treat like a holy grail or return to Sephora after three days. It’s thick. It’s citrusy. And it’s built around a specific type of Vitamin C that most people don’t realize is fundamentally different from the stuff in their orange juice.
The Secret Sauce: Why THD Ascorbate Actually Matters
Most Vitamin C products use L-ascorbic acid. It’s the "classic" version, but it’s a pain. It turns brown the second air touches it, and if your skin is even slightly sensitive, it can sting like crazy.
Sunday Riley went a different route.
They use 5% Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate, or THD Ascorbate. This is an oil-soluble version of Vitamin C. Why does that matter? Well, your skin’s top layer is lipid-based (oily). Since THD is oil-soluble, it can actually dive deeper into your pores than water-soluble versions. Basically, it’s more stable and less likely to irritate you. It stays potent in the jar, which is why it can survive in a wide-mouth container without losing its punch.
But let’s be real for a second.
Five percent isn’t a massive concentration if you’re used to 20% serums. However, because it’s a moisturizer, it’s designed to sit on the skin and sink in slowly. It’s the "slow and steady" approach to brightening.
What’s actually inside the jar?
Beyond the Vitamin C, there are a few other heavy hitters doing the work:
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- Lime Pearl Extract: This is a natural source of AHAs. It gently dissolves the "glue" holding dead skin cells together so the Vitamin C can actually reach your fresh skin.
- Exopolysaccharides: These come from French Polynesian Kopara. They act like a tiny invisible shield against PM 2.5 pollution (the microscopic soot and smog in city air).
- Bisabolol: Derived from chamomile, this is the peacekeeper. It keeps the AHAs and Vitamin C from making your face turn bright red.
Sunday Riley CEO Moisturizer vs. The Rest of the CEO Line
It gets confusing. You’ve got the CEO Glow Oil, the CEO 15% Serum, and the CEO Afterglow. If you buy the wrong one, you’re going to be frustrated.
The Rich Hydration Cream (the one we’re talking about) is the heavy hitter. It’s a thick, buttery moisturizer. If you have oily skin and you try to use this as a day cream in the middle of a humid July, you’re going to feel like a grease slick. It’s just too much for some people.
Compare that to the CEO Afterglow, which is a newer gel-cream. It’s much lighter. It’s better for people who want that Vitamin C glow but don't want the weight. Then there’s the CEO Serum, which has 15% Vitamin C. That’s for correction—fading dark spots and serious sun damage. The moisturizer is more about maintenance and hydration.
Real Talk: Does it Actually Work?
I’ve seen dozens of reviews from people with different skin types, and the consensus is pretty clear. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, this stuff is like water in a desert. It’s incredibly nourishing.
One user on Reddit mentioned that they had to "learn" how to use it. They found that applying it to bone-dry skin made it feel sticky and gross. But, when they applied it to slightly damp skin—maybe after a mist or a lighter serum—it melted right in.
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There’s also the scent. It smells like a fresh-peeled tangerine. To some, it’s a spa-like experience. To others, it smells like "expensive floor cleaner." If you’re sensitive to fragrances, you should probably grab a sample before committing to the full jar.
The Breakout Factor
If you are acne-prone, be careful. This cream contains Squalane and PEG-8 Beeswax. While Squalane is generally "safe," the overall richness of the formula can be "occlusive." That means it traps things under the skin. If your pores clog easily, this might be too heavy for your T-zone.
How to Slot it into Your Routine Without Pilling
Pilling is the worst. You know, when your skincare starts rolling off in little grey balls? It usually happens with this cream if you layer too many silicone-heavy products underneath it.
- Morning: Cleanse, apply a light toner, then a pea-sized amount of CEO. Follow with a non-greasy SPF. Because of the 5% Vitamin C, it actually boosts your sunscreen’s effectiveness by fighting off free radicals from the sun.
- Night: This is where it shines. If you use the Luna Sleeping Night Oil, try layering the CEO cream over it. Retinol and Vitamin C (in this stable THD form) actually play very well together. The moisturizer acts as a barrier, locking in the retinol and preventing the "peely" side effects.
Don't overdo it. You don't need a giant glob. Start with a small amount and warm it up between your fingertips before pressing it into your face.
The Verdict: Is it Worth the Hype?
It’s a luxury product. You’re paying for the formulation, the stable Vitamin C, and the experience. If you’re looking for a budget option, you can find Vitamin C creams for $15, but they often use unstable versions that might not do much besides smell like oranges.
If you have combination-to-dry skin and you’re starting to notice fine lines or a bit of dullness, it’s a solid investment. It makes skin look "plump" almost immediately because of the heavy hydration.
However, if you’re strictly looking to fade deep hyperpigmentation, a moisturizer won't be enough. You’d be better off spending that money on the CEO 15% Serum and using a cheaper, basic moisturizer on top.
Actionable Steps for Your Best Results:
- Patch test first: Especially if you have reactive skin, as the lime pearl AHAs can be tingly.
- Use on damp skin: This helps the thick formula spread evenly and absorb faster.
- Night shift: If you find it too "dewy" for daytime makeup, use it exclusively as a night cream. You’ll wake up looking significantly more rested than you actually are.
- Check the batch: While THD is stable, always make sure the cream is a pale yellow-ivory color. If it’s dark orange or brown, it’s time to toss it.