Meet BeautyStat's Universal C Skin Refiner, Our New Skin Hero

We put BeautyStat’s Universal C Skin Refiner to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full review.

We were excited to try BeautyStat’s Universal C Skin Refiner, an innovative gel-cream serum that pairs pure vitamin C with green tea, squalane, and tartaric acid. And, apparently, we weren't the only ones: When this serum hit the market in 2019, it sold out in less than 24 hours.

Needless to say, we were interested to see how it would stack up to other popular vitamin C formulas. We put it to a true Byrdie beauty test, taking into account the ingredients, formulation, interactions, consistency, and so much more. Plus, we tapped a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon to get her take. So did it help us achieve the glowing, vibrant complexion of our dreams? Read on to find out.

About the Ingredients: Contains the highest percentage of pure vitamin C allowable

The key ingredient in the Universal C Skin Refiner is, of course, vitamin C, which is known to improve the radiance and texture of the skin while diminishing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Formulated with 20% of L-ascorbic acid, this product contains the highest percentage of pure vitamin C allowable in skincare products, meaning this stuff is potent.

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine explains that the vitamin C in this serum is actually stabilized through a patented encapsulated system, which keeps it staying viable for longer, since vitamin C can very quickly become ineffective. "Vitamin C in general is not a stable product; it's both heat and light sensitive," she explains.

In addition to vitamin C, it contains three other key ingredients: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), squalane, and tartaric acid. EGCG is an active component of green tea that works synergistically with vitamin C to protect against aging, while squalane hydrates. Tartaric acid evens out skin texture and tone while providing the optimum skin pH level for product absorption. Squalane is listed as the fifth ingredient while EGCG and tartaric acid are last, respectively, but as there are only nine ingredients in the product (and based on my personal results), we do feel that they are present in effective concentrations.

Due to its inclusion of petrolatum, a petroleum-derived ingredient, the Universal C Skin Refiner is not considered clean by Byrdie’s standards, but it is alcohol-, paraben-, phthalate-, and fragrance-free.

About the Formula: Great for all skin types

Vitamin C is tough to stabilize when in its purest form, as we mentioned. So often, beauty products containing it tend to oxidize over time, turning brown in color and becoming less effective. BeautyStat developed an innovative encapsulation delivery method that protects each particle until it’s rubbed into the skin, preventing oxidation from taking place and thus increasing its shelf life.

When we asked Levine about which skin types can benefit the most from this formula, she said that it's safe for all skin types, just make sure you're starting slowly.

The Universal C Skin Refiner is formulated as a gel-cream serum, which squeezes out of the pump as a light, semi-gritty substance that instantly melts into the skin. The grittiness dissipates upon application, leaving a luxurious, satin-like finish in its wake. Plus, we loved that there's never residue on the skin, making it a smooth base for makeup.

How to apply: Pump bottle allows for mess-free application

Most vitamin C serums we’ve tried are packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper, which tends to get messy, especially when the formula is a runny liquid. We love that Universal C’s gel-cream formula is dispensed through a pump nozzle, allowing for a mess-free application process. The pump disperses all the product you’ll need in just two pumps, so you can be sure none of it goes to waste. BeautyStat recommends using Universal C once or twice a day—twice yielding quicker results—so we began applying once a day, working our way up to twice a day halfway through the three-week testing period.

Note: some people are more sensitive to vitamin C, especially in higher concentrations. While we experienced a slight stinging sensation almost every time we applied the product (a common side effect of vitamin C products), it dissipated quickly and we experienced no other irritation or dryness. Robinson, the brand's founder, explained to Byrdie via email that Universal C has been tested to be safe for sensitive skin, but mentioned that those with more reactive complexions should start slow by applying a little product in the evening before building up to two times a day, something Levine echoed as well.

Vitamin C products are infamous for having a not-so-pleasant scent reminiscent of hot dog water. We're pleased to report that while this fragrance-free product has a very light, faint scent due to its ingredients, it does not smell like processed meat—a major plus for vitamin C enthusiasts.

About the Interactions: Retin-A is okay for non-sensitive skin, with considerations

Typically, if you’re using vitamin C daily, you’ll want to avoid layering it with retinols, copper peptides, and alpha-hydroxy acids, which can destabilize it and render it ineffective. However, according to the brand, you can use Universal C with Retin-A (and that you should apply the Retin-A first), noting that you may find you no longer need to use Retin-A over time “due to the skin-perfecting effects of Universal C.”

However, Robinson said that he only recommends pairing the two if your skin can tolerate it. Levine agrees, explaining that it's best to use the two at different times during the day.

The Results: Instantly smoother skin, brighter complexion over time 

We loved how Universal C immediately improved our skin’s texture—even after the very first use. As soon as the product was absorbed, our skin was instantly smoother, and the satin-like finish created the perfect base for makeup without any sticky residue. After removing makeup and cleansing at the end of the day, our skin was still soft to the touch.

Over the course of the three-week testing period, we noticed that our skin began to brighten as its texture continued to improve. By the time we were done testing, some major changes had taken place: Our complexion was overall much smoother and more radiant, some dark spots had slightly lifted, and even some acne scars faded significantly. We had a vibrant, healthy glow, despite being cooped up indoors.

The Value: A worthy investment 

When it comes to skincare, we're always down to shell out for a product if we know it’s truly high-quality and delivers real, lasting results. At $85, the Universal C Skin Refiner will definitely cost you a pretty penny, but its efficacy makes it worth it. This is definitely a product that has earned its place in our daily skincare arsenal. Levine agrees, explaining that "vitamin C is expensive in pure forms, so if you're looking for a high percentage, this one is worth it."

Similar Products: One of the best options out there

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166): Before testing Universal C, we had the opportunity to test a cult-favorite vitamin C serum, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. Both are investments, with C E Ferulic ringing in at more than twice the price of Universal C. Universal C works synergistically with EGCG to boost the antioxidant benefits of vitamin C, while C E Ferulic does the same with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Both products delivered powerful brightening and smoothing effects, though we felt that C E Ferulic resulted in plumper, more supple skin in addition to the other benefits. Still, we’d opt to spend $80 on Universal C again before spending $166 on C E Ferulic.

The Nue Co. Topical C ($70): Another great vitamin C product we’ve used in the past is The Nue Co.’s Topical C. While Universal C combines vitamin C with EGCG, squalane, and tartaric acid, Topical C blends vitamin C with ferulic acid, tapioca starch, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera for an exfoliating product that soothes and heals the skin. We love that both products won’t oxidize over time, as Topical C is in powder form and Universal C has an encapsulated formula. Both products are effective, but we prefer Universal C’s gel-cream formulation over The Nue Co.’s messier powder application.