'I genuinely think this $59 vitamin C serum is a perfect dupe for the $249 cult product.'

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If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked for a SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vitamin C dupe, I'd have enough money to… comfortably afford the $249 cult skincare product.

While the product is famous for a reason (spoiler: because it works!), no one needs to be spending that much on skincare unless it's within their budget, and they want to.

Watch: Thought $249 was expensive for skincare? It's nothing compared to this $866 serum. Post continues below.

Hence, the search for a good dupe has unearthed many a contender, including Medik8 Super C Ferulic ($143), Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum ($42), and Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster ($79).

I've tried a lot of these vitamin C serums (and others!) in my years working in beauty, but there's only one product that I'd consider a genuine C E Ferulic dupe.

But first…

Is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum good, or just famous?

Image: Adore Beauty.

This cult vitamin C serum (that smells like a butcher shop, mind you) costs $249, so why do skincare lovers happily pay that much for a single serum?

(I've even heard of people applying it to their face directly from the bathroom tiles after smashing the precious glass bottle.)

C E Ferulic contains a previously-patented blend of antioxidants; 15% L-ascorbic acid (a potent form of vitamin C), vitamin E and ferulic acid, at a low pH that helps to keep the active ingredients stable and effective.

Even though SkinCeuticals recently chose not to renew the decades-held patent on this exact formula, many brands have attempted to replicate it over the years.

In my opinion, there are four things that make a true beauty dupe: A comparable formulation that works, similar user experience, word of mouth, and a more accessible price tag.

That's why I genuinely think the Viviology Vitamin C Serum is as close a dupe as you'll find to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.

Viviology Vitamin C Serum, $59.

Image: Adore Beauty.

Fast facts:

• Viviology Vitamin C Serum is a brightening, antioxidant-rich serum that's vegan, cruelty-free and made in Australia.

• You might not know, but Viviology is actually retailer Adore Beauty's private label brand, founded by Australian dermal therapist James Vivian (I used to work as a beauty editor at Adore; the private label team would often analyse sales data to help inform new product formulations!).

• Like C E Ferulic, it contains 15% L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, as well as native Australian plant extracts like Australian kakadu plum, finger lime and lemon myrtle water (these do a similar job to vitamin E).

• The formula brightens, hydrates, reduces the look of redness and defends against free radical damage that contributes to premature signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or dark spots, and loss of collagen.

• Applying this serum in the morning under your moisturiser and sunscreen is like walking around with an umbrella to shield you from the environment!

Why Viviology Vitamin C is my favourite C E Ferulic 'dupe'.

It doesn't 'look' like a dupe, but I think that's a good thing! Image: Supplied.

Remember that dupe equation I mentioned earlier? The Viviology Vitamin C serum ticks all four of those boxes.

The formula, although not exactly the same, is very similar to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, including that all important 15% L-ascorbic acid concentration.

I'm obsessed with the instant glow this serum leaves behind, and how it's brightened my complexion and added clarity to my naturally-freckly skin with consistent use over time.

The Viviology serum textures and scents are nearly identical to C E Ferulic.

One pump of the runny, silky lightweight texture goes a long way and feels like nothing on the skin after 60 seconds or so. It doesn't pill under other serums, moisturiser or SPF.

And yes, it also has that subtle if you know, you know subtle spicy meat scent.

Everything about this serum gets me going. Image: Supplied.

In terms of word of mouth, I'm not the only one who thinks this is an excellent, affordable vitamin C serum.

When the product launched in 2023, Mamamia's executive editor and You Beauty podcast host Leigh Campbell said, "If you're looking for an affordable vitamin C serum, this is it."

"This is such a good vitamin C serum. It is so brightening and juicy and plumping and delicious, I am so into it. It's very, very watery... like a really powerful, good water."

Dermal clinician Yads Cauchi also went on the record saying it's "probably the best budget-friendly vitamin C serum" she's ever tried.

She added, "It's totally unheard for a vitamin C formula like this one to cost less than $60. It's witchcraft — but I'm obsessed!"

And finally, you can't argue that $59 for 30ml is more accessible than $249 for the same volume.

All of these factors combined not only make Viviology Vitamin C Serum an affordable alternative to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, but just simply one of the best vitamin C serums under $100 I've tried.

Before you go adding it to cart, it's important to figure out if a potent vitamin C serum like this one will work for your skin. People with sensitive, blemish-prone or reactive skins may find L-ascorbic acid serums too spicy.

If you've ever had a reaction (redness, inflammation, breakouts) to a potent L-ascorbic acid serum in the past, approach this one with caution. Or look for a vitamin C serum with a more stable derivative like ethyl-ascorbic acid.

Everyone else? Just get it on your face already.

P.S. If you do want to try the expensive SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum, it goes on sale roughly three-four times a year for between 10-20% off the RRP, in line with Afterpay Day (usually March and August), and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast below or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.