Review: Will These Ceramide Serum Capsules Add Hydration & Glow To Our Skin?

Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are hero ingredients in skincare. But did you know that they work better when paired with a moisturising ally? Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Serum Capsules pair vitamin C and hyaluronic acid with ceramides, a naturally occurring lipid in our skin that helps to maintain the skin barrier and retain moisture. Fun fact: Elizabeth Arden herself pioneered the use of ceramides in topical skincare almost 30 years ago! It’s the reason why skincare lovers rave about their ceramide serums (that come in the ideal premeasured capsules) up to now.

The latest to join the Serum Capsule family is the Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsule Hydra-Plumping Serum (~USD113.87), which hydrates and plumps up the skin. For brightening and evening out the skin tone, there is the Vitamin C Radiance Renewal Serum (~USD113.87). There's also the Advanced Ceramide to nourish and firm and Retinol Ceramide to smooth and refine skin.

Curious to see how these fare? Head of Content Becks Ko and Beauty Features Writer Alyana Olivar give their latest serums — the Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C — their honest review to see if they’re worth the investment.

*The products were sent as a press gift. The views and opinions of the reviewers are independent and purely editorial.

Review: Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsule Hydra-Plumping Serum

"You can count me in on trying anything with hyaluronic acid," Becks shared. "Add on ceramides, another superstar ingredient to help with strengthening, hydrating and plumping the skin and I’ll be raring to go." Elizabeth Arden calls this potent combination their Double-Locked Hydration System™ — the hyaluronic acid draws moisture while the ceramides seal it in — designed to prevent your skin from getting dehydrated or experiencing transepidermal water loss. It made her "look forward" to seeing how this hydrating serum can keep her combination skin nicely balanced.

Aside from the serum's ingredients, Becks was also drawn to its packaging. "I love the biodegradable, single-dose capsules since I know I always get the correct amount each time," she added. She observed that the serum has a "smooth and silky texture" similar to that of a make-up primer or dry oil. "It feels rather rich and I definitely felt a layer of product on my skin after application"." She also noted that while it takes a while to be fully absorbed, it does not feel oily or uncomfortable. In fact, it makes her skin feel "so soft" afterwards when the product has fully absorbed into the skin.

In the beginning, Becks used the serum once a day at night for a few days before transitioning to using it twice a day. "I switched back to using it once a day at night as I tend to favour a snappy morning skincare routine because, ahem, busy working mum," she explained. Since it takes a while to sink into the skin, she did have the time to wait in between skincare steps for this serum to be part of her daytime skincare regimen.

Now that it's been two weeks since she started using the serum, Becks said while she "did not see any obvious changes" in her skin’s appearance, it does a good job of "balancing the moisture level of my skin". The serum made the drier areas of her face hydrated without adding extra shine to the oilier areas. She recommends it for anyone looking for a hydrating serum to maintain their skin's general health.

Review: Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsule Radiance Renewal Serum

Of all skincare ingredients, vitamin C has become my non-negotiable. It's an antioxidant (bye, UV- and pollution-caused ageing) that helps with uneven skin tone, dullness and hydration. Overall, it has great anti-ageing benefits that anyone of any age can benefit from. Since I’ve only heard good things about the Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules, I was eager to see if it would live up to its positive reputation.

This popular vitamin C serum — which supposedly is 178 times more potent than traditional vitamin C — claims to brighten and even out your skin, protect it from free radicals, and minimise dark spots. I was most invested in its glow-giving perks with lightening pigmentation a close second.

The serum has a lightweight, oily texture — Elizabeth Arden describes it as a "dry oil" — that absorbs well into my skin. There was a bit of residue left on my face and palms afterwards, so I waited for a minute or so before applying my moisturiser. I also apply SPF to boost its efficacy. I didn't notice any pilling from layering my products. There was also no irritation after the first week of use. Once my skin adjusted to the newbie in my routine, it was all smooth-sailing.

Initial effects include a subtle glow and increased moisture. The most noticeable difference, however, was how soft the skin on my face and neck felt throughout the day. I even gave some capsules to my mum, who has more mature skin, and she reported the same.

So did these Elizabeth Arden ceramide capsules give me the glow I was looking for? If you want to look dewy and awake, it certainly delivers a bit of glow upon applying. I noticed that this effect lasts for most of the morning before my oily combo skin's afternoon shine takes over. Even then, I didn't look greasy.

When it comes to dark spots, I do think I would need to use it more to see. On average, it takes six months to a year for dark spots to fade on their own. While vitamin C can help lighten hyperpigmentation, it will take more time to see its effects on my tan skin tone.

If you're curious to try any of the serums, both are available in Elizabeth Arden boutiques, their official Shopee store, and iShopChangi.com in Singapore.