I had read about the benefits of adding a vitamin C serum to my routine so many times but I didn't really give it much thought because I already had products with brightening agents. Most of the vitamic C serums I saw were also past my budget so it was in the least wanted products for me. In one of my skincare shopping however, I bought one because it was affordable and then the anti-aging properties it promises. ![IMG_20230710_182603409_processed.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/wolfofnostreet/23yTmhobVJrsHCy2FQStcneM8W5AtyF87c9j7mSkRgiAQxtamztuuv5KFW1KbxpcaJQKG.jpg) Vitamin C used topically is known to help fade hyperpigmentation caused by acne, improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, brighten the skin appearance, and protect from UV light. The **Dr Rashel Vitamin C Brightening & Anti-aging Face Serum** claimed to do all these like every other vitamin C product out there and for the price of 2500 Naira. I wouldn't say I'm a cheapskate but I always love a good deal. What's the worse that could happen? It's just 2500 Naira, I thought. ![20230710_180652.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/wolfofnostreet/EpT5Aba59iLbu6A3JwT1KDdB4YgJupA3uWcGqAkSVyd6GWst3dKNBR6zPSAvfe2pjNq.jpg) Well, a lot happened in just one week of usage. I had read the negative reviews about this product but I was willing to give this a try because I had earlier used a face cream from the brand. The face cream didn't do anything for me and the smell irritated me but nothing bad happened to my face. I went in with the same mindset that this serum wasn't going to harm me, I thought the worse that would happen was that it wouldn't make a difference in my routine. ![20230710_180455.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/wolfofnostreet/EpT56ncnMFHagc12gZ6XW7d1pHREBpPLxeskJYgbLf8idBG2Z8SQXBdHAVXF1LHE8wQ.jpg) In the week I used it, I noticed I had an acne breakout which was weird because I had just recovered from a long breakout. I had to stop this new product I introduced to my routine just in case that was the problem. Weeks later, I decided to try again and the same thing happened. At this point, it was clear that the Dr Rashel vitamin C serum was the culprit. All of the negative reviews are indeed true, this serum causes a very bad acne breakout that takes a while to recover from. People with oily/acne prone skin will probably suffer this more but I wouldn't advice even normal skin types to try this after my experience. I mistakenly used it a few more times because it was sitting with the rest of my serums and I also had the same experience. ![20230710_180805.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/wolfofnostreet/EpNpSGtAWRUMr9AsVVfjLzJC4nuBG3GfL8XwSKJz3X7XHHBUEw2vN94SRko4YAg9xbz.jpg) It crossed my mind that I might have bought a fake but I highly doubt that because I got it from a trusted vendor and the QR code on the pack shows it's authentic. Some products work better for some more than others, in this case, the negative reviews overshadow the positive. I think this is a bad product and I will never recommend it to anyone. You're better off saving to buy quality, effective and safe brands. I won't be purchasing the **Dr Rashel Vitamin C Brightening & Anti-aging Face Serum** or any other product from the brand ever again. I'd rate the serum 0/10. It is ineffective, has a strong irritating citrus smell, heavy texture, and acne causing. ![20230710_180516.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/wolfofnostreet/EouC6kL9vFi6DS9KStXKfJFuon4ZzygL9U8KHBF7oQgaoEWLy85tqNC3xjZHxbw1dgV.jpg) *Images are mine. Edited on Lensa and Lightroom.* Also check out - [Let's Face Facts, Simple Does It!](https://peakd.com/hive-109876/@wolfofnostreet/lets-face-facts-simple-does-it) [Skincare Mini-Haul: Trying Out Chemical Exfoliants For The First Time](https://peakd.com/hive-109876/@wolfofnostreet/skincare-mini-haul-trying-out-chemical-exfoliants-for-the-first-time)