The Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir is marketed as a hydrating youth boosting serum. It’s a mixture of antioxidants along with a mixture of hydrating pore refining ingredients. What initially captured my attention was the mentioning of gold flecks and the usage of Polyglutamic Acid. The serum retails for $80, but was gifted to me through the Influenster Program.

I’ve seen some mixed reviews of the Magic Serum and wanted to share my honest thoughts about it. I will also be discussing the major ingredients of the formula which are, Vitamin C, Polygutmatic Acid and Niacinamide in full detail.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir

Price: 1oz for $80 or 0.27 oz for $29

Description: The Crystal Serum is a water-based formula serum infused with Vitamin C and Polygutamic Acid that helps to reduce dark spots, brighten and plump the skin.

Being that the serum is a water-based it is extremely light weight and melts into the skin. Once absorbed, my skin does not appear shiny. By itself it gives a slight glow, but I found to like it paired with my Vitamin C serums. The serum itself contains fragrance, which has a citrusy scent to it. The scent didn’t bother me or linger too long. But I do think that the added fragrance could be a deal breaker to those that have sensitive skin.

I basically applied several drops to my Vitamin C Serum during my morning routine everyday. I treated the serum almost as just a Hydrating Niacinamide Serum booster to my routine. I really didn’t notice an overall difference with the look of my skin. However, my skin felt hydrated and plump after using. The results mirrored many of the Hyaluronic Serums I’ve tried but with a more milky-runny texture. Now let’s discuss the ingredients in detail.

The Magic Serum Crystal Elixir Ingredients

Key Ingredients:

-Golden Vitamin C (said to be a more stable Vitamin C)

-Polyglutamic Acid: (4x more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid)

-Niacinamide 5%:

Thoughts on the Ingredients

The Magic Serum Crystal Elixir is marketed around its incorporation of Vitamin C. As I glance over the ingredient list Vitamin C, (Ascorbic Acid), is listed at the bottom of the list. Polyglutamic Acid is listed in the middle and the Niacinamide is listed as the second ingredient. The serum yes has some good ingredients, but it also has some that are not great like Fragrances (Limonene and Citronellol) and Benzyl Alcohol, which can be problematic to those with sensitive skin types.

What is Golden Vitamin C? It is a conjugated form of Vitamin C that is bounded to micro-particles of gold for added stability, which is supposed to enhance the penetration of the product. It sounds great, but I don’t exactly know what that means and I don’t think more than half the consumers would either. I wish there was more information regarding this “type of vitamin C” along with more information from CT as to how much of a percentage is in the Magic Serum Crystal Elixir.

What is Niacinamide? It is known for being a major role in repairing the appearance and overall health of the skin. It can be used in multiple steps within your skincare routine and even with those who have sensitive skin. Niacinamide pairs well with other skincare products like AHA’s, BHA, Vitamin C, Retinol and other antioxidants

Critiques & Cons of The Magic Serum

As previously stated, the first problematic thing that stood out to me was the Vitamin C within the formula. After research, I’m unable to locate any information that indicates exactly how much Vitamin C is the Golden Vitamin C. The formula contains a few ingredients that could be bothersome to some- Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene and Citronellol (both fragrances). For the price of the serum and the overall results that I noticed while using it, I think it’s overpriced. I personally think for the $80 price of the serum you could purchase separate ingredients at a less expensive price.

Final Thoughts? To Purchase or to Pass?

I will admit I like the texture of the serum and its hydrating abilities. It has also worked well with the Vitamin C formulas that I’ve tried over the past several months. But being that I’m unable to determine how much Vitamin C is in the formula, it leads me to believe the percentage is likely very low. I can’t justify spending $80 on this serum for its Vitamin C benefits. As for the other ingredients that are included- Niacinamide 5% and Polyglutamic Acid, they both could be purchased separately for various brands for way less than $80.

Being that I now have the serum and I do enjoy using it, I will definitely continue to use it. But if you’re weary about the price, have sensitivity to fragrance and is looking for a higher percentage of Niacinamide, then you may want to pass on this. If you are still interested in purchasing, keep in mind that the Magic Serum is now made in a mini size for $29.