Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil Review: Is It Worth Buying?

I'll be honest, I nearly talked myself out of buying this.

Even with my £15 Cult Beauty birthday voucher, spending £34 on just 15ml of a vitamin C face oil felt like a huge splurge. Normally I'd never spend that much on a vitamin C product, but I'd seen so many glowing reviews, including Fleur de Force talking about it, that I couldn't stop wondering if it really was worth the hype.

The timing couldn't have been better either. I'd recently started using tretinoin again and my skin wasn't particularly happy about it. Between the heat, the rain and my combination skin trying to adjust, my complexion was looking dull and dehydrated. I wanted something that would brighten my skin without making it feel irritated.

What appealed to me most was that this isn't a traditional vitamin C serum. Instead, it's a vitamin C face oil that combines THD Ascorbate, an advanced oil-soluble form of vitamin C, with turmeric and nourishing botanical oils.

After using Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow every other evening for the past month, I think I've worked out whether this luxury Vitamin C oil is really worth the money.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Quick Take

After using Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow every other evening for the past month, I can honestly say it's the best vitamin C product I've tried. I almost didn't want to admit that because it's one of the most expensive, but you all know I'm always honest with you. My skin looks brighter, healthier and noticeably more radiant, even on makeup-free days.

If you're looking for a budget vitamin C, this isn't it. But if you want a luxurious vitamin C face oil that genuinely delivers a healthy glow while working beautifully alongside my tretinoin routine, I think it's well worth considering.

Overall rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Best for: Normal, dry, combination and mature skin that looks dull or dehydrated.

What I loved most: The brighter, healthier-looking glow it gave my skin without causing irritation.

Would I buy it again? Yes, especially if I could buy it on offer. One or two drops are all you need, so the bottle lasts much longer than you'd expect.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil bottle displayed in front of its luxury packaging.

What Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil?

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil is a luxury facial oil that's designed to brighten dull-looking skin while delivering long-lasting hydration. Unlike a traditional vitamin C serum, it combines an advanced oil-soluble form of vitamin C called THD Ascorbate with nourishing botanical oils, making it a great option if your skin needs both radiance and moisture.

The formula is designed to target dullness, uneven skin tone and the early signs of ageing while helping to support the skin's moisture barrier. Alongside vitamin C, it contains ingredients like turmeric, evening primrose oil, jojoba oil, cranberry seed oil and red raspberry seed oil, all chosen to leave your skin looking healthier and more radiant.

One of the reasons I decided to try it is because it's a little different from most vitamin C products I've used in the past. Instead of a lightweight serum that disappears in seconds, this is a facial oil that becomes part of your evening skincare routine. As someone whose skin has been feeling more dehydrated since going back on tretinoin, that sounded far more appealing than another active serum.

The good news is that you only need one or two drops for your whole face and neck, so although the bottle looks tiny, it goes much further than I expected. After using it every other evening for a month, I've still got plenty left.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Packaging and First Impressions

When I opened this, I was genuinely impressed with the glow face oil.

As a beauty blogger who's been reviewing skincare for over 15 years, it takes quite a lot to surprise me these days, but Sunday Riley really nailed the presentation. The box opens to reveal the bottle sitting on its own little pedestal, making it feel more like opening a luxury gift than a skincare product.

The bottle itself is a sturdy glass bottle with a pipette dropper, so it's easy to dispense just one or two drops without wasting any product. Considering how expensive this face oil is, I really appreciated that.

The oil has a rich golden orange colour and a strong herbal turmeric scent. I'll be honest, it was much stronger than I expected. It's not unpleasant, but because the fragrance lingers for a while, I much prefer using it as part of my evening skincare routine rather than before makeup.

From the packaging alone, this felt like a real luxury purchase. The question was whether the formula inside would be just as impressive.

Key Ingredients in Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow

Before we talk about the ingredients, I think it's worth answering a question I had myself before buying this product. Why do we actually need vitamin C in our skincare routine?

Vitamin C is one of the most researched skincare ingredients because it does so many jobs at once. It helps brighten dull skin, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, supports collagen production and provides antioxidant protection against everyday environmental stressors like pollution. If your skin is looking tired, lacking radiance or you're trying to fade the appearance of dark spots, it's one of the best ingredients to look for.

The ingredient that really caught my attention wasn't actually the turmeric. It was the vitamin C.

Before buying Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow, I'd never really thought about the different types of vitamin C. If I'm honest, I just assumed vitamin C was vitamin C. It was only when I started looking for something that would work alongside my tretinoin routine that I realised there are lots of different forms, and they're not all the same.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow uses THD Ascorbate, an advanced oil-soluble form of vitamin C. Rather than getting caught up in the scientific name, what really matters is what it means for your skin. It's known for being more stable and gentler than some traditional forms of vitamin C, making it a great option if you're using active ingredients like tretinoin or have found other vitamin C products too irritating. It's also designed to target dullness, uneven skin tone and the visible signs of ageing.

That was the biggest reason I bought this face oil. I wasn't looking for another product that simply promised brighter skin. I wanted something that would fit into my routine without leaving my skin feeling overwhelmed, and understanding the type of vitamin C in this formula gave me much more confidence before spending my money.

Vitamin C isn't the only ingredient doing the hard work. Golden turmeric oil and ginger root extract are both rich in antioxidants, helping to brighten the complexion while soothing the look of tired or stressed skin. Alongside these are nourishing botanical oils including jojoba, cranberry, red raspberry, evening primrose and pomegranate seed oil, which help support the skin's moisture barrier, lock in hydration and leave skin looking healthier and more radiant.

The biggest thing I learnt while researching and testing this product is that not all vitamin C products are created equal. I'd always looked at the percentage of vitamin C or the price, but now I pay much more attention to the type of vitamin C a product contains. Even if you don't buy Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow, I hope that's one thing you take away from this review because understanding your ingredients makes it much easier to choose skincare that's right for your skin.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil with a golden oil swatch on the back of a hand.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Texture, Scent and Finish

The first thing you'll notice is that this is a true facial oil. It's a rich golden orange colour, but don't let that put you off. One or two drops are enough for my face and neck, and it spreads really easily despite feeling richer than I expected.

When I first applied it, I did wonder if it was going to be too greasy. It definitely gives your skin a very dewy finish at first, but after a few minutes it starts to absorb, leaving my skin feeling nourished with a healthy glow rather than looking oily.

The biggest surprise for me was the scent. Because it contains golden turmeric oil, it has quite a strong herbal fragrance. I actually expected a fresh citrus smell because it's a vitamin C product, but that's definitely not what you get.

I do have quite a strong sense of smell, so for me the fragrance is a little overpowering at first and it lingers longer than I'd ideally like. That's one of the reasons I only use it in my evening routine. By the time I wake up, the scent has completely disappeared, but all the skincare benefits are still there.

Would I prefer it to be less scented? Absolutely. But the results have been good enough that I'm happy to overlook it. My skin looks brighter, healthier and more radiant the next morning, so for me it's a compromise that's worth making.

How to Use Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow in Your Skincare Routine

sunday riley ceo glow vitamin C is easy to incorporate into your skincare routine, but I know knowing where products fit can feel confusing these days. With toners, essences, serums, facial oils and moisturisers all claiming to be essential, it's not always obvious what order they should go on.

You only need one or two drops for your face and neck. Warm the oil between your fingertips before gently pressing or massaging it into your skin. It spreads beautifully, so a little really does go a long way.

Although you can use it morning or evening, I personally prefer applying it at night. The herbal turmeric scent lingers for a little while, and because it leaves my skin looking very dewy at first, I like giving it plenty of time to absorb while I sleep. By morning, the scent has disappeared and my skin looks brighter, healthier and beautifully hydrated.

If you choose to use it during the day, always finish your routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant, but it isn't a replacement for sunscreen.

Where Does Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Go in Your Routine?

If you're wondering where a facial oil fits, this is how I'd use it.

Morning Routine

Cleanser
Toner or essence (if you use one)
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or peptide serum (if you use one)
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Moisturiser (if your skin needs it)
SPF 30 or higher

Evening Routine

Cleanser
Toner or essence (if you use one)
Hyaluronic acid or peptide serum (if you use one)
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Moisturiser

Don't worry if your routine doesn't include every step above. You don't need a shelf full of skincare for this face oil to work. A simple routine of cleanser, ceo glow face oil, moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF is more than enough.

How I Use Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow with Tretinoin

One of the main reasons I bought Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow was because I wanted a vitamin C product that would work alongside my tretinoin routine rather than compete with it.

Personally, I don't use the two on the same evening. Instead, I alternate them, giving my skin the benefits of both without feeling like I'm overloading it with active ingredients.

Tretinoin Night

Cleanser
Tretinoin
Moisturiser

Sunday Riley Night

Cleanser
Hyaluronic acid serum (if my skin is feeling particularly dry)
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Moisturiser

This routine has worked brilliantly for me. My skin has stayed comfortable, I've avoided unnecessary irritation and I've still seen the brighter, healthier-looking complexion I was hoping for.

Patch Test Advice: Every skin type is different, and even products designed to be gentle can cause irritation for some people. I always recommend patch testing any new skincare product before applying it to your whole face, especially if you're using active ingredients like tretinoin, retinol or exfoliating acids. Apply a small amount to an area such as your jawline or behind your ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it as part of your regular routine.

What Does Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Actually Do?

When you first look at the bottle, it's easy to think this is just another facial oil, but after using it for a month I realised it's trying to do much more than simply hydrate your skin.

The biggest job of Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow is to brighten a dull complexion. Thanks to the advanced vitamin C and antioxidant-rich botanical oils, it's designed to improve the look of uneven skin tone, boost radiance and leave your skin looking healthier over time rather than giving you a quick fix.

I also noticed that because it's a facial oil, it helps lock moisture into the skin. My complexion felt softer and looked much fresher, especially on the mornings after I'd used it. While I didn't expect an oil to make such a noticeable difference, I think keeping my skin well hydrated also helped it look smoother and more plump.

If you're hoping one bottle will completely remove dark spots or erase lines and wrinkles overnight, this isn't that kind of product. What I found instead was that my skin gradually looked brighter, healthier and more even, which meant I often felt happier leaving the house without foundation.

For me, that's probably the biggest compliment I can give any skincare product. When my skin looks good without makeup, I know it's doing something right.

My Honest Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Review After One Month

I'll be honest, I wanted to find a reason not to love this.

Luxury skincare always comes with big promises, and because I'd spent my own money on this, I was hoping I'd be able to tell you there was a cheaper alternative that worked just as well. Unfortunately for my bank account, that wasn't the case.

After using Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow every other evening for the past month, I've noticed a real difference in how my skin looks. The biggest change has been the brightness of my complexion. My skin looks fresher, healthier and has a natural radiance that I wasn't getting from the vitamin C products I'd used previously.

I think what impressed me most is that the results didn't happen overnight. Instead, I noticed gradual improvements each week. My skin tone looks more even, the dullness I'd been struggling with after restarting tretinoin has improved and my complexion simply looks more awake.

Because this is a facial oil, I was worried it might feel too rich for my combination skin. Instead, I found it gave my skin exactly what it needed. It left my skin feeling nourished without clogging my pores or making me feel greasy by the following morning.

One thing I didn't expect was how often I found myself looking in the mirror before applying makeup. There were quite a few mornings where I thought my skin already looked healthy enough that I didn't feel the need to reach for as much foundation. For me, that's probably the biggest compliment I can give any skincare product.

Is it expensive? Absolutely.

Would I recommend everyone spends this much on a vitamin C face oil? No.

But if you've tried cheaper vitamin C products and you're still looking for something that delivers a healthy-looking glow while supporting your skin's moisture barrier, I can genuinely understand why Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow has such a loyal following.

The only downside for me is the scent. My sense of smell is really strong, so I do find the herbal turmeric fragrance a little overpowering when I first apply it. Thankfully, the results are good enough that I'm happy to overlook that, and that's probably the biggest compliment I can pay this product.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow vs Garnier Vitamin C Fresh Bright Sorbet

One question I kept asking myself while testing Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow was whether it was really worth spending so much more than a high street vitamin C product.

After using both, I don't actually think they're trying to do the same job.

If your skin is fairly balanced and you're simply looking for an affordable way to add vitamin C into your routine, I still think the Garnier Vitamin C Fresh Bright Sorbet is a fantastic option. It's lightweight, refreshing and perfect if you prefer a traditional moisturiser over a facial oil. I've really enjoyed using it, especially during warmer weather when I don't want anything too rich.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow feels much more like a treatment product. The advanced THD Ascorbate, combined with the nourishing plant oils, makes it a better choice if your skin is looking dull, dehydrated or needs extra nourishment. Since restarting tretinoin, my skin has definitely appreciated the richer formula.

For me, it isn't really a case of one product being better than the other. It's about choosing the one that suits your skin and your budget.

If you're just starting your vitamin C journey, I'd happily recommend the Garnier. If you've tried more affordable vitamin C products and still feel like your skin isn't where you want it to be, then I think Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow is where you'll notice the difference.

That's probably the biggest thing I've learnt while testing both. Expensive skincare isn't always better, but sometimes you really are paying for a different formulation rather than just a luxury name.

Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Worth It?

For me, yes.

I don't say that lightly because this is one of the most expensive vitamin C products I've bought. If it hadn't impressed me, I'd be the first to tell you to save your money.

I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. If you're new to vitamin C or shopping on a budget, there are some fantastic high street alternatives. But if you're looking for a luxury vitamin C face oil that combines brightening with deep hydration, I genuinely think this is worth the investment.

The fact I'd happily buy it again, even with my own money, probably tells you everything you need to know.

Who Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Best For?

Dry skin

If your skin often feels tight, dehydrated or lacks radiance, I think you'll love this. The nourishing facial oils help lock in hydration, leaving skin feeling soft, comfortable and noticeably brighter by the next morning.

Combination skin

This is my skin type, so I can speak from experience here. I was worried an oil would feel too rich, but it absorbed beautifully and never left my skin feeling greasy by the morning.

Mature skin

If your main concerns are dullness, dehydration and fine lines, I think this is a lovely choice. It won't erase wrinkles overnight, but it does leave skin looking healthier, plumper and more radiant.

Oily skin

If you naturally have very oily skin and dislike facial oils, this might feel a little rich. I'd recommend using it in the evening rather than before makeup.

Sensitive skin

One of the reasons I chose this face oil was because it contains THD Ascorbate, which is generally considered gentler than some traditional forms of vitamin C. That said, everyone's skin is different, so I'd always recommend patch testing first.

The Pros and Cons of Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow

Pros

Gave my skin the brightest, healthiest-looking glow I've had from any vitamin C product.
THD Ascorbate felt gentle enough to use alongside my tretinoin routine.
Left my skin feeling hydrated, soft and comfortable without clogging my pores.
Only one or two drops are needed, so even the 15ml bottle lasts much longer than you'd expect.
The luxury packaging makes it feel like a real treat every time I use it.

Cons

It's expensive, especially if you're new to vitamin C skincare.
The herbal turmeric scent is much stronger than I expected and may not suit everyone.
If you don't enjoy facial oils or prefer lightweight serums, this probably isn't the right formula for you.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Price and Value

There's no denying that Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow is expensive, but I think it's better value than it first appears. I only use one or two drops every other evening, and after a month I've still got plenty left in the bottle. If I'd spent £34 on something that lasted a week, I'd never recommend it, but because a little goes such a long way, the cost per use is actually much lower than I expected.

I also used my Cult Beauty birthday voucher, which made it feel like the perfect treat. If you can pick it up during a promotion, even better.

My Final Thoughts on Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow

I'll be honest, I didn't expect to love this as much as I do.

Yes, it's expensive, and yes, the herbal turmeric scent is stronger than I'd like. But every time I use it, I wake up with brighter, healthier-looking skin, and that's why I keep reaching for it.

The biggest thing this product taught me is that not all vitamin C products are the same. Before buying this, I thought vitamin C was just vitamin C, but learning about THD Ascorbate completely changed how I look at skincare. It's something I'll definitely pay more attention to when buying vitamin C products in the future.

Would I recommend Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow? If you're happy to invest in your skincare and want a luxurious vitamin C face oil that genuinely delivers results, then yes. I think it's a beautiful product and one I'd happily spend my own money on again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow

Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Worth the Money?

If you're looking for a budget vitamin C product, probably not. However, if you're happy to invest in luxury skincare, I think the combination of THD Ascorbate, nourishing botanical oils and the visible glow it gives makes it worth considering. The bottle also lasts much longer than you'd expect because you only need one or two drops per application.

Can I Use Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Every Day?

Yes. Sunday Riley recommends using it daily, either morning or evening. Personally, I prefer using it in the evening because of the richer texture and herbal turmeric scent, but if your skin enjoys it, you can absolutely use it every day.

Can I Use Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow with Tretinoin?

Yes, but I personally alternate the two rather than using them on the same evening. This routine has worked really well for my skin and has helped me avoid unnecessary irritation. If you're using tretinoin or any other active skincare, always introduce new products gradually.

Can You Wear Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Under Makeup?

You can, but I personally prefer not to. Because it's a facial oil, it leaves a dewy finish at first and the herbal turmeric scent lingers for a little while. I find it works best as part of my evening routine, but if you do wear it during the day, use one or two drops and allow it to absorb fully before applying your makeup.

Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Greasy?

It does feel like a facial oil when you first apply it, but I found it absorbed well after a few minutes. By the following morning, my skin felt nourished, hydrated and comfortable rather than greasy.

Will Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Clog Pores?

I have combination skin and didn't experience any clogged pores or breakouts while testing it. Everyone's skin is different, though, so I always recommend patch testing first and introducing new skincare products gradually.

Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Good for Oily Skin?

It can be, but it depends on your preference. If you don't mind facial oils, I think it can work well. If you have very oily skin, I'd recommend using it in the evening rather than under makeup.

How Long Does a Bottle of Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Last?

Much longer than I expected. I only use one or two drops every other evening, and after a month of consistent use I've still got plenty left in my 15ml bottle. A little really does go a long way, making the cost per use much better than I first thought.

What Makes THD Ascorbate Different from Other Types of Vitamin C?

THD Ascorbate is an advanced oil-soluble form of vitamin C. It's known for being more stable and gentler than some traditional forms of vitamin C, which is one of the reasons I chose Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow to use alongside my tretinoin routine.

Is Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Fragrance Free?

No. It has a noticeable herbal turmeric scent. I have quite a strong sense of smell, so I found it much stronger than I expected. The fragrance does fade after a while, but if you're particularly sensitive to scented skincare, it's something worth considering before you buy.

Can I Use Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow with Other Vitamin C Products?

I personally wouldn't. As this is already a vitamin C treatment, I think it's better to keep your routine simple and avoid layering multiple vitamin C products together. Instead, pair it with hydrating products like hyaluronic acid or peptides if your skin needs extra moisture.

Who Should Buy Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow?

If your skin is looking dull, dehydrated or lacking radiance, I think you'll get the most from this face oil. It's also a great option if you're looking for a gentler form of vitamin C to fit into an existing skincare routine. If you're shopping on a tight budget or don't enjoy facial oils, there are more affordable alternatives that may suit you better.

Pinterest pin for a Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil review featuring the product, oil swatch and the text "Is It Worth the Money?"

About the Author

Hi, I'm Laura, the founder of MissLJBeauty. I've been reviewing beauty and skincare products for over 15 years and I'm qualified in beauty therapy, skincare and makeup. I buy many of the products I review myself, test them in my everyday routine and share honest, experience-led reviews to help you decide what's really worth spending your money on.

MissLJBeauty