Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

BUYER BEWARE! I have been using Image Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme for the last year, since my local dermatologist recommended it. I had been purchasing the product at the dermatologist's office, then I noticed that Amazon sells it for about $20 less per jar. So, I started buying the product through Amazon to save a few dollars. I didn't notice any difference right away; the packaging looked the same, the product looked the same, and it also smelled the same (a delightful orange scent.) I purchased a couple of jars online which I've used over the last few months and recently noticed my skin seemed dull and my wrinkles more pronounced. I figured I was just aging and no product could help! I was about to order another jar of Vital C online, and that's when I read other reviews that stated Image Skincare does not sell their products online. I confirmed that by checking out their website. Still not convinced (I'm soooo skeptical of overpriced gougers) I decided to do a side by side product test. I purchased a jar of Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme at my local dermatologist's office for $54, then took it home to make the comparison with a $32 jar purchased through Amazon. Here's what I found: The packaging was identical. The Ingredients (as listed) were identical. Their was no discernible difference between the color, consistency or fragrance of the two products. HOWEVER: when I put the product from the dermatologist's office on my face, I immediately noticed a HUGE difference! I could feel the product stinging a bit and it felt completely different on my skin than the stuff I'd been purchasing online. That was the way I remember Vital C feeling the first time I used it after purchasing it at my dermatologist's office. (BTW that stinging is why I can only use the Image Ageless line about once per week - if you've ever tried the Ageless line, you know what I'm talking about!) In summary, I wish I could report that I'd done the comparison in the blind - not knowing which product was which. But, I must say, that I'm positive I would have chosen the product purchased at the dermatologist's office over the stuff sold on Amazon. I will no longer be purchasing this product online, regardless of the savings.