Which Skinceuticals vitamin C serum is better: CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF? CE Ferulic is the original Vitamin C serum, the one that truly put Vitamin C on the block and was copied by pretty much everyone else in the industry. So I’m not sure why Skinceuticals would have feel the need to release another Vitamin C serum on top of it, but then the brand is known for its love of innovation. And if you’re gonna spend a small fortune on a serum, you might as well get the best one right? 😉
So which one is right for you? Does the new kid on the block tops the old favourite? Good news: they’re both good. It doesn’t matter which one you pick, you can’t go wrong. But I do have a fave. One of the serums does go the extra mile. Which one? Let the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic VS Phloretin CF battle begin:
Key Ingredients In Skinceuticals CE Ferulic And Phloretin CF
Higher Concentration Of Vitamin C?
Both Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF use L-Ascorbic acid, the pure form of vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant is a precious ally in the fight against premature ageing. It destroys free radicals, boosts collagen production, reduces dark and sun spots, and even hydrates skin! Impressive, isn’t it?
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic contains a whopping 15%. That’s one of the highest concentrations used in skincare. It’s more effective, especially at treating dark spots, but can irritate sensitive skin. Phloretin CF contains “only” 10%. That’s slightly less effective, but better tolerated by sensitive skin. It’s up to you to decide if the trade off is worth it.
WINNER: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
Related: Can You Use A Vitamin C Serum If You Have Sensitive Skin?
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Best Antioxidant Combination?
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic was the first serum to use vitamins C and E and ferulic acid together. That’s one of the most powerful antioxidants combinations used in skincare, and one anyone seriously bent on fighting premature aging should add to their arsenal.
Vitamin C is amazing for the skin, but it has one flaw. It goes bad quickly. Vitamin E and ferulic acid (an antioxidant that can fight three types of free radicals!) help stabilize vitamin C, so it remains effective for longer. This combination also has photoprotective properties (but that doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen!).
A 2005 study has found that incorporating ferulic acid “into a topical solution of 15%l-ascorbic acid and 1%alpha-tocopherol improved chemical stability of the vitamins (C+E) and doubled photoprotection. […] This combination of pure natural low molecular weight antioxidants provides meaningful synergistic protection against oxidative stress in skin and should be useful for protection against photoaging”. Translation: it helps protect skin from environmental damage and prevent premature aging.
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF contains ferulic acid, but no vitamin E. It replaced it with phloretin, a flavonoid found in apples. Phloretin has antioxidant properties as well, but can also delay the deposition of sugar deposits in the skin. Why does this matter? Sugar can harden collagen, resulting in wrinkles.
But what happens when you use it with vitamin C and ferulic acid? According to a 2008 study, the effects are very similar to those of the vitamin E, vitamin C, and ferulic acid combination:
“This study confirms the protective role of a unique mixture of antioxidants containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin on human skin from the harmful effects of UV irradiation. Phloretin, in addition to being a potent antioxidant, may stabilize and increase the skin availability of topically applied vitamin C and ferulic acid. We propose that antioxidant mixture will complement and synergize with sunscreens in providing photoprotection for human skin.”
So, which combination is better? They’re both good, but I prefer to stick to the old vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid. Why? Vitamin E has been studied a lot more than phloretin, so we simply have more proof of its antioxidant and photoprotective abilities.
WINNER: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Vitamin E In Skincare
Most Hydrating?
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF lacks both glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, two humectants that draw water from the environment into the skin. They help it stay hydrated and supple all day long. Unfortunately, Phloretin CF replaced it with denatured alcohol. Although not as irritating as once thought to be, alcohol can still dry out skin overtime, if used regularly.
So, why is alcohol used here? As a delivery system. It helps the active ingredients better penetrate the skin, so they can do their job more quickly and effectively. It’s also very cheap. Considering how much they’re charging for this, they could’ve used a more expensive, and less damaging, penetration enhancer, don’t you think?
WINNER: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
Related: What The Heck Are Humectants And Why Should You Use Them?
Full Ingredients Lists
Now we’ve looked at the main differences, let’s see everything that’s in these serums, shall we?
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
SKINCEUTICALS CE FERULIC
- Aqua/Water/Eau: The main solvent in the product, it helps to dissolve other ingredients.
- Ethoxydiglycol: A solvent that helps active ingredients penetrate skin better.
- Ascorbic Acid: The active form of Vitamin C, it fights free radicals, boosts collagen, and brightens the complexion.
- Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture from the air into your skin, keeping it hydrated for longer.
- Propylene Glycol: An alcohol that enhances the penetration of active ingredients. It also has some hydrating properties.
- Laureth-23: It enhances the texture of skincare products.
- Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi in your skincare products.
- Tocopherol: A form of Vitamin E that fights free radicals and enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C.
- Triethanolamine: A pH-adjuster that also helps water-based and oil-based ingredients to blend together seamlessly.
- Ferulic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that fights free types of free radicals and enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C.
- Panthenol: It hydrates and soothes skin.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: A humectant that attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water. It makes skin softer and plumps up fine lines and wrinkles.
SKINCEUTICALS PHLORETIN CF
- Aqua/water/eau: The main solvent in the product, it helps to dissolve other ingredients.
- Dipropylene Glycol: A solvent that enhances the penetration of active ingredients into your skin.
- Alcohol Denat: It helps active ingredients better penetrate skin, but can be drying.
- Ascorbic Acid: The active form of Vitamin C, it fights free radicals, boosts collagen, and brightens the complexion.
- Butylene Glycol: It enhances the penetration of active ingredients and hydrates skin a little.
- Triethyl Citrate: A solvent and texture enhancer.
- Phloretin: An antioxidant that fights free radicals and delays the deposition of sugar deposits in the skin.
- Ferulic Acid: A powerful antioxidant that fights free types of free radicals and enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C.
WHICH FORMULA IS BETTER?
Skinceiticals CE Ferulic is still the best option. It has a higher concentration of Vitamin C, a more researched combination of antioxidants, and is more hydrating.
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF is better for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate high concentrations of Vitamin C.
What Is The Texture Like?
Skinceiticals CE Ferulic is very liquidy and fast-absorbing.
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF has a slightly light texture and absorbs quickly too.
What Is The Packaging Like?
Skinceiticals CE Ferulic comes in an UV tinted bottle with a dropper applicator for ease of use.
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF also comes in an UV tinted bottle with a dropper applicator for an easier application.
How To Use Them
Like all Vitamin C serums, use them in the morning, in between cleanser and sunscreen to boost the latter’s effectiveness. If your skin needs the extra moisture, use a moisturiser in between Vitamin C serum and sunscreen.
Price & Availability
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic: $182.00 at Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Skin Store
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: $182.00 at Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Skin Store
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic VS Phloretin CF: Which One Should You Go For?
| CE FERULIC | PHLORETIN CF | |
|---|---|---|
| ACTIVE INGREDIENTS | 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. | 10% L-Ascorbic Acid, Phloretin and Ferulic Acid. |
| OTHER INGREDIENTS | Hydrating humectants, like Hyaluronic Acid. | Alcohol to enhance penetration, but can be higher. |
| TEXTURE | Liquidy and fast-absorbing. | Lighter and fast-absorbing. |
| PACKAGING | UV tinted bottle with a dropper applicator. | UV tinted bottle with a dropper applicator. |
| PERFORMANCE | Fights wrinkles, brightens the complexion, and enhances sunscreen protection. | Fights wrinkles, brightens the complexion, and enhances sunscreen protection, but a little more slowly. |
| IRRITATING POTENTIAL | Low. | Lower. |
Both Skincetuticals CE ferulic and Phloretin CF contain powerful combinations of antioxidants to help skin age slowly and gracefully. But CE Ferulic wins hands down. It’s more hydrating, and has a much better, non-drying delivery system. I’d go with Phloretin CF only if you have sensitive skin that can only tolerate lower doses of Vitamin C.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate.
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Ingredients
Aqua/water/eau, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Phloretin, Ferulic Acid.
While I try to mind costs in buying skincare , Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is one product I’m willing to spend money on. No other Vitamin C serum has been as effective on my sun-damaged skin!
Laurie, some products are worth the splurge, aren’t they?
I swear buy this stuff. I will admit that I panic every time I buy it.. but once it touches my skin… ahhhhh sweet sweet glory. Worth every penny, Laurie!
I have tried Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and I thought it smelled terrible so I wouldn’t use it. After a year .. had to dump it .. oye, a sad waist of money.
Monica.
Monica, I wish they improved the smell too. But if you can get past that, the serum will take care of your skin really well.
I’m with Monica. The ferulic acid scent in Skinceuticals CE Ferulic was so strong, I stopped using it. In fact, I was offered another bottle from a retailer and I turned it down! Fortunately, there are other vitamin C serums that somehow combine the ferulic acid in such a way as to minimize the smell. And their are other vitamin C serums I like better. I wasn’t aware of the other Skinceuticals serum that you contrasted it with. Very interesting.
Allison, a scent can really make or break a product, can’t it? It’s great that we have so many other options these days, so we can still get the amazing benefits of this combination without putting up with a bad smell!
I’ve actually been wondering about both of these, so this is great, thanks Gio!
Melissa, my pleasure. Glad to be of service. 🙂
Wow, what a great in-depth comparison! I’ve used neither as they’re both too costly. I’m using Kleem’s right now and usually go about trying a new one every time I run out. There’s so many options.
Janessa, there are too many options indeed. It’s hard to stay faithful to just one product, even if it works well, isn’t it?
This is super helpful, thank you! I love and use both, but didn’t know which made a true difference. This made it clear and easy to decide! Much appreciated!
Emily, my pleasure. Glad it helped.
Thanks for the review really helpful for me to see which one to purchase. Advice on what other products to use with CE Ferulic would be great as I’m a beginner
Thanks
Sandie
Sandie, I’d like to help, but I can’t. I don’t know what your needs are, what your skin type is, your budget, etc… Can you give me more information?
If the CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals isn’t in my budget right now, is there one you’d recommend under $50 that is comparable? Thanks!
Liz, have you tried Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum? It works pretty much the same way, but is much more affordable. You can read my comparison here: http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2014/10/31/dupes-skinceuticals-timeless-vitamin-ce-ferulic-acid-serum/
What color is the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic supposed to be? I have read various reviews and I am quite confused whether the color of my product is acceptable or not.
Thanks!
Veronica, it’s supposed to be a light yellow colour.
How quickly does the product go bad?
Britt, I’d use it within 3 months.
Hi there! Great Article! I have oily skin, and I started using the Drunk Elephant Vitamin C serum and noticed my skin became oilier and grittier. I went to my dermatologist who really likes the product, and she looked at the ingredients and told me to avoid any products with vitamin E because it can make oily skin worse. She loves both the SkinCeutical Vitamin C products but thinks for me the Phloretin CF is better. What are your thoughts?
Sonja, there’s quite a lot of vitamin E in your sebum so adding more could potentially be problematic for some skin types. Having said that, I don’t think the concentration of vitamin E in the Drunk Elephant and Skinceuticals serums is that high. It could be a combination of vitamin E and Marula oil that’s causing you problems. I do believe that CE ferulic is a better formula than Phloretin CF as there are more studying supporting its benefits. But, given the high price point, I recommend you get a sample of both of them and decide which one your skin likes the best. Hope this helps.
Thank you!
My pleasure!
Thanks so for this comparison. I recently started taking anti-aging skin care more seriously again, after a couple years of mostly using just glycolic acid and sunscreen. I break out from the CE Ferulic (even though I’m older, I’ve always been acne prone if I don’t watch my products very carefully) so I’m using Phloretin CF, which I can tolerate when followed by a Sodium Hyaluronate product (and then my favorite sunscreen, Elta MD Clear). I think Phloretin CF is typically better for acne prone skin. But I wasn’t at all sure how much effectiveness I was losing by going with the Phloretin CF or what other differences there are. Your article helped so much! Thanks again.
Robin, my pleasure. Glad this helped. Phloretin CF is a great product and can definitely help with antiaging.
Hi…I have a very dry, sensitive skin, started by using the corrective masques about a month ago it helped with the redness on my skin. Now I bought the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and Sun screen sometimes my skin feels a bit dry do I need an extra moisturiser or what should I do. And pls advice if I Should continue with the corrective masque or not.
Snowy, I think what’s happening is that Vitamin C is drying out your skin so definitely use more moisturiser afterwards. You can keep using the mask once or twice a week if you find it helps.
I have dry and sensitive skin. I’m still confused about which one should best work on my face.
I would love to try prior to buy it; is there any option to get a sample?
Is it better to use it at night or in the morning?
Thanks
Elena, I’d go with Skinceuticals. Just don’t use it every day as that may be too much for sensitive skin at the beginning. Definitely go to a counter and ask for a sample. Use it in the morning.
Thank you for the comparison and it helps a lot. I have used Skinceuticals before but its pricey. I recently have found Shunly CE + Ferulic treatment. Its comparable to Skinceuticals with its ingredients. It costs about $55 at Costco and so far Im very happy with it. Also there is no scent! Have you heard about this brand?
Nita, no I haven’t heard of this brand before but glad to know it’s a good dupe for Skinceuticals. Thanks for sharing.
I was so excited to start using ferulic c e after reading so much about it. I have known about it forever but never splurged on it until recently. It broke me out so heavily over the entire face. I’m soooo dissappointed. How is that possible. My face wasnt this bad even during my teenage years. I wonder if there is anything that can be done to prevent breakouts??? I am so bummed.
Freckles, I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve heard a few people breakout from vitamin C even though there’s no proof in the scientific literature that it’s comedogenic. Just goes to show how individual each person’s skin is. I guess you could try a different formula with a vitamin C derivative.
I have combination sensitive skin with some times breakout which one should I use?thanks
Rita, I’d go with Phloretin.