What’s the best Skinceuticals Vitamin C serum?
CE Ferulic is the most famous. But did you know that Skinceuticals makes SIX more?! Like, why do you need that many?!
Anyway… Most of them cost less than CE Ferulic. Should you make the switch? I’ve compared them all to find out who the winner is.
But first…
Why Should You Use Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an antiaging superstar. This powerful antioxidant fights premature aging in 3 ways:
- Antioxidant: It destroys free radicals before they can give you wrinkles and dark spots
- Firming: It boosts collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic
- Brightening: It fades away dark spots and makes the complexion glow
Just a warning: L-Ascorbic Acid, the pure form of vitamin C, does these jobs well BUT it can be irritating. If you’ve got sensitive skin, stick to low doses (or go with a derivative).
Related: Types Of Vitamin C In Skincare Products
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($166.00)
What form of Vitamin C does it use?: 15% L-Ascorbic acid (the pure form of vitamin C).
What else is here?: This was the original CEF serum. 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid. These antioxidants work together to make one another more effective and destroy more free radicals. Plus, they boost the protection of your sunscreen, too.
What’s it good for?: Preventing the premature signs of aging (think wrinkles) and fading away dark spots.
What’s the texture like?: Lightweight, slightly tacky (it smells, too!).
Who should use it?: Most suitable for dry skin types, but anyone who wants to prevent premature aging can use it (unless your skin is too sensitive to tolerate this much vitamin C).
When do you use it?: In the morning, after cleanser and before sunscreen.
Where to buy it?: Blue Mercury and Dermstore
Related: Why Your Vitamin C Serum Should Contain Ferulic Acid
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF ($166.00)
What form of Vitamin C does it use?: 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C).
What else is here?: 2% phloretin and 0.5% ferulic acid. Phloretin is an antioxidant found in apples that boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C and helps protect skin from UV rays. One study shows that vitamin C + phloretin + ferulic acid + vitamin C (CPF) works just like vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid (CEF). BUT, CEF is the most studied combo of the two, so it has way more proof to back up its effectiveness.
What’s it good for?: Preventing the premature signs of aging, including wrinkles and dark spots.
What’s the texture like?: Lightweight, absorbs quickly.
Who should use it?: Combo and oily skin types who want to prevent premature aging.
When do you use it?: In the morning, after cleansing.
Where to buy it: Blue Mercury and Dermstore
Related: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic VS Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: Which One Is Right For YOU?
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Gel ($166.00)
What form of Vitamin C does it use?: 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C).
What else is here?: 2% phloretin and 0.5% ferulic acid. Plus, alcohol to thin the texture and silicones to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
What’s it good for?:Â Preventing the premature signs of aging, including wrinkles and dark spots + making the wrinkles you already have look smaller.
What’s the texture like?: A light, non-sticky gel.
Who should use it?: Combo to oily skin that needs anti-aging prevention.
When do you use it?: In the morning, after cleansing.
Where to buy it: Blue Mercury and Dermstore
Related: Are Silicones Bad For Skin?
Skinceuticals Serum 10+/20+ AOX+ ($70.00/$120.00)
What form of Vitamin C does it use?: 10%/20% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C).
What else is here?: 0.2% ferulic acid + humectants like glycerin to hydrate skin. They all have the same formula. The only thing that changes is the amount of Vitamin C and preservatives.
What’s it good for?: Prevent premature wrinkles + plump up the ones you have so they look smaller.
What’s the texture like?: Lightweight, absorbs quickly (it smells funky!).
Who should use it?: 10+ is for sensitive skin and 20+ for combo and oily skin. They’re all for people who want to prevent premature aging and need some extra hydration.
When do you use it?: In the morning, after cleansing.
Where to buy it: Blue Mercury and Dermstore
Related: Can You Use Vitamin C If You Have Sensitive Skin?
Skinceuticals C + AHA ($136.00)
What form of Vitamin C does it use?: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C).
What else is here?: Glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate, smoothen and brighten skin.
What’s it good for?: Preventing the premature signs of aging and fading away fine lines + dark spots.
What’s the texture like?: Lightweight, water-like (and yes, it stings too!).
Who should use it?: Dry, sun-damaged skin.
When do you use it?: Morning or night, after cleansing (Skinceuticals recommends morning to boost the protection of your sunscreen, but I prefer exfoliating at night when the sun ain’t around).
Where to buy it: Blue Mercury and Dermstore
Related: The Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid: What It Is And How To Use It
What’s The Best Skinceuticals Vitamin C Serum?
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic wins hands down. It has the most effective antioxidant combo to fight premature aging and keep wrinkles away from your face for longer. If your skin is sensitive and can’t tolerate it, go with Serum 10+ AOX+. I’d give the other serums a go only if you can’t stand the texture/smell of CEF Ferulic.
