If you’ve ever heard people talking about a vitamin C serum from SkinCeuticals, odds are, it was C E Ferulic. After all, it’s been described as the gold standard and the perfect triple threat against free-radical damage.
But C E Ferulic isn’t the only product in the company’s vitamin C serum line. There’s also Phloretin CF.
Is it as effective? If so, which serum should you use and why?
To help you answer these questions, I put together an in-depth SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF vs. C E Ferulic comparison.
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Phloretin CF vs. C E Ferulic: At a Glance
In a rush? Here’s a quick comparison of the two serums:
| Phloretin CF | C E Ferulic | |
| Main Concerns | Discoloration and dark spots | Fine lines and wrinkles |
| Principle | Prevent | Prevent |
| Skin Type | Oily or combination | Dry or combination |
| Application Time | Morning | Morning |
| Vitamin C Concentration | 10% | 15% |
| Vitamin E Concentration | 0% | 1% |
| Ferulic Acid Concentration | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Phloretin Concentration | 2% | 0% |
| Texture | Slightly tacky | Slightly tacky |
| Available as a Gel | Yes | No |
Phloretin CF vs. C E Ferulic: 6 Similarities
Before we start looking at the differences, let’s check out what the products have in common:
- They need to be stored away from sunlight or else they’ll spoil.
- They’re from the same brand/line and come in similar bottles.
- They’re both serums rich in antioxidants.
- They’re applied the same way and stay in the skin for up to 72 hours.
- You need to use them for 12 weeks to see improvement in skin tone/texture.
- They’re considered relatively pricey.
Phloretin CF vs C E Ferulic: 5 Differences
Don’t let the similarities fool you; these aren’t the same product. Here’s what sets them apart:
1. Key Ingredients: One vs. Two Vitamins
C E Ferulic’s key ingredients are all in the name: vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid (an antioxidant and a vitamin stabilizer).
You’ll see words like “L-ascorbic acid” and “alpha-tocopherol” on the bottle, but these are just fancy names for the two vitamins.
Now, take that same naming principle and apply it to Phloretin CF. The “C” is for vitamin C, “F” is for ferulic acid, and phloretin is well… phloretin (also an antioxidant).
That said, C E Ferulic has more vitamin C than its less popular sister.
2. Main Effect: Discoloration vs Aging
Both serums are strong antioxidants, which means they neutralize free radicals that cause a whole lot of issues.
However, the vitamin-ferulic blend in C E Ferulic works well in targeting fine lines and wrinkles. Phloretin CF’s formula, on the other hand, is geared towards skin tone evenness.
3. Hydration Level: Low vs Moderate
Key ingredients aside, C E Ferulic also contains glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. Those are two ingredients missing from Phloretin CF’s formula.
I don’t know about you, but my skin is on the dry side. So, I’d pick C E Ferulic. If, however, your skin is oily or acne-prone, Phloretin CF would be the way to go.
4. Intensity: 10% Vitamin C vs 15% Vitamin C
Remember when I said that C E Ferulic has more vitamin C? Well, that’s a double-edged sword.
The higher the concentration, the higher the risk of irritation. If this is your first time using a vitamin C product for your skin, Phloretin CF might be a safer choice.
Of course, I highly recommend doing patch tests for both serums.
5. Formula Scent: Bad vs. Worse
Both serums are fragrance-free, which sounds like a good thing if you have sensitive skin. However, there’s a catch.
The ingredients themselves stink, and C E Ferulic stinks worse! I heard someone describe the formula as “hot dog water” and couldn’t agree more.
The good news? The smell dissipates shortly after application.
Sometimes, I follow the serum with one of my nice-smelling moisturizers to mask the scent.
Which Should You Incorporate Into Your Skincare Routine?
Choose C E Ferulic if:
- You don’t mind high-strength vitamin C.
- Your skin could use some extra hydration.
- You want to focus more on signs of aging.
Meanwhile, Phloretin CF would be a suitable pick if:
- Your skin is prone to breakouts.
- Discoloration/blemishing is a big concern for you.
Final Thoughts
With all that being said, let me just remind you that both products are preventative.
Don’t buy either one expecting it to fix stubborn hyperpigmentation. You’d have to pair Phloretin CF with a dark spot corrector, like Discoloration Defense, for that.