What is the Difference Between SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum vs CE Ferulic Serum?

Serums are intense formulations of skin products that provide the most concentrated rejuvenation of the skin. This is why two of the best products for anti-ageing and the repair of damaged skin from SkinCeuticals are the CE Ferulic Serum and the Phloretin CF Serum. Both are formulations that contain high concentrations of vitamin C, but what is the difference between the two? Both serums have their place in the market, and below we will look at their uses so that you can choose the best option for your skin goals.

Vitamin C is a key ingredient in many different skin products because it has some unique effects. It is mainly used against ageing, as it combats fine lines and wrinkles effectively. This is because Vitamin C itself plays an important part in the role of collagen production, keeping skin looking plump and filling in those areas. It can heal damaged skin and absorbing more Vitamin C can help repair and prevent dry skin too. This is why it is such a useful product for skin rejuvenation, although it is mainly targeted towards anti-ageing.

That being said, how do you choose between the two above products? Both are Vitamin c formulations, both are serums. How do they differ? We will begin by looking at the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum and its benefits.

The SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum contains high concentrations of many powerful antioxidants which can have a great impact on overall skin health. It effectively protects the skin against signs of ageing through the formulation of 15% pure L-ascorbic acid, better known as Vitamin C. It also contains additional vitamins and ingredients such as 1% alpha-tocopherol, or Vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid. These two active ingredients work together against the environmental damage that can cause many of the signs of ageing. They concentrate on free radical damage from UVA and UVB rays, infrared radiation and ozone pollution. They work by neutralising the damage caused by such external factors, which in turn protect the skin overall.

The formulation is also effective in fighting the major signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This is because of the powerful antioxidants within the serum. As well as fine lines and wrinkles, the serum improve skin laxity, brightens the complexion and results in glowing, youthful skin. It has long-lasting benefits as the Vitamin C once absorbed into the skin continues to be effective for up to 72 hours, or 3 days! It is paraben-free and is best suited to normal to dry skin types. Although it is suitable for those who have recently undergone laser treatment, we recommend always speaking to your skincare specialist before using any skin products after such procedures.

There are some key differences between the CE Ferulic Serum and the Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Serum that you should note before making your decision. It has a slightly different formulation, with 10% Vitamin C present and 2% phloretin. It lacks vitamin E but does still contain 0.5% ferulic acid. It is still effective against ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, for this reason. It works to reduce environmental damage, just as the CE formulation does. The main difference between the two is that the serum including phloretin does work against discolouration of the skin and uneven skin tones. If you are looking to improve areas where your skin tone is uneven for any reason, including age spots and general discolouration, then this is the best product for you.

The phloretin formulation allows for the improvement of the overall skin tone and protects the skin at the same time. Again, even though there is a 5% reduction in the amount of Vitamin C present in the serum, it does remain active in the skin for a period of up to 72 hours. This serum is better suited for people with sensitive skin, as it contains no parabens, fragrances or dyes. It is suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types.

So, in conclusion, the two serums are similar in many ways. Both have high levels of Vitamin C, both are highly concentrated and both protect against significant environmental factors. As they protect against sun damage and other external irritants, in this way they do act to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the long term. The Vitamin C that is present helps to stimulate collagen production which helps to fight the signs of ageing from within.

Where the main difference lies in the slight difference in the formulation allows for the serum with added phloretin to aid in the correction of discolouration and uneven skin tones. It is also better suited to a wider range of skin types, including sensitive skin, oily and combination skin. The CE Ferulic serum is best suited to those with normal to dry skin.

One final key difference is that the CE Ferulic serum is recommended for use post-laser treatment. Although this should be confirmed first with your health professional, as everyone’s skin and complexion is unique, it has been tested on such skin after this procedure and has been found to not only be safe for use but also provide the benefits that are expected from the serum. The phloretin serum has not been recommended for use in this case.