The science of skincare is getting more complex, and it can be hard to keep up. Especially when considering which steps of your skincare routine work best together, comparing different products gets tricky. And when it comes to serums, there are some great options on the market. The SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums are worth checking out: C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF. Both are antioxidant serums with similar bottles, ingredients and textures, but with important differences between the two. We spoke with board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Kim Nichols to find out what sets them apart and which serum best fits your skin type.What Is the Difference Between C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF?As the name implies, C E Ferulic contains vitamin E, along with vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and ferulic acid, and contains slightly more vitamin C (5% more per volume) than the Phloretin option. “The combination [of C E Ferulic] enhances protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals that can contribute to atmospheric aging,” says Dr. Nichols, and vitamin E can act as an anti-aging ingredient. The phloretin in Phloretin CF is also an antioxidant, and can increase the absorption of the vitamin C and ferulic acid by the skin. Phloretin CF was designed for oily skin types, so it’s the less hydrating of the two — it doesn’t contain glycerin, so it can feel slightly drying in comparison.
