With so many options out there today, the decision on which one to choose can become overwhelming at times. SkinCeuticals has a power-house line-up of serums used to treat various skin concerns. We’re taking a look at two of our top-selling antioxidant serums today, CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF. Do you know the difference between the two and which one would be best for you?

These two serums get mistaken for each other often because they both come in the same bottle and have a similar look in color and texture, but there are major differences between the two. SkinCeuticals Consulting Dermatologist, Kim Nicholas, M.S., is breaking down the facts on what really sets them apart from each other.

According to Dr. Nichols, the main difference between these serums is the potency and science behind the antioxidants in them. “Both are excellent choices,” she says, “but Phloretin CF is gentle enough for acne-prone patients, while C E Ferulic is more effective for dull skin and contains anti-aging properties.” Typically, this means that if you fall into the normal-to-dry category most of the time, you’re going to want to incorporate C E Ferulic into your routine, and if you’re more oily, you’ll want to try Phloretin CF.

Do you want more hydration?
Phloretin CF
is better for those with oily skin, which means it is the less hydrating of the two serums. The reason being that it does not contain glycerin, a primary humectant that is present in the CE Ferulic formula. If you have skin more on the dry side, you might notice that once applied, Phloretin CF might feel a bit dry. If your wanting to hydrate your skin, opt for CE Ferulic!

What ingredients are in each one?
When it comes to Vitamin C, C E Ferulic beats Phloretin CF hands-down, with 15% of l-ascorbic acid, while also containing 0.5% ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E. “The combination enhances protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals that can contribute to atmospheric aging,” Dr. Nichols adds. On the flip side, Phloretin CF contains 10% l-ascorbic acid, 2% phloretin and also 0.5% ferulic acid. Phloretin CF also does not contain vitamin E, which is a potent anti-aging ingredient.

How to Incorporate into your normal routine
Once you’ve figured out which antioxidant serum option is best for you and your skin type, it’s pretty easy to start incorporating into your daily skincare routine. “After cleansing your face, apply 3-5 drops of your antioxidant on the top of your hand,” says Dr. Nichols. “Then, use your finger to apply it evenly on your face, neck and chest.” It’s also important to note that after your antioxidant serums, you must apply sunscreen overtop for UVA/UVB protection.

And there you have it, the SkinCeuticals antioxidant serum 411. If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out and we will be more than happy to help you figure out which serum would best suit your needs. Want to make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists, click here.

Rachelle Riley