For example, in my initial trial of the serum, I was surprised by the lightweight, silky texture that, to me, felt almost like an oil. I felt a slight tingling sensation across my combination skin, but had no issues with dryness or irritation on its own or paired with other products in my routine. Then there’s actor Sydney Sweeney, who relies on it to treat her sensitive combination skin. In her installment of Vogue’s Beauty Secrets, she remembers trying to tackle bouts of cystic acne, though she now shares the serum as part of her regime to keep her skin calm.
Dermatologist Dr. Chris Tomaissan, who has combination skin prone to redness and rosacea, reveals it’s part of his routine as a means to “boost collagen to fight fine lines/wrinkles, and also help fade any hyperpigmentation I might have from a breakout.” Even Vogue’s international editor at large, Hamish Bowles, is a fan of this formula—discovering it through his dermatologist, Dr. Antoni Calmon.
What’s more, Rapaport says it’s never too early to start using it, as she recommends it to her patients spanning teens to much older adults—recounting a 12-year-old patient she once advised using it on her journey toward the “best skin possible.”
My Experience With SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
I have been testing the SkinCeuticals vitamin C since the fall of 2023 when this review was initially published—using at least one antioxidant from its range nearly daily, except for when I’m traveling (I keep a drugstore vitamin C serum in my travel makeup bag). Turns out, the experts were not joking when they said this is the best vitamin C in the game—I do not plan on swapping brands anytime soon. However, I will say its really important to choose the right formula for you.
I started my journey with the best-seller, C E Ferulic, which is the most recommended of the bunch for its ability to target various signs of aging. I was initially impressed by its rich composition, excellent for dry skin; but, as my skin became more oily a few months after first use, I found it did not layer well with other bits in my skincare routine. So, I started using the brand’s Silymarin CF instead—an oil-free solution powered by 0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 0.5% salicylic acid for total environmental protection while staving off blemishes, fine lines, and excess shine. For me, this hit the sweet spot of boosting skin elasticity and improving visible anti-aging benefits while addressing the needs of my blemish-prone skin type. My skin drinks this stuff up, and has alleviated many of my complexion woes—think: uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, and excess oil production—with consistent use. Over this roughly year and a half period, I’ve gone through three bottles of this stuff and will continually stock up.
How to Apply SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Like most other vitamin C formulas, you should not expect to see results immediately. Rapaport notes that “results can be seen in as little as four to six weeks, but even better results are seen at week 12.” According to the brand, four to five drops of this serum can be applied to the skin after utilizing your facial cleanser and toner. Rapaport, who personally uses 8 to 10 drops of the serum on the face and neck, recommends waiting three to five minutes for the serum to fully sink in before moving on to the next steps in your routine. On a typical day, I follow the vitamin C with hyaluronic acid (like the brand’s Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan), moisturizer (like the brand’s Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2), and sunscreen (like the brand’s Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50). Et voilà, your glowing routine is complete. “Good skin care is a lifestyle, and by incorporating high-quality antioxidants into your routine, you will be rewarded with healthy, bouncy skin,” she says. At night, opt for a peptide serum or retinol to round out these benefits. Shop SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic—and complementing moisturizers to round out your routine—below.
Other SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serums to Consider
While SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic powerhouse serum provides a number of wrinkle-smoothing benefits, the formula is oil-based, which may be undesirable for certain skin types and concerns. Below are a few alternatives worth considering, depending on your needs.
Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
- Why We Love It: As my skin transitioned from combination to oily, I found that CE Ferulic didn’t quite work for my skin type. Realizing this, I promptly switched to Silymarin CF instead. Maintaining a concentrated dosage of vitamin C, this also features the milk thistle-derived antioxidant, silymarin, which balances out oily, blemish-prone skin while improving overall texture with a one-two punch of ferulic and salicylic acid. What you get: Protected skin from free radical damage while reducing pore size, oil production, and future blemishes.
- Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid 15%, silymarin 0.5%, ferulic acid 0.5%, salicylic acid 0.5%
- Best For: Acne, oiliness, uneven tone
- Skin Type: Combination-to-oily
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
- Why We Love It: In place of vitamin E, phloretin—an antioxidant derived from the bark of fruit trees (and apples)—is utilized here to deliver plant-based free radical protection while brightening discoloration. Of course, potent L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid are also featured for the same benefits you’d expect from a vitamin C serum.
- Key Ingredients: Phloretin 2%, l-ascorbic acid 10%, ferulic acid 0.5%
- Best For: Pigmentation concerns (hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven tone), fine lines
- Skin Type: Normal to oily
Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Serum 10
- Why We Love It: Thanks to Serum 10 AOX+, even the most sensitive skin types can experience the restorative benefits of vitamin C. Effective for reactive skin, or simply someone just getting started with antioxidant protection, this formula combines L-ascorbic and ferulic acid at lower, more manageable levels to neutralize free radicals and firm skin over time—sans irritation.
- Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid 10%, ferulic acid 0.2%
- Best For: Radiance, fine lines, wrinkles
- Skin Type: Sensitive, normal
Best Gel: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel
- Why We Love It: Those who don’t really resonate with a vitamin C serum should consider the antioxidant in a gel form via this SkinCeuticals gel. Here, 2% phloretin, 10% l-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid into a well-rounded protective elixir designed to protect against environmental damage and alleviate premature signs of aging as a result of sun damage—think discoloration and rough skin texture.
- Key Ingredients: 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 0.5% ferulic acid
- Best For: Premature signs of aging
- Skin Type: All skin types
Best Exfoliating: SkinCeuticals C + AHA
- Why We Love It: Want your antioxidant protection with a side of exfoliation? SkinCeuticals C + AHA is the way to go. The formula pairs 15% pure vitamin C with 10% hydroxy acids (specifically, glycolic and lactic) to gently exfoliate—making way for clearer, smoother skin sans blemishes, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
- Key Ingredients: 15% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), 10% hydroxy acids
- Best For: Blemishes, enlarged pores, rough texture
- Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a Birmingham, Alabama-based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology who specializes in dermatologic surgery, injectables, hair restoration, and laser dermatology.
- Dr. Vicki Rapaport is a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in treating skin disorders of all types, from acne to eczema.
Original Source: Read More Here
