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Skinceuticals are widely known to be the leading brand when it comes to Vitamin C serums. Their patented formula is often copied by other brands, who tweak the formula just enough to not get into trouble. But you can't get better than the original, right? I've been lucky enough to try two of Skinceuticals' Vitamin C serums - C E Ferulic, which is the more widely known serum and Phloretin CF. You can read my review of C E Ferulic HERE. Phloretin CF is more suitable for oily skinned types like me, rather than C E Ferulic, as C E Ferulic contains Vitamin E which can be a bit much for oily skin.
So what does it contain? 2% Phloretin, 10% L-ascorbic Acid Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic Acid. It's formulated to the Duke Antioxidant patent which means that the Vitamin C is between 10-20% and the pH is between 2-3.5. This ensures that the Vitamin C is at it's most effective. This is exclusive to Skinceuticals. These ingredients work together to provide protection against environmental damage whilst brightening skin tone and smoothing skins texture. It's perfect to improve hyperpigmentation.
The serum itself comes in a darkened bottle which is sealed with the dropper separate, to ensure freshness. Vitamin C is massively unstable and begins to oxidise as soon as it's opened. Skinceuticals advise that the serum should stay fresh for up to 6 months, after opening. Once open, you'll want to use it daily to ensure you use it up before it oxidises.
Vitamin C serums are best used in your morning routine along with SPF to give your skin the best protection. Now I've always been told to use a Vitamin C serum directly after cleansing and toning. I've also been told to use serums thinnest to thickest - so things like hyaluronic acid first, oils last. Therein lies a problem for me. This serum is a thin, runny consistency but it has a slight oily feel to it but it's not like a proper oil. It absorbs straight into skin and doesn't feel greasy. Now I always use Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster in my AM routine (read my review HERE). This is a watery consistency so for me, I'd want to apply it first then Phloretin CF second. But Vitamin C should be applied first, right? You can see why I'm in a quandary about it! I messaged Skinceuticals for advice and they said that I was right, Vitamin C should be used after cleansing and toning. They suggested that I used my second serum on alternative days to the Vitamin C instead but that if I've been getting on OK with using them both, to continue to do that. So I'm going to continue using as I have - Phloretin CF first, Niacinamide second. Just as a side note - there's an urban myth that Vitamin C and Niacinamide cancel each other out - that's not true (read this article from Paula's Choice HERE if you don't believe me!).
Now onto how the serum performs. It's always a tough one with antioxidant serums as they're a preventative measure so you have to trust that they're doing their job and protecting your skin from environmental damage. However when it comes to the brightening effects - those can be seen! This serum definitely does a great job of evening my skin tone and helping improve my pigmentation. Comparing C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF - both worked equally as well for me.
All in all I'm thoroughly enjoying using this serum and the effects it's having on my skin. The only downside for me, is the price. It's £150 for 30ml. Sadly this is too much for my budget but if it's within your price range, you won't find a better Vitamin C serum! If you're after a cheaper option, check out my review HERE. I'll be testing Pixi Beauty's Vitamin C serum next - keep your eye's out for my review!
Skinceuticals Phloretin CF is available from numerous retailers including Skinceuticals, Skin City and Look Fantastic - shop around, it's sometimes on offer.
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