Which to Choose: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF?
After a few days of using Skinceuticals’ new Phloretin CF instead of my beloved Skinceuticals CE Ferulic,
I have come to a surprising decision on what works best: using both together!
After speaking to a friend in the beauty business, it was suggested that perhaps Skinceuticals manufactured Phloretin CF without vitamin E so that CE Ferulic fans would buy Phloretin CF in addition to, rather than instead of, CE Ferulic. This logic also made since because my (normal, somewhat sensitive) skin felt awfully dry after three days’ use of solely Phloretin CF. However, during that time, I felt that Phloretin CF on its own made my undereye skin look somewhat firmer.
For the next week, I used Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic together, with the product with the thinner consistency (Phloretin CF) underneath. The results really were extraordinary: my skin looks extremely smooth, to the point that indoor light reflects from it. The sunspot under my right eye (from a childhood vacation in Florida, don’t ask, haha) also looks a bit lighter. I personally love the idea of getting 2% phloretin, 10% vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid in Phloretin CF and also 1% vitamin E as tocopherol acetate, 15% vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid, and 0.5% ferulic acid in CE Ferulic. There is no known reported research indicating that the mixture can in any way be detrimental to the skin.
However, for the record, Skinceuticals states that Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic are made to address “different photo-aging concerns and skin types.” According to a recent company brochure, the new Phloretin CF is designed:
- for oily, problematic, and normal skin
- to diminish age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation
- to accelerate cell renewal
- to improve laxity
- to retexturize skin
On the other hand, according to the brochure, CE Ferulic is best suited:
- for dry, combination, and normal skin
- to replenish lipids
- to stimulate collagen synthesis
- to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
With that said, I offer the following advice: If you have normal skin, and can afford to use both products, I would do so to get increased antioxidant protection, increased skin firmness, and truly advanced hyperpigmentation treatment. (And I am not affiliated with Skinceuticals in any way, so I am saying this as an unbiased, unpaid recommendation! 
) However, if you have dry skin, I would recommend only CE Ferulic, because Phloretin CF tends to dry out the skin. And, if you have oily skin, I would conversely recommend trying both Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic, because CE Ferulic is not as hydrating as Phloretin CF is drying. However, if your oily skin breaks out after using CE Ferulic, then definitely use only Phloretin CF. (Get your CE Ferulic from a company with a forgiving return policy like Amazon!)
I am truly loving my Phloretin CF and CE Ferulic in combination, and I hope that you find this post helpful too!
P.S.– Keep commenting! The FutureDerm and Skinmedix.com $500 skincare giveaway is this Friday, June 19, 2008!
Combining CE and Phloretin together? Well this is when the 500$ gift can come in handy lol.
Comment by Ruben | June 17, 2008
If I have normal skin, and could only reasonably justify trying 1- which one would you recommend over the other?
Comment by Denise | June 17, 2008
do you advise to use this in our morning regimen or night? Or both?
Comment by naom | June 17, 2008
I was hoping I would know which one to buy! I guess the CE Ferulic would still be your favorite?
Comment by Debi | June 17, 2008
I’ve been dying to try the CE Ferulic but haven’t been able to get myself to spend the money on it. There are so many products I want to try and test, but lack of money gets in the way:(
Comment by jeni | June 17, 2008
YAY! I was wondering about the ability to use the two together because they both sound great, and now I know. Even if I don’t win, when I make a another order, this will be part of it. Thank you for checking it out!!!
Comment by Christine | June 17, 2008
I have been using Phloretin CF for the last couple days. I do agree that it is a bit drying (especially compared to the CE Ferulic). I have some hyperpigmentation from being out in the sun as a teenager so hopefully it will help with that… right now it’s too early to tell. I do like the idea of trying different antioxidants so I’ve decided to use this in the AM and CE Ferulic in the PM. Also, applying the SkinCeuticals B5 gel after this product (Phloretin) works to add moisture back to the skin. I then put my moisturizer over that.
One more thing… there were some comments/questions about buying SkinCeuticals produts online. I normally purchase from Skinmedix… they do sell the new Phloretin CF. This product is new to the market so they must not be only selling last year’s stock. I’m confused as I thought SkinCeuticals did not have any current online contracts.
Comment by Sara | June 17, 2008
Maybe using Phloretin under eye area and CE all over for sunscreen boost would be a good combination.
Comment by michele | June 17, 2008
I have dry skin, so CE Ferulic would probably be best for me.
How long would you say a bottle lasts? I’m wondering whether including it in my skin care regime would be worth the price.
Comment by Ink | June 17, 2008
I’m quoting an Amazon shop on CE Ferulic:
“When very fresh = recently manufactured, the C E Ferulic is a very clear liquid. It turns yellow with exposure to heat, light and air, so this does definitely NOT mean that the product is old or expired (unless it is very dark). The samples vials AND the full sized bottles all turn yellow and then even orange if you keep them long enough. You can STILL use them at this stage. This means the vitamin C and Ferulic acid are oxidized. To keep them clear as long as possible, we suggest you keep them in the refrigerator (like all vitamin C skincare products). This will keep them clear and ultra fresh, thus useable for a longer period of time. Most of Prestige-Beautica’s Ferulic will arrive to you totally clear because none of them stays long enough on our shelves.”
Is this actually true? Is there still a point in using this product when the vit. C and ferulic are oxidized?
Comment by Ink | June 17, 2008
Thanks Nicki - I have excessively oily skin so the Phloretin sounds like it may help with this issue. I apppreciate your continuing updates so much.
Comment by Mark Futrell | June 17, 2008
I am using CE Ferulic now. Next time I’ll try both. Wish it was not so expensive.
Comment by Danielle | June 17, 2008
Are people using the CE Ferulic during the day, or overnight while sleeping?
Which way is best, and why? Recommendations?
Comment by Garry | June 17, 2008
Answering some questions:
-the products are for AM use especially since they give your sunscreen a boost
- many companys claim that when the vit C turned yellow/brown it’s still okay to use…which is not true…oxidation = no more AOX
- A 1 oz bottle lasts about 2 months+! But like many people do I would suggest to by the samples bottles! 6 samples = 1 oz and you can put the other 5 in the frigde while you use one. this can also be very handy to minimise oxidation problems
- Some companys claim that vit C stays active on the skin for 72 hours, others say 24 hours…Whoever is right, I don’t know but if you use it every morning and indeed it lasts for 72 hours it means you use build the Vit C up which is always good.
- Tip: Before I go to a party I always put some CE Ferulic on, it always makes sure I stay zit free the day after because of the alcohol, smoke, heat,….! Perfect!
I just ordered my Phloretin…I can’t wait to use it alone or in combination with my CE Ferulic! Thanks Nicki!
Comment by Ruben | June 17, 2008
Very interesting information. Thanks!
)
Now what do you recommend in the case where you have dry skin and hyperpigmentation? (Fabulous combination, I know!
Do you have an opinion about the Dr. Varon serums? They seem similar to Skinceuticals, but the price points are extremely different.
Comment by Photogirl | June 17, 2008
I wonder whether other companies will start using this new antioxidant? I’d love to have some choice, since the price is high on this line. Thanks for the experimentation for us, Nikki!
Comment by Sarah | June 18, 2008
Great review, and what a great idea combining the 2 products. I definitely want to give this a try. I love the CEF, and I still have hyperpigmentation to get rid of. Thanks for the review and the tip!
Comment by Dorothy | June 18, 2008
Thanks Nikki!! This is really helpful info in deciding which product would be better. I have acne-prone skin, and I am really cautious about what I put on it and this information helps me to be better informed!! Keep it coming!!
Comment by Elaine | June 18, 2008
these both sound like great products, but my sensitive skin couldn’t handle both together probably. We need some generic, cheaper products-pronto.
Comment by sofi76 | June 18, 2008
I think that you need to maybe use a smaller dose to get used to the product? When I first tried my mom’s ce ferulic, I was turned off by the smell– but my mother raves about it so I can’t wait to be able to try this for myself!
Comment by naom | June 18, 2008
I think the reason why tocopherol was omitted from Phloretin CF is that highly acne- and clog-prone people can break out from tocopherol. But, the cynic in me can also believe that SkinCeuticals wants us to buy both C+E Ferulic and Phloretin.
Sara — I’ve also been very curious about how Skinmedix is able to sell Phloretin after SkinCeuticals supposedly chose not to renew any of its contracts with online dealers (which I think was a terrible mistake). I hope Skinmedix continues to carry SkinCeuticals — I don’t think I’d use this line anymore if I couldn’t buy it at a discount.
Comment by Jean | June 19, 2008
After reading this post and checking out the over whelming positive reviews on the net on Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, I decided to take the plunge and invest my dollars in a bottle. I am very eager to receive it so I can try it out!! I’m also in the process of purchasing the new Phloretin CF (I thought I’d sleep on it after just paying top dollar for the Ferulic). Here’s to having great skin (which I have yet to achieve!)
Comment by Aubrey Meneses | June 21, 2008
I have used SkinCeuticals for a few years now and love their serums. I asked about the color change before and was told by the company that the color change DOES NOT indicate lack of effectiveness. They did a test that showed it was still 90% effective after being left open and in an oven for like one month. That sold me!
Also if the company has stopped selling to big internet sites that means the only way one of those sites is selling it is by getting it from another source. You figure it out.
Anyway, you don’t have to use both serums to get good antioxidants. Just pick one or I guess you could alternate days. I like them both, but probably won’t buy both at the same time.
Comment by BC | June 26, 2008