CeraVe vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | CeraVe | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight gel | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Clear, mattified | Quick-absorb |
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| Verdict | CeraVe's acne gel at $14 combines 2% salicylic acid with the full ceramide matrix and niacinamide — treating acne while simultaneously repairing the barrier that harsh acne treatments usually destroy. The CeraVe philosophy: treat the condition without creating a new problem. Most acne products strip the barrier, causing rebound oil production and inflammation. This gel clears pores while maintaining barrier integrity. | The CE Ferulic for combination/oily skin. Phloretin CF replaces tocopherol with phloretin (an apple-derived antioxidant), keeping the 10% L-ascorbic acid + 0.5% ferulic acid backbone but with a lighter, less oil-leaning texture. Better for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin where CE Ferulic feels heavy. Same antioxidant network in the basket — vitamin C primary, phloretin secondary, ferulic stabilising — and the same 4 a.m. orange-mid-tone shift that signals oxidation when it's gone too far. Not cheaper than CE Ferulic but worth it if your skin pushes back against the original. |
