Dermalogica vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| BioLumin-C Serum | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Dermalogica | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.2/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight, silky serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Bright, radiant | Quick-absorb |
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| Verdict | Dermalogica's vitamin C serum uses ascorbyl glucoside — a stable derivative that converts to L-ascorbic acid in the skin, avoiding the oxidation problem that plagues pure vitamin C serums. A palmitoyl tripeptide boosts collagen signalling, lactic acid provides gentle exfoliation, and the brand's proprietary longevity complex adds adaptive defence. The professional skincare brand that trained a generation of aestheticians applies that clinical seriousness to an ingredient category crowded with unstable, overpriced options. | 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. |
