Good Molecules vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Good Molecules | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.1/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight, slippery gel | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Hydrated, plump | Quick-absorb |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Verdict | Eight dollars. Two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus a crosspolymer for sustained release. Panthenol for barrier repair. Eight ingredients total. Good Molecules strips the hydrating serum category to its functional minimum and charges accordingly. The formula doesn't do anything The Ordinary's version doesn't — but Good Molecules consistently delivers cleaner textures and better absorption. The best under-$10 hyaluronic acid serum on the American market. | 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. |
