iS Clinical vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Active Serum | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | iS Clinical | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.8/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Velvet | Quick-absorb |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Verdict | iS Clinical's hero product and the formulation that built the brand. A botanical multi-acid serum: mandelic acid (gentle AHA, suits sensitive skin), salicylic acid (BHA, acne-targeted), L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C, brightening), arbutin (tyrosinase inhibitor for pigmentation), bilberry + sugar cane + lemon + orange + maple extracts (multi-source AHA/BHA). The breadth is the differentiator: this serum addresses acne, hyperpigmentation, and early aging in a single application — which is why dermatologist offices stock it as the all-in-one cosmeceutical entry point. | 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. |
