iS Clinical vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Hydra-Cool Serum | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | iS Clinical | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Cooling water serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Fresh | Quick-absorb |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Verdict | iS Clinical's hydration-and-calming serum — sodium hyaluronate + Centella asiatica triple-acid complex (Asiaticoside + Asiatic Acid + Madecassic Acid) + pantothenic acid (B5) + a touch of menthol for the cooling sensation. The Centella triple-acid is the differentiator: most Centella products use the whole-extract; iS Clinical isolates the three active triterpenes for a clinical-strength anti-inflammatory effect. Layer over Active Serum to buffer the multi-acid sting, or use solo for reactive/irritated skin. | 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. |
