Kiehl's vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Kiehl's | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.3/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Smooth, renewed | Quick-absorb |
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| Verdict | Kiehl's micro-dose retinol releases retinol gradually over 24 hours — the L'Oréal-owned apothecary brand's solution to the retinol irritation problem. Instead of one concentrated burst that causes flaking, the time-release technology delivers retinol continuously at a lower peak concentration. Ceramide NP protects the barrier while retinol challenges it. Peptides signal collagen production. A sophisticated retinol delivery system from a brand that's been in apothecary since 1851. | 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. |
