Murad vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Retinol Youth Renewal Serum | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Murad | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.4/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Velvet | Quick-absorb |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
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| Cons |
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| Verdict | Murad's tri-active retinol formulation — encapsulated retinol + Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR, the next-generation retinoid that converts directly to retinoic acid without the metabolic step) + Swertia chirata extract for the photoaging-targeted active. The combination delivers retinoid results faster than retinol alone with substantially less irritation. Layer with hyaluronic acid for the buffered approach. | 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. |
