Naturium vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Tranexamic Acid Topical Acid 12% | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Naturium | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight, watery serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Even, treated | Quick-absorb |
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| Verdict | Naturium's tranexamic acid serum at $18 delivers three depigmenting actives — tranexamic acid (12%, inhibits plasminogen activation that triggers melanin), niacinamide (inhibits melanosome transfer), and kojic acid (inhibits tyrosinase). Triple-mechanism depigmentation at drugstore pricing. Tranexamic acid is the ingredient dermatologists are most excited about for hyperpigmentation — and Naturium made it accessible. | 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. |
