Paula's Choice vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Paula's Choice | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Silky emulsion | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Soft satin | Quick-absorb |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Verdict | 1% retinol + peptides. Retinoid-tolerant skin only — this one works, audibly. | 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. |
