SkinCeuticals vs SkinCeuticals — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Hydrating B5 Gel | Phloretin CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SkinCeuticals | SkinCeuticals |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight serum-gel | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Plump, dewy | Quick-absorb |
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| Verdict | SkinCeuticals' professional-tier hyaluronic acid + B5 (panthenol) serum — the simplest formulation in their entire lineup, intentionally so. Two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid plus 5% panthenol in a clear, fragrance-free, weightless gel. The whole point is what's not in it: no fragrance, no preservative drama, no actives that compete with whatever else is in your routine. Layer it under any retinol, vitamin C, exfoliant, or moisturiser to add hydration without changing the chemistry of anything around it. Premium price for a simple HA serum, but the formulation cleanliness is genuinely worth it for sensitive or post-procedure 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. |
