SkinCeuticals vs The Ordinary — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Phloretin CF | Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SkinCeuticals | The Ordinary |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.5/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight watery serum | Thick, slightly grainy white cream |
| Finish | Quick-absorb | Mattifying |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Verdict | 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. | The Ordinary's gateway azelaic acid — a 10% suspension that does what prescription-strength 15–20% does, just slower. Azelaic acid is the calmest active in the rosacea/acne/hyperpigmentation arsenal: it kills C. acnes bacteria, suppresses melanin production, and reduces inflammatory redness simultaneously, all without the irritation profile of retinoids or BHA. Tolerable for most sensitive skin, pregnancy-safe, layers under SPF. The texture is the only meaningful complaint — slightly grainy and white-cast-y on first application until rubbed in fully. |
