SkinCeuticals vs The Ordinary — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Phloretin CF | Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SkinCeuticals | The Ordinary |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.5/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight watery serum | Off-white emulsion |
| Finish | Quick-absorb | Smoothed, settled |
| 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 gentler-than-retinol gateway retinoid — 2% Granactive Retinoid (a pre-formulated solution of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, the next-generation ester form) layered with a small amount of free retinol, plus bisabolol for soothing. The brand's pitch is meaningful at this price tier: HPR is non-irritating relative to free retinol at equivalent retinoid activity, and the emulsion vehicle holds up well for sensitive skin starting actives. Sub-$15 pricing for a stable retinoid emulsion is the reason this remains the most-recommended first retinoid on r/SkincareAddiction and beauty TikTok. |
