SkinCeuticals vs The Ordinary — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Phloretin CF | Marine Hyaluronics | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SkinCeuticals | The Ordinary |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight watery serum | Watery essence |
| Finish | Quick-absorb | Invisible, slightly slippy |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
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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. | Deciem's HA-alternative play — a 23% active concentration of marine-derived hydrators built around three botanical/microbial standouts: algae extract, Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract (a deep-sea bacterium ferment), and Ahnfeltia concinna (Hawaiian red algae). The pitch is that these compounds attract and bind water like hyaluronic acid does, but at lower molecular weight and lighter feel — so combo and oily skin types who find HA tacky get a similar plumping effect without the sticky finish. The ingredient deck also packs a near-NMF amino acid profile (glycine, alanine, serine, valine, proline, etc.) plus PCA and sodium lactate — basically the same humectant cocktail your stratum corneum manufactures, redelivered topically. Pairs naturally with the brand's own Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (use Marine in AM, HA at night) or stands alone for sensitivity-tier skin that finds HA serums too occlusive. The watery vehicle layers under everything; the absence of fragrance and silicones keeps the irritation profile low. |
