SkinCeuticals vs Versed — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Phloretin CF
9/10 · SkinCeuticals
| Phloretin CF | Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SkinCeuticals | Versed |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.3/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight watery serum | Lightweight serum |
| Finish | Quick-absorb | Smoothed, plumped |
| 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. | Versed's retinol-and-bakuchiol gentleness pivot — encapsulated retinol + bakuchiol (the plant-based retinol-mimic) + sea fennel + white peony + sea buckthorn + rosehip seed oil in an oil-rich gentle delivery system. The TikTok-favorite under-$25 retinol that's specifically positioned for retinol beginners. Versed's Cassandra Grey-led brand is genuinely mass-market clean (parent company Who What Wear is editorial heritage), and this SKU is the brand's hero. |
