Phloretin CF
Phloretin CF
Product Description
Product overview
A patented triple-antioxidant vitamin C serum combining 10% L-ascorbic acid, 2% phloretin, and 0.5% ferulic acid. Designed for oily and combination skin, this lightweight formula brightens skin tone, reduces discoloration, and provides 72-hour environmental protection against UV damage and pollution.
72-Hour Protection
Once absorbed, antioxidants remain active for up to 72 hours protecting against environmental damage.
Texture & feel
SENSORY72-Hour Protection
Once absorbed, antioxidants remain active for up to 72 hours protecting against environmental damage.
Brightening Power
Clinically proven to even skin tone by up to 20% and increase radiance by 27% in 12 weeks.
Phloretin Technology
Apple-derived antioxidant accelerates cell turnover and targets stubborn discoloration.
Patented Formula
U.S. Patent No. 9,248,082 - Duke Antioxidant patent for optimal vitamin C delivery.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains only vitamin C, phloretin, and ferulic acid - all considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and ferments that feed malassezia yeast.
Oil-free formula with 0/5 comedogenic rating. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
Use Phloretin CF in the morning and retinol at night for optimal anti-aging results.
May cause dryness for very sensitive or extremely dry skin. Patch test recommended.
Always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen. Vitamin C enhances but does not replace sun protection.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSL-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 10%Proven
The purest and most researched form of vitamin C. At 10% concentration, it delivers potent antioxidant protection while being gentler than higher concentrations.
- Mechanism: Neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure and pollution
- Clinical data: Boosts collagen synthesis at 5-20% concentrations
- Synergy: Enhanced by ferulic acid which doubles photoprotection
Phloretin 2%Proven
A powerful flavonoid antioxidant derived from apples and the root bark of apple, pear, and grapefruit trees. SkinCeuticals' signature differentiating ingredient.
- Source: Naturally derived from apple tree bark and root
- Benefits: Accelerates cell turnover, reduces melanin production
- Unique: Enhances penetration of other antioxidants into skin
Ferulic Acid 0.5%Proven
A plant-based antioxidant that stabilizes vitamin C and dramatically enhances its effectiveness against UV damage.
- Research: 2005 Duke study showed it doubles photoprotection of vitamin C+E
- Stability: Prevents oxidation of L-ascorbic acid, extending product life
- Synergy: Works synergistically with vitamin C and phloretin
8 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Phloretin, Ferulic Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply in the morning only. Use retinol products at night for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with clean, dry skin. Pat face completely dry after cleansing and toning.
Dispense
Place 4-5 drops into the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way.
Apply
Gently press and pat into face, neck, and décolletage. May also be used on hands.
Follow Up
Allow to absorb for 1-2 minutes. Follow with moisturizer and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or normal skin
- You're targeting hyperpigmentation or dark spots
- You want environmental protection from pollution
- You're looking for a lightweight vitamin C serum
- You experience breakouts from vitamin E products
- You want to prevent premature aging
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin (try CE Ferulic)
- You're extremely sensitive to alcohol-based products
- You need maximum anti-wrinkle power (CE Ferulic has 15% vit C)
- You're on a tight budget (premium price point)
- You prefer fragrance-free without natural scent
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, fast-absorbing formula designed specifically for oily skin. No vitamin E means no added oiliness or clogged pores.
Balances well across T-zone and drier areas. Light texture won't overwhelm oily zones or under-hydrate dry spots.
Works beautifully on normal skin types seeking brightening and anti-aging benefits with environmental protection.
Alcohol content may feel drying. Consider CE Ferulic with vitamin E instead, or layer with hydrating serum underneath.
10% vitamin C is gentler than 15-20% formulas. May cause slight tingling initially. Patch test recommended.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free, and vitamin E-free. Won't clog pores or trigger breakouts. Helps fade post-acne marks.
Results timeline
WEEK 24+Immediate Glow
Skin appears brighter and more radiant. Some users notice improved texture and a healthy glow within days of consistent use.
85% noticed brighter skinVisible Improvement
Early improvements in skin tone evenness. Fine lines appear softer. Environmental protection is actively working.
70% saw reduced discolorationClinical Results
Up to 20% improvement in skin tone evenness, 27% increase in radiance, and 16% reduction in discoloration per clinical studies.
90% reported clearer skin toneAnti-Aging Benefits
Up to 24% reduction in fine lines appearance. Cumulative antioxidant protection helps prevent future damage.
78% noticed fewer fine linesRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Visibly brighter, more radiant skin
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Absorbs quickly without residue
- Effective on hyperpigmentation
- Won't clog pores or cause breakouts
- Backed by clinical research
- 72-hour lasting protection
- Pregnancy and nursing safe
Criticized
- Premium price point ($169 for 30ml)
- Short shelf life once opened (3 months)
- Can oxidize and turn dark
- Alcohol may dry sensitive skin
- Natural nutty scent not for everyone
- Small bottle size for the price
- Dropper can waste product
- Only 10% vitamin C (vs 15% in CE Ferulic)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame vitamin C concentration with vitamin E instead of phloretin. Better for dry skin. Excellent stability in airless pump bottle.
Contains vitamin C, phloretin, and ferulic acid like the original. Higher 20% concentration. More affordable option with similar actives.
Only dupe with phloretin + ferulic acid combo. Uses derivative vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) which is more stable but less potent.
15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid. More hydrating formula. Gentler and better for vitamin C beginners.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDESkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic
Storage & shelf life
3 MONTHS3 months after opening for optimal efficacy. Remains effective up to 6 months but use quickly for best results.
Store in cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration optional but can extend freshness.
Amber glass dropper bottle to protect from light oxidation. Keep cap tightly closed after each use.
Yes, 30ml is under TSA 100ml limit. Keep in toiletry bag away from light and heat.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains only vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), phloretin (derived from apples), and ferulic acid - all topical antioxidants with no known risks during pregnancy. It's free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens that should be avoided during pregnancy.
Yes, Phloretin CF is fungal acne safe. The formula is free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. It's listed on Simple Skincare Science's fungal acne safe product list and is a great option for those prone to pityrosporum folliculitis.
Use Phloretin CF in the morning and retinol at night - they work synergistically when used at different times. Don't layer with other vitamin C products (redundant). You can use AHA/BHA at night, but avoid using directly with Phloretin CF as the low pH can cause irritation. Wait at least 30 minutes between acidic products if using in same routine.
Phloretin CF is specifically designed for normal, oily, and combination skin types. It's ideal for those dealing with discoloration, uneven skin tone, and environmental damage. The vitamin E-free formula won't clog pores or add excess oil. If you have dry or sensitive skin, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic may be a better choice.
You can start seeing results in 4-6 weeks with consistent daily use. Immediate brightening and glow can be noticed within 1-2 weeks. Clinical improvements like 20% more even skin tone, 27% increased radiance, and 16% reduced discoloration are typically seen at 12 weeks. Fine line reduction (up to 24%) may take 24 weeks.
Apply Phloretin CF in the morning after cleansing and toning, but before other serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Use on completely dry skin for best absorption. Apply 4-5 drops to face, neck, and chest. Wait 1-2 minutes before applying next products. Always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen.
No, Phloretin CF has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 and will not clog pores. It's oil-free, vitamin E-free, and contains no comedogenic ingredients. Many users with acne-prone skin specifically choose Phloretin CF over CE Ferulic because the vitamin E in CE Ferulic can sometimes contribute to clogged pores.
SkinCeuticals recommends using Phloretin CF within 3 months of opening for optimal efficacy. The product can remain effective up to 6 months after opening, but vitamin C naturally oxidizes over time. If the serum turns dark orange or brown, it's oxidized and should be replaced. Store away from light and heat to extend freshness.
Verdict: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a gold-standard vitamin C serum for oily and combination skin types seeking brightening, discoloration correction, and environmental protection. The patented combination of 10% vitamin C, 2% phloretin, and 0.5% ferulic acid delivers clinically-proven results. While the premium price is significant, the science-backed formulation, dermatologist recommendation, and 72-hour protection make it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it. Best suited for oily/combo skin prone to discoloration. Consider CE Ferulic for dry skin or budget dupes like Timeless for similar results at lower cost.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|






