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Which SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum is right for you? C E Ferulic, Phloretin CF, Silymarin CF and Serum 10 compared

October 9, 2026 · The Medispa Edit

SkinCeuticals makes four vitamin C serums in a 30 ml bottle, and the right one depends mainly on your skin type. C E Ferulic is made for normal and dry skin, Phloretin CF for normal and oily skin with uneven tone, Silymarin CF for oily and blemish-prone skin, and Serum 10 for sensitive skin or anyone new to vitamin C.

All four are used in the same way: once a day, in the morning, under a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This guide sets out what is in each serum, who each one suits and how to choose between them. Every fact about the formulas comes from SkinCeuticals UK's own pages, which are listed at the end.

The four serums at a glance

Serum Key actives Made for Main benefit, in SkinCeuticals' words Our price (30 ml)
C E Ferulic 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid Normal and dry skin Improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration £139
Phloretin CF 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid Normal and oily skin A more lightweight texture that helps to brighten uneven skin tone and discolouration £139
Silymarin CF 15% pure vitamin C, 0.5% silymarin, 0.5% ferulic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid Normal, oily and blemish-prone skin Reducing oiliness and the look of imperfections £139
Serum 10 10% pure vitamin C with ferulic acid Sensitive skin and new users A fast-absorbing introduction to vitamin C £84

Prices are those shown on The Medispa Edit at the time of writing. Delivery within the UK is free on orders over £100.

What the four have in common

Each serum is built around pure vitamin C, also called L-ascorbic acid, combined with ferulic acid. SkinCeuticals describes all of them as daytime antioxidant serums: they are designed to help protect skin from free radicals caused by UV light and pollution, and to improve the look of the skin over time.

They are also applied in the same way. SkinCeuticals UK's directions are to apply four to five drops to a dry face, neck and chest in the morning after cleansing, before other skincare products, and to finish with sunscreen. A vitamin C serum does not replace sunscreen. The two are meant to be worn together.

Because the routine is identical, the choice comes down to three things: your skin type, the concern you most want to address, and how your skin copes with a strong formula.

C E Ferulic: for normal and dry skin

C E Ferulic is the best-known serum in the range. It combines 15% pure vitamin C with 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and 0.5% ferulic acid. SkinCeuticals UK lists it for normal and dry skin types and describes it as best for improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration.

Vitamin E gives this serum a slightly richer feel than the others, which is why it tends to suit skin that is normal, dry or beginning to show visible signs of ageing. If your skin is oily or prone to blemishes, one of the two oil-free options below is usually the more comfortable choice.

Choose it if: your skin is normal or dry and your main concerns are fine lines, loss of firmness and dullness.

Phloretin CF: for normal and oily skin with uneven tone

Phloretin CF contains 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C and 0.5% ferulic acid. Phloretin is an antioxidant that SkinCeuticals describes as derived from apples and the bark of fruit trees. There is no vitamin E in this formula, so the texture is lighter.

SkinCeuticals UK lists it for normal and oily skin types and says it has a slightly more lightweight texture that helps to brighten an uneven skin tone and discolouration. It is the serum in the range most closely associated with the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone.

Choose it if: your skin is normal, combination or oily and your main concern is uneven tone or the look of discolouration.

Silymarin CF: for oily and blemish-prone skin

Silymarin CF is the oil-free option made for oily and blemish-prone skin. It contains 15% pure vitamin C, 0.5% silymarin (from milk thistle), 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid.

SkinCeuticals UK says the formula helps prevent oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts, reduces oiliness, and improves skin clarity, the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone. The salicylic acid sets it apart from the other three serums, so it is worth introducing with care if you already use exfoliating acids elsewhere in your routine.

Choose it if: your skin is oily or blemish-prone and you want antioxidant protection without a rich texture.

Serum 10: for sensitive skin and first-time users

Serum 10 contains 10% pure vitamin C with ferulic acid. SkinCeuticals UK describes it as a fast-absorbing vitamin C antioxidant serum that is ideal for sensitive skin types or new users.

It has the lowest vitamin C concentration of the four and the simplest formula, which makes it a sensible place to begin if your skin reacts easily or if you have never used a pure vitamin C serum. Many people start here and move to one of the other three later, once they know how their skin responds.

Choose it if: your skin is sensitive, or you are new to vitamin C and would prefer to start gently.

How to choose in three questions

  1. Is your skin sensitive, or is this your first vitamin C serum? Start with Serum 10.
  2. Is your skin oily or blemish-prone? Choose Silymarin CF. If your skin is normal to oily and uneven tone is the bigger concern, choose Phloretin CF.
  3. Is your skin normal or dry? Choose C E Ferulic.

If you are between two, let your skin type decide rather than the concern. A texture that suits your skin is one you will keep using every morning, and steady daily use matters more than the differences between the formulas.

How to use a SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum

  • When: once a day, in the morning.
  • How much: four to five drops for the face, neck and chest.
  • Order: cleanse, apply the serum to dry skin, follow with any other serum or moisturiser, then finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
  • With retinol: SkinCeuticals UK advises using vitamin C antioxidants in the morning and retinol in the evening.
  • One at a time: the four serums do the same job in a routine, so choose one rather than layering two.

If your skin is sensitive, apply a small amount to one area first and wait a day before using it on the whole face.

Questions, answered

What is the difference between C E Ferulic and Phloretin CF?

C E Ferulic has 15% pure vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid and is made for normal and dry skin. Phloretin CF has 10% pure vitamin C with 2% phloretin and ferulic acid, no vitamin E and a lighter texture, and is made for normal and oily skin with uneven tone.

Which SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum is best for oily skin?

Silymarin CF is the one SkinCeuticals makes for oily and blemish-prone skin. It is oil-free and includes 0.5% silymarin and 0.5% salicylic acid. Phloretin CF is the alternative for normal to oily skin where uneven tone is the main concern.

Which one is best for sensitive skin?

Serum 10. SkinCeuticals UK describes it as ideal for sensitive skin types or new users. It has 10% pure vitamin C, the lowest concentration of the four.

Can I use a vitamin C serum with retinol?

Yes, at different times of day. SkinCeuticals UK's guidance is vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening, with sunscreen every morning.

Can I use a vitamin C serum at night?

The four serums are designed for the morning, because they are daytime antioxidants meant to sit under sunscreen. Morning is the use SkinCeuticals directs.

My serum has gone darker. Is that normal?

SkinCeuticals says vitamin C serums can darken after opening because of exposure to light and air. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from heat and direct light. If you are unsure about a bottle, ask us before you use it.

Can I use these serums during pregnancy?

Check with your clinician before starting or continuing any active skincare during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Do I still need sunscreen?

Yes. An antioxidant serum works alongside a broad-spectrum sunscreen and does not replace it.

Where to go next

You can see all of the vitamin C serums and other antioxidants in our SkinCeuticals antioxidants collection. If you would like help choosing, contact The Medispa Edit and our team will guide you.

Sources

  • SkinCeuticals UK, Find the right vitamin C serum for your skin type: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/find-the-right-vitamin-c-serum-for-your-skin-type.html
  • SkinCeuticals UK, Vitamin C serums: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/skincare/serums/vitamin-c-serums
  • SkinCeuticals UK, C E Ferulic: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/c-e-ferulic-for-visible-signs-of-ageing/S17.html
  • SkinCeuticals UK, Phloretin CF: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/phloretin-cf-serum-for-discolouration/S52.html
  • SkinCeuticals UK, Silymarin CF: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/silymarin-cf-serum-for-blemish-prone-skin/S77.html
  • SkinCeuticals UK, Serum 10: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/serum-10-vitamin-c-30ml-for-dull-sensitised-skin/S71.html