Skinceuticals • Phloretin CF • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* SophieH on 1/12/2010 1:54:00 PM more reviews by SophieH

Age: Unknown   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I hesitated to buy/review this product since at $150 it is about double what I'll usually spend on a single skincare product. However, this has completely transformed my regimen and transformed my skin. I am now 3/4 through the bottle, using 4 or 5 drops a day (it's often a little more because I suck at applying serums and lose a lot of it), and my skin looks much, much better than it did before I started.

Like all Skinceuticals antioxidants this one offers excellent protection from sun and the elements as well as superior penetration (won't wash off for almost 4 days once it absorbs.) In terms of protection this is almost certainly the best in the line, with even stronger antioxidants than the famous C E Ferulic. The Phloretin also offers a ton of other benefits. It is antibacterial, antimicrobial, healing, and reparing. This has worked a miracle for me. Using it every day has completely stopped me from getting acne--at all, ever. I had never had a huge acne problem, but I always used to have one or two 'issues' on my face at a time, and even got a light topical prescription for it. Well, I no longer use that prescription (except as an antibiotic on wounds) because I don't need to. CF Phloretin has cleared my blemishes. (I also have never had to make a single aspirin mask or do a single extraction since I started using this.)

Beyond the acne benefits, this truly has made my skin tone more beautiful and clear. I can leave the house without makeup and I don't feel (too) naked; spots and blotchiness and freckles seem to be fading. I also think this has done a little bit for the fine lines. The major benefit, however, is that I know I am getting some of the best antioxidant protection on Earth, truly excellent insurance against whatever the elements throw at me, and, IMO, at least as much sun protection value as most sunscreens.

You should know: this is not at all moisturizing. CE Ferulic was (a little); with this one you really need to put a moisturizer on top. I'd recommend doing so even if you are oily, as your skin will overproduce it's own oils if you don't keep it somewhat hydrated. The fact that this is not moisturizing also means it will work great for any skin type, because you can add whatever strength or style of moisture you need after.
I would also recommend buying Skinceuticals at a brick and mortar store. Apparently they are phasing out all of their online distributors. When I tried CE Ferulic, I did it through dermstore/skinstore and Ebay, and I didn't notice that great results. Since the first two stores are usually solid bets, I think this must have been the product simply not working for me. But I did notice that when I bought my CF Phloretin from Bluemercury (and paid a hefty price for it), I really started seeing results in my skin. Maybe it's a fresher product, or maybe it's just that the Phloretin is that much better (for me).

I am never fond of thse serum dropper bottles, and be aware that one spill could cost you $150 in this case, so be careful with the product. I have lots of difficulty putting serum on my face--it always seems to run through my fingers first--but that's my problem, I guess. Note that although this travels fine, it would be wise to avoid actually dropping the bottle on a hard surface. The bottle won't break, but the dropper inside will, shattering glass into the serum (happened to me). Also, those who had a problem with the smell of CE Ferulic should know that it's less strong in this product; there's no overwhelming "bacon" stench, although this serum does still smell something like unflavored vitamins. I think most people should be able to get used to it.

Anyway, I highly recommend trying this product, particularly for those with acne and other skin issues. But really, anyone who can afford it would benefit from the antioxidant protection.

UPDATE: I am at the end of the bottle and I love this. I will buy another today or ASAP. It has been the best thing ever for my skin. I love that you don't have to apply it every day (though I got my best results when doing so.) I'm actually stunned (and immensely pleased!) that this is only $150, since has turned my skin inside out and upside down.

17 out of 18 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ekym on 1/6/2010 1:09:00 PM more reviews by ekym

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

After being a faithful user of SkinCeuticals AHA+C Serum, I was hesitant to try something different, but I wanted to see if all the hype around this new product was worth it. The first thing I liked about Phloretin CF over AHA+C was that this one is clear (AHA+C is orange), also there seemed to be less tingling involved (although my skin was already used to a Vitamin C serum). In another review I’d read of this, the user said that this serum had reduced or erased sunspots. Although I’m a sunscreen devotee, I was stupid when I was 18 and got burnt on my torso, leaving little moles scattered across my stomach. When I was pregnant with my second child, these moles seems to multiply (though they have never resembled any of the warning signs of skin cancer). On a whim I decided to apply some of this serum to my torso every day and see if anything happened.

Two weeks later, my largest mole, about the size of a pencil eraser, was smaller! I was shocked. All my moles looked smaller and lighter in color. Even ones that were raised flattened out over three months of daily use. On my face there is not a freckle, mole, or wrinkle in sight, though I had none before. I will absolutely buy this again.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Beelian on 10/18/2009 8:24:00 AM more reviews by Beelian

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have used this for more than 6 months. I like it better than Exuviance because it is less sticky. I use it once a day in the morning, followed with L'Oreal sunscreen for sensitive skin. P.CF seems to 'melt' the sunscreen so that it's more easily absorbed, I feel. Anyway, I don't have any problem with the serum giving me clogged pores. It lightens my overall skin tone so that I don't look that sallow. I'm Asian with tanned skin so I don't expect pink glow that some fair asians or caucasians have. It's also moisturising enough for me, with my sunscreen on top. I'm rather satisfied with P.CF and I'm thinking of adding their Retin A 0.5 into my rountine but still hesitant because I remember my bad episode with Diacneal that just broke me out like crazy. Although I had prescibed tretinon before and remember that my pores looked so fine, that was many years ago and I wonder if it was because I was younger then, with finer skin.....: ( Anyway, P,CF has been great for me as a preventive, anti-aging measure.

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stanley on 9/26/2009 12:47:00 AM more reviews by stanley

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

it clogs pores it is expensive but it works.it has lighten my dark spot and it tighten my skin.will buy it again. update 24/11/10 it does cause my face to feel very dry and red in the evening after i wash it off and dryness cause fine line,may not buy it again.

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peacenow on 9/4/2009 8:17:00 AM more reviews by peacenow

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I gotta say, serums never seemed to do a thing for me, but in the ten days that I've been using Phloretin CF, I am stunned by the results I'm seeing. That "glow" and firming that others mentioned is true! I use it once in the morning and by afternoon, if I glance in a mirror, I'm rather amazed at how good my skin is looking. The price was a big concern, until I found that I could buy six small bottle samples on amazon, from reputable dealers. So, for about $40, I have enough of this stuff to last me many months. It does indeed smell like bacon, but that smell is gone within a minute at most. One final, interesting note ... a friend who has frequent skin cancers removed from her face, told me that her dermatologist has had her using this stuff for quite awhile, as a preventative measure. Hmm ... interesting. I'm going to keep using daily and will update my review in a couple of months, to note whether or not I'm still seeing the kind of results that I am now.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* cainca on 8/28/2009 11:23:00 PM more reviews by cainca

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

Brighten and tightens my skin. I just love this product - a lot. Worth the high price to me.

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LemonSun on 8/2/2009 1:54:00 AM more reviews by LemonSun

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Awesome product!!! The ONLY serum I have found that brightens and tightens my skin. I use this at night before bed under my moisturizer and I swear in the morning I can see a difference in the tone, texture and brightness of my skin. A bit strong smelling, but it doesn't really bother me. Will continue to repurchase this!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

1Janeen on 7/7/2009 5:14:00 PM more reviews by 1Janeen

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I read about this in several magazine articles. I like the fact the it helps get rid of pre-cancerous lesions as well as smoothing and refining wrinkles and age spots. I started using it mainly for my decollete and the tops of my shoulders where I've already had basal cell carcinomas removed. It worked so well at improving the appearance of my skin in just a week or two, that I've started using it on my face too.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

xoxsarahoxo on 7/7/2009 3:39:00 PM more reviews by xoxsarahoxo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Black    

i bought this because i wanted to prevent wrinkles etc. when i got older and this is supposed to be the newer and better ce ferulic...i don't know if it works but i forgot my sunscreen when i was traveling and used this instead and i didn't get burned! it's a serum and feels a little sticky and it does not moisturize. but it clogged my pores...so i will be using the rest on my neck and arms and i will not be buying again...i will keep on looking for another age prevention serum...

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

gaya on 6/30/2009 10:18:00 AM more reviews by gaya

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This has got to be the best serum for combating hyperpigmentation and photo aging. I'm 30 have been using it for a while and its worked wonders for my skin. My skin looks more even toned, non-oily and bright. I used phyto on top of this then follow with my moisturiser. I also use skinceuticals retinol at night once a week and these two are my staples. I love skinceuticals serums, they always seem to deliver good results.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* JudgeJudy41 on 6/12/2009 9:51:00 AM more reviews by JudgeJudy41

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I started using this on June 1st. ( 12 days ago ) and bought this to target my age spots. During the first 5-6 days of use, my age spots became darker. Of course, I started to freak out, but then a miracle happened, they have disappeared by 90%. Yes, they were dark in color and many of them, especially one on my upper left cheek. I'm glad I stuck it out. Before going on Phloretin CF, my age spots were so prominent, I couldn't cover them with a concealer or corrector. Now, I can wear my tinted moisturizer ( very sheer ) and not see them at all. They have lightened that much.


This is sticky after applying, but do recommend using a good moisturizer ( my case, I use SkinCeuticals B5 gel ) and follow with a moisturizer. It can be very drying ( alcohol denant & absorbic acid ) has something to do with that. I also used a ceramide capsule before using the Phloretin CF to combat too much dryness and it helped.


Since I have achieved my results, I won't purchase any more of this. I will use a "good" sunscreen with a higher SPF. I recommend contacting an esthetician ( SkinStore's or a local ) before using this. Some people may not agree with the ingredient list with this product, but anything is better than hydroquinone. You certainly will see faster results with P-CF.

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

azi79 on 6/10/2009 2:09:00 PM more reviews by azi79

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I have used CEF for almost three years. I thought I will use it forever until I met this one. Be honest, at the beginning three days I was kind of disappointed. It is not greasy like CEF, but it is not that kind of moisture like CEF. I can not find any difference on this product, and it is more expensive than CEF which is already very pricy. But after about one week I finally find out the difference: more firmer and lifter. Since I have already got smooth and glowing skin by CEF, that's all I got and all I wanted for many years.
The best of the best.
PS: I don't have sensitive skin so I don't find anything uncomfortable.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

TheEmpress on 5/27/2009 9:44:00 PM more reviews by TheEmpress

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Don't believe the hype!
I've use this product for 2 1/2 months now. This product did absolutely nothing but dry my skin out. Ironically it has a strong smell of alcohol. It does not fade hyperpigmentation and there is no glow....just increasing dryness. I had to use a really good moisturizer to keep my skin from drying out. It is not oily, but as the day progresses and combined with my own natural skin oil it tends to give the appearence of a oily glaze over my face until washed off. Definately would not purchase again. I'll continue to use until the bottle is finished. If anything changes I'll be sure to let MUA know.

Update 6/19/09 - Not only did this product dry my skin out, it clogged pores over time. What an expensive total waste!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Tess35 on 5/4/2009 3:08:00 AM more reviews by Tess35

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I bought this treatment together with PrevageMD (by Allergan) and have test driven each 'alone' for 2 months.


I find that my skin is extra refined and even toned with once-a-day use of Phloretin CF. And it looks truly youthful after I wash at night. But I easily get clogged pores if I use it straight for several days, most especially if I use siliconey moisturizer on top of it. Third, I perspire a lot and when I do, my eyes feel stingy for some reason- an experience that is very common with any vit. c products that I use. (So it is not unique to Skinceu alone :))


Overall, it's still the best AM serum out there

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

tusabrat on 5/3/2009 5:02:00 PM more reviews by tusabrat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Love this. On hols recently, I got 8 mosquito bites across my cheeks one night - I looked awful, like an acne attack!! Anyway, I applied a layer of Phloretin then a layer of CE Ferulic twice a day (yes, I know once a day is recommended), and after 5 days, the bites were fairly visible. After 8 days, there was no sign of the bites at all. Hubby's arm still shows reddish marks from the bites he got.

Also, in spite of applying sun screen, my whole body got quite brown, but my face doesn't show any sun damage.

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lathibad on 4/29/2009 6:23:00 PM more reviews by lathibad

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this product for two months after reading all the great reviews on MUA. I can't say I really saw a difference in my skin. The thing I did notice the most was increased dryness. My skin actually got so dry over the two months I used it, that I did finally have to stop. Luckily, I got the trial sizes, so do not feel out of pocket too much. However, I do think using an antioxidant product (especially with sunscreen on top) is a great idea, so I've moved on to CE Feruclic (sp?) and have liked it much better so far. No more dryness! It's only been a week though, so I will have to wait longer in order to see the results, but so far so good.

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LoveRed on 4/16/2009 1:09:00 PM more reviews by LoveRed

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I have been using this product patiently, for about 3 weeks. I use it for a couple days and I break out on my chin. The breakout is 'clogged' pores and /or big red bumps. I wanted to like this so much! I am all for prevention. However, I will to back to Cellex-C High Potency Serum which I loved from the moment I tried it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ghoo on 4/9/2009 6:55:00 PM more reviews by ghoo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was using the Skinceuticals serum 20 and switched to this. I have sensitive combo very acne prone skin and had no problems whatsoever transitioning to this product. It seems to be lighter than the serum 20, and still give me the antioxidant protection I trust. Skinceuticals imo makes the best c serum on the market.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

islandgirl1 on 4/6/2009 2:57:00 PM more reviews by islandgirl1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This product is wonderful. I use Rx products to control acne (differin and duac) and then plain jane drugstore products (La Roche Posay and Neutrogena) for the rest of my skin care (cleansers, sunscreen, moisturizer), because after spending tons of money on expensive skin care, I have learned that most of it is wasted. This is one expensive product that I will continue to buy, though, because it works. The occassional times I breakout, this reduces the mark a lot faster than if I didn't use it (I have brown skin and the post-acne marks would stay around for months). It makes my skin noticably more luminous and even, and it has gotten extremely high marks from my 2 dermatologists for prevention and repair. I used to use the CE Ferulic which also performed very well. However, this is less greasy which is good for my oily skin, and it doesn't have that weird rancid bacon smell of CE Ferulic.

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

snissie on 4/3/2009 9:34:00 PM more reviews by snissie

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I agree with cecchetti5 - this gave me blackheads and pimples! I'm 44 with combination skin. I had used Serum AOX 15+ previously with no problems and was surprised that this clogged my pores so badly. Ick!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No