Phloretin CF

The second benchmark

Phloretin CF applies the same stabilisation logic as C E Ferulic, pure vitamin C guarded by 0.5% ferulic acid, but swaps vitamin E for 2% phloretin, an antioxidant derived from apple trees that works in both the watery and lipid layers of skin. The result is a formula tuned for skin that finds the original too rich.

The tone agenda

Phloretin's particular talent is discolouration: alongside 10% L-ascorbic acid it helps keep tone looking even and dark marks looking softer, which makes this the antioxidant serum for briefs where pigmentation and breakout marks overlap.

The finish

A quick-drying fluid: denatured alcohol carries the actives in and evaporates away, leaving nothing on the surface that oily skin would resent.

Combination and oily skin wanting serious morning antioxidant cover without richness; pigment-prone skin working on evenness of tone; and breakout-prone skin whose marks outstay the blemishes themselves.

Worth knowing

The weightless finish comes from denatured alcohol, listed third: fine for oily and combination skin, less kind to very dry or compromised skin, which is better served by C E Ferulic. Expect the same brief tingle of a genuine low-pH vitamin C in the first fortnight. Fragrance-free.

Mornings after cleansing: four to five drops over dry face, neck and chest, then moisturiser and SPF once it settles.

Start every other morning if skin is new to pure vitamin C, building to daily.

Use alongside

Mornings under SPF, with Melan 130 the natural finish when pigmentation is the point. Retinoids belong to the evening, Crystal Retinal 6 pairing cleanly, and same-morning exfoliating acids are unnecessary next to the serum's own low pH.