Silymarin CF

The trilogy completed

Silymarin CF is the third of SkinCeuticals' morning antioxidants, built on the same guarded-vitamin-C architecture as its siblings: 15% pure L-ascorbic acid with 0.5% ferulic acid, here joined by 0.5% silymarin, an antioxidant flavonoid drawn from milk thistle.

The oil logic

Oily skin's particular problem is that its own sebum oxidises through the day, dulling the surface and feeding congestion. Silymarin's job is to interrupt that oxidation, while 0.5% salicylic acid keeps pores clear, which is why this is the version for skin that breaks out.

The finish

Like Phloretin CF it dries down fast and weightless, leaving oily skin matte rather than coated, with nothing left behind to clog.

Oily and blemish-prone skin wanting real morning antioxidant protection without added richness; combination skin whose shine arrives by noon; and anyone running a congestion routine who needs their vitamin C to cooperate with it.

Worth knowing

The quick-dry finish comes from denatured alcohol, second on the list: right for oily skin, wrong for very dry or compromised skin, which is better served by C E Ferulic. Contains salicylic acid, skip it with an aspirin allergy. The usual first-fortnight vitamin C tingle applies. Fragrance-free.

Mornings after cleansing: four to five drops over dry face, neck and chest, then moisturiser if needed and always SPF.

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

Use alongside

Mornings under SPF, Melan 130 if pigmentation rides along with the breakouts. Keep leave-on exfoliating acids and retinoids to the evening, Crystal Retinal or Press & Clear taking the night shift, so the morning stays a one-acid affair.