5 of the Most Transformative SkinCeuticals Serums, According To Your Skin Type

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SkinCeuticals is a skincare range beloved by beauty editors, dermatologists and influencers alike. Their comprehensive range is tried, tested and genuinely works, and there’s something for every skin type.

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Here’s the kicker, they’re expensive. Skinceuticals serums range from $100-$233. However, if you’re looking to splurge, now is the time. Adore Beauty is offering up to 50% off beauty and skincare items in its Click Frenzy sale until Thursday, May 18 – that’s right folks, huzzah up. You’ll also nab a mystery gift set with any order over $179.

If you’re new to the range and unsure where to start, there’s no better place than their groundbreaking, award-winning, patented serums. Here are five of the best:

The OG: SkinCeuticals, C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum

If you’ve heard of one SkinCeuticals product, it’s probably the C E Ferulic, Vitamin C Serum ($236). But why is it so loved?

CE Ferulic is oft-imitated, never replicated. You’ve probably also seen this combination of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid in a lot of other vitamin C serums claiming to be “dupes” of this pretty pricey serum.

With demonstrated results published in eight peer-reviewed journals, Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is formulated under the Duke Antioxidant parameters, which are patented until 2025. This means that any product claiming to be a dupe is simply… not. If you want to see why C E Ferulic is the best, watch this video by Lab Muffin Beauty Science‘s Michelle Wong. Alternately, bite the bullet and try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

C E Ferulic combines vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid to provide a powerful antioxidant shield that brightens pigmentation, increases collagen production and protects your skin from environmental damage. Think of C E Ferulic as a second defence against your daytime bête noires. Your first, of course, is sunscreen.

The Anti-Histamine In a Bottle: Skinceuticals, Phyto Corrective Gel

Another personal favourite of mine, SkinCeuticals, Phyto Corrective Gel ($109) is perfect for sensitised, inflamed and acne-prone skin.

The soothing serum contains hyaluronic acid, and a cocktail of cucumber, thyme, and olive leaf extracts. With mildly astringent and antimicrobial eucalyptus, Phyto Corrective gel sends breakouts, rashes and fungal acne (cute, I know) to their exit interviews. Consider this little green bottle a reset dial for complexions in crisis.

The Congested Skin-Saviour: Silymarin, CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin

One of the newer additions to the Skinceuticals antioxidant family, Silymarin, CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin ($236), is specifically formulated for oily complexions. While oilier skin types frequently steer clear of vitamin C, recent research indicates antioxidant protection could be essential in preventing acne.

The thinking is that when the skin’s surface oxidises, free radicals are released, prompting acne-causing inflammation and bacteria growth. Skinceuticals have combined their patented Vitamin C and ferulic acid with salicylic acid, to decongest and refine pores. Meanwhile, antioxidant “silymarin,” a milk thistle extract, counteracts oil oxidisation.

Trials of Silymarin CF found that after four weeks of use, oiliness was decreased by 76%, with a 13% improvement in skin clarity and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and a 38% improvement in texture.

The Anti-Ageing Accelerant: H.A Intensifier Serum

This is hyaluronic acid, but not as you know it.

Hyaluronic acid is a simple humectant. While there are superior and inferior hyaluronic acids, I’m sceptical of a hyaluronic with a price tag in the triple digits — even if they’re a fun purple colour like this one

H.A Intensifier Serum ($156) is a little different. It contains SkinCeuticals’ patented Proxylane, at 10%, a sugar protein hybrid that stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans. While they’re a mouthful to say out loud, glycosaminoglycans are compounds essential for the production of proteins and sugars that act as scaffolding for the skin.

Applied topically, this protein stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans – compounds essential to the production of proteins and sugars that act like scaffolding for the skin. As we age, the compounds decrease, leading to crows feet and sagging. This clever little booster gives these essential compounds a kick up the proverbial — calling it a hyaluronic acid serum simply doesn’t do it justice.

The Exfoliation Alternative: Retexturing Activator

A complicated serum with a simple mission — exfoliate the skin while hydrating it.

If you’re dry and sensitive, you may be wary of exfoliating products that risk damaging your skin barrier. This product presents the sensitive-skinned amongst us with a clever workaround.

You will not recognise the primary ingredient in the Retexturing Activator, ($134) but here it is: 25% hydroxyethyl urea/amino sulfonic acid compound. While we can’t really say what this compound is, we can say what it does. Retexturing Activator very literally “activates” the enzymes that naturally break down dead skin cells. These enzymes become, you guessed it, “sluggish” as we age.

Patented and demonstrated to be 20% more effective than daily glycolic acid, the serum also contains kombucha for antioxidant protection, along with hyaluronic acid and glycine for all-day hydration.