SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: What It Does, How to Use It and How to Store It
Everything about SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: what is inside, what it does, how to apply it, how to store it, what to pair it with and who should choose a sibling instead.
C E Ferulic is the serum SkinCeuticals is known for, and the one shoppers have the most questions about: how many drops, morning or night, why it changes color, and whether it suits their skin. This guide answers all of them, using SkinCeuticals’ own directions.
What is C E Ferulic, and is it right for you?
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a daytime antioxidant serum with 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid, plus 0.3% carnosine and 1% Endophytol in the current formula. It is applied in the morning under sunscreen to neutralize free radicals and improve the look of lines, firmness, discoloration and radiance. It is recommended for normal, combination, dry and sensitive skin and costs $185 for 30 ml. Oily skin is usually better matched to Silymarin CF.
What is in C E Ferulic?
| Ingredient | Level | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) | 15% | The pure form of vitamin C. Neutralizes free radicals and visibly improves lines and dullness. |
| Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) | 1% | Neutralizes free radicals, replenishes skin lipids and works together with vitamin C. |
| Ferulic acid | 0.5% | A plant antioxidant that enhances the benefits and stability of vitamins C and E. |
| Carnosine | 0.3% | An antioxidant dipeptide that helps address visible signs of aging. |
| Endophytol | 1% | A dandelion root extract with anti-pollution benefits. |
The formula is free of parabens, alcohol, fragrance, dyes and silicone. The idea behind the name is the combination: C for vitamin C, E for vitamin E, and ferulic acid to support both.
What does C E Ferulic do?
SkinCeuticals formulates C E Ferulic to neutralize free radicals from UV rays, pollution and other environmental aggressors, and to improve visible signs of aging. The brand lists eight, including the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, radiance, elasticity, firmness and texture, on all skin tones. SkinCeuticals reports that the serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours once absorbed.
It is not a sunscreen and does not replace one. Sunscreen filters UV; an antioxidant serum helps neutralize free radicals. SkinCeuticals states that its antioxidants and sunscreens used together help defend against visible aging caused by environmental aggressors, so C E Ferulic always goes under a broad-spectrum SPF.
How do you use C E Ferulic?
1. Cleanse. Gentle Cleanser for dry or sensitive skin, Simply Clean for normal to oily skin.
2. Tone, if you use a toner. Equalizing Toner is the alcohol-free option.
3. Apply C E Ferulic to dry skin. Four to five drops on the face, neck and chest. Press it in gently; it goes on before any other serum or moisturizer.
4. Add a corrector or hydrator if you use one. For example H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan or Discoloration Defense.
5. Moisturize. Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 or Emollience for dry skin.
6. Finish with sunscreen. Future Mineral UV Defense SPF 50 or Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.
Use it once a day, in the morning. Applying it to damp skin or mixing it into other products is not how SkinCeuticals directs it.
How should you store C E Ferulic?
Pure vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid, is a highly potent form of vitamin C and also a sensitive one: air, light and heat all speed up oxidation. SkinCeuticals advises using the bottle within three to six months of opening, and it describes a gold or amber color as normal for a pure vitamin C serum.
Practical rules: close the dropper tightly after every use, keep the bottle in its box away from sunlight, and keep it out of hot places such as a sunny windowsill or a car. Do not open a second bottle until the first is finished. If a bottle arrives looking dark, or changes quickly after opening, contact the retailer. Buying from an authorized seller is the other half of freshness, which Where to Buy SkinCeuticals Online explains.
What should you pair with C E Ferulic?
| Pair with | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Future Mineral UV Defense SPF 50 or another SkinCeuticals SPF | Morning, last step | Antioxidant plus sunscreen is the core of the routine |
| H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan | Morning, after C E Ferulic | Hydration and the look of plumpness |
| Discoloration Defense | Morning, after C E Ferulic | Targeted care for dark spots |
| AOX+ Eye Gel | Morning, before C E Ferulic | Vitamin C for the eye area |
| Resveratrol B E | Evening | The night antioxidant |
| Retinol 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 | Evening | Vitamin A at night, vitamin C in the morning |
| Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 | Morning or evening | Replenishes lipids for dry skin |
Links: AOX+ Eye Gel, Resveratrol B E, Retinol 0.3, Retinol 0.5, Retinol 1.0. Keep strong exfoliating acids and retinol for the evening rather than layering them over C E Ferulic.
Who should pick a sibling instead?
Oily or blemish-prone skin: Silymarin CF ($185). It keeps 15% vitamin C in an oil-free formula with silymarin and salicylic acid.
Normal to oily skin focused on uneven tone: Phloretin CF ($185), with 2% phloretin for the look of discoloration.
Prefer a gel texture: Phloretin CF Gel ($185), the same actives as Phloretin CF in a pump.
New to vitamin C, or 15% feels like too much: Serum 10 AOX+ ($85), the introductory 10% serum.
The full side by side is in C E Ferulic vs Phloretin CF vs Silymarin CF.
Is there a way to try C E Ferulic first?
The Signature Routine Trial Kit ($225) includes a 15 ml trial size of C E Ferulic with a 15 ml H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan and a full-size A.G.E. Advanced Eye. If you already know you want a complete anti-aging routine, The Anti-Aging Routine ($395) bundles full sizes of C E Ferulic, Cell Cycle Catalyst and A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced.
How does C E Ferulic fit the wider category?
Our vitamin C serum roundup and three-brand comparison look at C E Ferulic against the category. Both were written before SkinCrew carried SkinCeuticals; it is now in stock. For the rest of the brand, read The Complete SkinCeuticals Guide and The 10 Best SkinCeuticals Products.
Where should you buy C E Ferulic?
SkinCeuticals is a professional brand sold through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical spas and authorized retailers. Many of its formulas depend on freshness and correct storage, pure vitamin C above all, so stock from an unauthorized seller may be old, stored in heat or not authentic.
SkinCrew is an Authorized SkinCeuticals US Retailer. Every product comes through authorized SkinCeuticals channels, with fast US shipping. Shop the full range on the SkinCeuticals brand page, or browse more guides in The Skin Edit.
Is C E Ferulic the right vitamin C for you?
Tell our clinical team your skin type and what you want to change, and they will confirm C E Ferulic or point you to the sibling that fits better.
Ask the SkinCrew Clinical TeamWhat else do people ask about C E Ferulic?
What does SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic do?
It is a daytime antioxidant serum that neutralizes free radicals from UV rays, pollution and other aggressors and improves the look of wrinkles, discoloration, radiance, elasticity, firmness and texture.
What percentage of vitamin C is in C E Ferulic?
15% L-ascorbic acid, the pure form of vitamin C, with 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid, 0.3% carnosine and 1% Endophytol.
How many drops of C E Ferulic should I use?
Four to five drops for the face, neck and chest, applied to dry skin each morning after cleansing and toning.
Should I use C E Ferulic in the morning or at night?
In the morning. SkinCeuticals designs it as a daytime antioxidant to wear under a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Can I use C E Ferulic with retinol?
Yes. Use C E Ferulic in the morning and retinol in the evening.
Can I use C E Ferulic with niacinamide?
Yes. SkinCeuticals directs niacinamide products such as Metacell Renewal B3 and Discoloration Defense to be applied after your antioxidant serum.
Why has my C E Ferulic changed color?
SkinCeuticals describes a gold or amber color as normal for a pure vitamin C serum. Close the bottle tightly, store it away from light and heat, and use it within three to six months of opening. If a new bottle arrives dark, contact the retailer.
Is C E Ferulic good for sensitive skin?
SkinCeuticals recommends it for normal, combination, dry and sensitive skin, and it is free of alcohol and fragrance. It is a low-pH vitamin C serum, so a brief tingle is possible. Serum 10 AOX+ is the gentler 10% option.
Is C E Ferulic good for oily skin?
SkinCeuticals recommends C E Ferulic for normal, combination, dry and sensitive skin. For oily and blemish-prone skin it makes Silymarin CF, with the same 15% vitamin C in an oil-free formula.
How much is C E Ferulic?
$185 for 30 ml at SkinCrew, an Authorized SkinCeuticals US Retailer.