Skinceuticals Phloretin CF - Review!

I am a little late in reviewing this! Last year it seemed like everyone was talking about Skinceuticals and their game-changing formulas.

First there was the C E Ferulic antioxidant serum that was hyped up and talked about all over the blogosphere. It was featured in almost every magazine and the promises it made seemed kind of impossible. It was through researching the Ferulic that I got introduced to Skinceuticals as a brand even though ultimately I decided against investing in that particular treatment. 

When they followed with the release of Phloretin C F I took a closer look but this time I couldn't resist the chance to transform my complexion with just a few drops each day. My naivety apparently has no limit. 

What is it;

This broad-spectrum treatment provides advanced environmental protection to defend skin against the reactive molecules (including free radicals) that are known to cause cellular damage. In addition to its superior antioxidant capabilities, it has been proven to correct existing damage from the inside out.

• Provides advanced environmental protection against UVA and UVB radiation
• Stimulates collagen synthesis to improve signs of aging
• Diminishes hyperpigmentation and accelerates cellular renewal to retexture skin
• Once absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen

The Science Behind It;

Derived from the bark of apple trees, phloretin is a broad-spectrum molecule newly identified for its antioxidant properties and studied for use as a pigment-regulating and penetration-enhancing agent. It also displays a wide range of bioactivity such as anti-cancer, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.

Key Ingredients;

2% phloretin: Neutralizes free radicals, accelerates cell turnover and reduces the production of unwanted pigment.

10% L-ascorbic acid: Neutralizes free radicals and promotes collagen synthesis

0.5% ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, inhibits UV-induced melanogenesis, and has anti-inflammatory properties

The Phloretin CF was designed specifically for normal, combination and oily skin types and I would definitively fall within those parameters. While the Ferulic is mostly marketed as an anti-aging, anti-wrinkle treatment , the Phloretin on the other hand is more useful in dealing with hyper pigmentation. 

This treatment serum is based on antioxidants and aims to protect, prevent and treat most pigmentation problems. To put it bluntly - you know those stubborn scars that stayed behind the equally stubborn acne you had to deal with? Well, Skinceuticals Phloretin CF promises to make them disappear with the added benefit of collagen synthesis, even skin tone and protection from the nasties in your environment. Seems like quite a feat for a few drops a day!

The feature I found most interesting is that the Phloretin CF formula comes with SPF 8 protection which supposedly cannot be rubbed or washed off for at least 72 hours. Sounds impressive but for me it's almost completely irrelevant since its a well known fact that dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 15 for complete protection from the sun. Skinceuticals included only SPF 8 therefore I would still have to include a proper sunscreen in my routine if I want to be UVA/UVB protected. 

I used the Phloretin CF for about 2 months during which I observed absolutely nothing. This is one of the few products I have ever used that produced no results whatsoever - neither positive or negative. 

I am definitively disappointed especially since the price tag ($152 for 30ml) and the scientific research instilled certain expectations. The formulation had so much promise and Skinceuticals is a strong house when it comes to skincare so maybe my skin chemistry was wrong for this particular product.

My conclusion is neutral when it comes to Phloretin CF since I didn't see any benefits in using but remains positive when it comes to Skinceuticals as a brand. All the other products I tried from their line up (clarifying mask, B5 gel) have been more than great for me so I would still recommend giving them a try. However since their products are on the pricy end I would definitively recommend getting and trying a sample first. 

All Skinceuticals products can be purchased from their website here

I hope this was helpful!

Have you tried Skinceuticals before? Any Favorites?

XOXO

ANJA

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