Phloretin CF

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a patented daytime vitamin C antioxidant serum specifically formulated for normal, oily, and combination skin types. Featuring a synergistic triple antioxidant combination of 2% phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), and 0.5% ferulic acid, Phloretin CF delivers advanced environmental protection against atmospheric skin aging — the cumulative visible damage caused by free radicals generated by UVA/UVB radiation, infrared radiation (IRA), and ozone pollution (O3). In addition to its powerful protective benefits, Phloretin CF visibly improves the appearance of discoloration, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. U.S. Patent No. 9,248,082.

Like all SkinCeuticals antioxidant serums, Phloretin CF is formulated under the Duke Antioxidant patent — the gold standard for effective topical vitamin C delivery. Once absorbed, it remains active in the skin for a minimum of 72 hours, providing lasting protection that complements but goes beyond what sunscreen alone can achieve. Its lightweight, water-based texture makes it particularly well-suited to oilier skin types that may find richer vitamin C formulations too heavy.

Skin Types

Formulated specifically for normal, oily, and combination skin types. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture delivers potent antioxidant protection without heaviness, making it the preferred vitamin C serum for those who find oil-based or richer formulations unsuitable.

Skin Concerns

Addresses discoloration, acne marks, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and visible signs of aging caused by cumulative environmental and UV damage. Ideal for those seeking both corrective and protective benefits in a single daily serum.

Benefits

• Provides advanced environmental protection by neutralizing damaging free radicals from UV, IRA, and ozone pollution
• Visibly improves the appearance of discoloration, dark spots, and uneven skin tone
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and early signs of aging
• Remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours once absorbed into skin
• Lightweight, water-based texture ideal for normal, oily, and combination skin
• Paraben-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free
• Can be applied to the face, neck, chest, and back of hands

Key Ingredients

• 2% Phloretin — A powerful polyphenol antioxidant derived from apples and the root bark of fruit trees including apple, pear, and grapefruit. Phloretin neutralizes damaging free radicals, helps improve cell turnover, and visibly improves the appearance of discoloration and uneven skin tone. It also enhances the penetration and efficacy of the other antioxidants in the formula.
• 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (Pure Vitamin C) — The most bioavailable and potent form of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid neutralizes free radicals, protects against oxidative stress, and delivers visible anti-aging and brightening benefits when formulated at the correct concentration and pH as specified by the Duke Antioxidant patent.
• 0.5% Ferulic Acid — A plant-based antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals while simultaneously enhancing the antioxidant benefits and photostability of both phloretin and vitamin C, amplifying the overall protective efficacy of the formula.

The Science Behind It

SkinCeuticals research demonstrates that specific combinations of antioxidants, when effectively formulated, provide superior results compared to any single antioxidant formulation alone. Phloretin CF is formulated according to the parameters outlined in the Duke Antioxidant patent, which specifies three critical requirements for effective vitamin C delivery to skin: pure L-ascorbic acid; an acidic pH within the 2.0–3.5 range; and a concentration between 10–20%. SkinCeuticals is the only brand to formulate antioxidants according to these exacting parameters.

SkinCeuticals defines atmospheric aging as the visible result of a range of environmental aggressors on skin — including UV radiation, infrared radiation (IRA), and pollution such as ozone and particulate matter. Ongoing SkinCeuticals research shows that over-exposure to these aggressors accelerates visible skin aging, and that topical antioxidants applied correctly can meaningfully help prevent their impact on skin. Phloretin CF’s broad-range triple antioxidant complex is specifically designed to address this full spectrum of environmental threats.

How to Use

Each morning after cleansing and toning, apply 4–5 drops of Phloretin CF to a dry face, neck, and chest before other skincare products. May also be applied to the back of the hands. Allow to absorb fully before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. It is normal for vitamin C products to darken after opening due to air and light exposure — the formula will remain effective. Once opened, use within 3 months for optimal potency. Complete your regimen with a SkinCeuticals broad-spectrum sunscreen — when used together, SkinCeuticals antioxidants and sunscreens provide the most comprehensive protection against visible aging caused by environmental aggressors. Available in a 15ml travel size and full-size 30ml.