What is SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF?
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is a patented daytime vitamin C antioxidant face serum that is said to deliver advanced environmental protection, diminish the appearance of fine lines and discoloration, and improve the overall skin tone. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is recommended for normal, oily, and combination skin types. So you may be wondering: what the heck is “Phloretin CF” and how can it provide “advanced environmental protection”? If so, read on to learn about the key ingredients in SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, where SkinCeuticals skincare is sold, SkinCeuticals reviews from real customers, and more.
What are the key ingredients in SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF?
Did you know that SkinCeuticals Founding Scientist Sheldon Pinnell, M.D. filed the first vitamin C patent in 1992? This discovery paved the way for an entirely new skin care category: topical vitamin C. Thus, it makes sense that vitamin C is included in many SkinCeuticals skincare products, with SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF being no exception. This antioxidant serum features a patented synergistic combination of 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 2% phloretin, and 0.5% ferulic acid. We’ll discuss each of these ingredients in detail below so you’ll know exactly how they affect your skin.
One of the main benefits of ascorbic acid is its potent antioxidant activity. Ascorbic acid donates electrons to neutralize free radicals from environmental factors such as UVA/UVB radiation, infrared radiation (IRA), and ozone pollution (O3). This is important because the harmful effects of free radicals occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane, and cellular proteins, including collagen. Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin. By protecting collagen and other skin components, ascorbic acid helps to prevent signs of aging. This is one way that SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF provides advanced environmental protection.
Another way that ascorbic acid helps to reduce signs of aging is through collagen synthesis. Specifically, ascorbic acid serves as a cofactor for prolysyl and lysyl hydroxylase, the enzymes that are responsible for stabilizing and cross-linking the collagen molecules. Thus, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF may be able to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting firmer, more youthful skin.
A final way that ascorbic acid can improve the appearance of your skin is through its ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots and correct uneven skin tone. This is accomplished through inhibition of melanin synthesis. Melanin is a pigment that gives our skin color, but too much of this pigment can lead to undesirable dark spots called hyperpigmentation. Ascorbic acid decreases melanin formation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that is required for melanin synthesis. Thus, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF can help the skin to appear brighter with less dark spots and a more even skin tone.
While ascorbic acid is very beneficial to the skin, it is notoriously difficult to stabilize in cosmetic formulations. This is because it is such an excellent antioxidant, which means that it will readily donate electrons to the oxygen content in air. After becoming oxidized, ascorbic acid is ineffective and cannot provide skin benefits. Fortunately, SkinCeuticals took this into consideration and packaged the serum in an opaque bottle. According to SkinCeuticals, it is normal for vitamin C products to darken after opening due to air and light exposure. The formula will remain effective. They recommend to use SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF within 3 months of opening.
The next key ingredient in SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is phloretin, a flavonoid derived from apples and the root bark of fruit trees including apple, pear, and grapefruit. Phloretin is an antioxidant that neutralizes damaging free radicals. It also helps increase cell turnover, improves the appearance of discoloration, and helps other beneficial ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.
The final antioxidant in this triple antioxidant cocktail is ferulic acid. Found in the cell walls of plants such as rice and oats and the seeds of apples and oranges, ferulic acid plays a key role in the plants’ protection and self-preservation. Like other antioxidants, topical application of ferulic acid will help to slow the aging process by protecting the skin from free radical damage. One of the key advantages of ferulic acid is its ability to enhance the efficacy and stability of vitamins C and E.
How to use SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF comes in a liquid form, and requires a person to apply 4 to 5 drops onto clean, dry skin of the face, neck, and chest. The product should be used in the morning, after a thorough cleaning of the area, and the drops should only be used once per day.
Where is SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF sold?
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party ecommerce websites such as Amazon, eBay, Dermstore, and more. In addition, SkinCeuticals skincare products are sold by dermatologists and estheticians. The SkinCeuticals website has a locator so you can find a skincare professional near you that sells SkinCeuticals skincare.
Is SkinCeuticals cruelty free?
SkinCeuticals is not cruelty free. SkinCeuticals is owned by L’Oréal, a company that tests on animals. L’Oréal does not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law. Since L’Oréal products are sold in China, they must test their products on animals by law. The good news is that L’Oreal has invested more than $1 billion over the last 25 years to develop innovative, alternative methods to animal testing, particularly in the area of reconstructed tissue development. L’Oreal and SkinCeuticals are committed to a future without tests on animals.
