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You may have heard of this completely unknown facial serum from SkinCeuticals. Virtually no one cares, and it's absolutely the worst thing you can use when a shiny, even, firm, and "smooth bum like a baby" is your ultimate goal. It's called C E Ferulic – do you know it?
Joke. I'm kidding you guys. In fact, I'm sitting at home cackling about how completely wrong everything I just typed is. In case you missed it, SkinCeuticals Hero Serum C E Ferulic ($ 166) could be just the thing the The most famous facial serum in the world and especially the gold standard among the best vitamin C formulas. It's expensive, but I don't know a single person who doesn't use it for registration and swears by the benefits of borderline sacred skin. If a beauty product could become religion, CE Ferulic would be the messiah. If a beauty product could be knighted, Queen Elizabeth II would have done that years ago. It is so good. The only problem that deviates from this knee-kinking price? It is not Great If you have oily skin or anti-inflammatory, acne-prone skin.
Of course, CE Ferulic has a known (if not known at Britney Spears level) relative, Phloretin CF ($ 166), who is pretty similar to its sister, but a more strategic option for an oily combo or normal skin types, according to the brand . (FYI, CE is best for dry, mature, normal, and combination skin types.) Phloretin CF, however, can still be a little heavy and aggravate skin that is prone to blemishes. For the past six years, the thought leaders at SkinCeuticals have worked hard to create a highly potent antioxidant serum that works perfectly with oily products and Skin prone to blemishes – and it has finally arrived.
Enter, Silymarin CF ($ 166) – the only antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum that didn't get my skin cramped up. The magic, however, is that it still gives me the same benefits that other SkinCeuticals staples like Phloretin CF and C E Ferulic have become famous for for: a refined, practically filtered skin texture; less visible signs of aging (think of fine lines and wrinkles); and a lighter, more even complexion. No, this is not an exercise. Yes, I'll go into every detail in a moment (100% honest review included). Keep scrolling! If you have oily, blemish-prone skin and are struggling to find your soulmate vitamin C serum, this is a great place to read.
It's not like Silymarin CF. just for people who are oily or prone to blemishes, but it is Specially designed for people with oily or combination skin types who are particularly concerned about skin conditions such as persistent breakouts, environmental damage and / or visible signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles. If you were looking for a high quality creme de la creme vitamin C serum but responded to other formulas or found minimal benefits, Silymarin CF is your girl.
There's a lot to unzip here, so let's get started! Just like its sisters CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF, Silymarin CF is a high-quality, antioxidant-rich facial serum. However, it is oil-free and the answered vitamin C prayer for oily skin prone to blemishes. Prior to the serum's release, I attended a pre-launch presentation where board certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD explained that blemish-prone skin is inherently blemish higher Sebum levels and comparatively lower Antioxidant content, which makes it more prone than other skin types to problems such as breakouts caused by environmental damage. While antioxidants and vitamin C-rich serums should be the simple solution, too few are properly formulated to be stable, effective, and safe for all skin types.
Although the serum contains a variety of important ingredients, the hero silymarin is a powerful antioxidant from the milk thistle plant that naturally inhibits the oxidation of sebum on the skin. (It is this oxidation process that causes acne-causing bacteria to enter the pore, causing inflammation, clogging, and, as you guessed, blemishes.)
Silymarin CF is unlike any other serum on the market in that not only does it contain that magical 0.5% silymarin, but it is also strategically combined with 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 0.5% salicylic acid – one Dynamic combination of ingredients clinically proven to neutralize free radicals, reduce oiliness, refine the appearance of pores and smooth skin, while noticeably reducing the severity of fine lines and dark spots. Angry! Still with me
Unlike other types of serums, there is a strategy in place when it comes to employing an effective formula with antioxidants, including Silymarin CF, for maximum results. Usually the morning is best. After cleansing and toning (or just cleansing if toner isn't your jam), apply four to five drops to your dry face, neck, and chest. Then, perhaps most importantly, make sure you are applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. (This one from the brand is my favorite.) SkinCeuticals recommends applying Silymarin CF only once in the morning (you may be a little dry – it's normal!) And reapplying to clean skin once or twice all through Day through if necessary and / or tolerated.
The rating: 7/5 stars
The review: CE Ferulic has been around since 2005, and while I hadn't even noticed it in my elementary school days (I was more of a Lip Smackers sort of girl at the time), it has been on my radar since I got into the beauty circuit (maybe even already beforehand because my beautiful mother is an avid fan). Of course, I tried as soon as I could save enough money to get my own bottle, and you can imagine how disappointed I was in the end when I realized it wasn't going to be entirely right for my fussy skin. Basically, I've been living in a constant state of FOMO ever since.
I'm so excited about Silymarin CF that it's hard to know where to start, but let me just say, I've never seen such a significant difference in my skin that was so darn quick. My skin looked noticeably plush and radiant after my first application, but after just a week I was starting to notice serious differences in the tone, clarity and texture of my complexion. I've been using it every morning for a month now (I was given a bottle to test out long before it started), and I was almost shocked when I scanned selfies I'd taken from last summer and fall. I haven't changed anything else in my routine, but my complexion is noticeably more balanced and looks healthier. It just feels Better too, and I've noticed that makeup – when I wear it – is applied and worn almost flawlessly.
Just like C E Ferulic there is a slightly funky smell to this serum. But with factual, high quality formulations like these, smells (and usually not good smells) can and should be expected. Personally, it doesn't bother me too much as it seems to dissipate as the day progresses, but I know some people are very sensitive so I found it worth mentioning. It has a nice consistency (not too thin, but not too viscous), it sinks quickly into the skin and leaves a silky, light sticky finish. However, the stickiness dissipates as does the odor when you wear them. Aside from the borderline metal smell that is again to be expected, I have nothing bad to say about this serum, and I'm very excited to continue using it as part of my daily morning skin care routine. I recommend it to anyone who has had difficulty finding a vitamin C serum in the past, or has frequent breakouts and / or reacts to other popular formulas on the market. I think you will find this one is a winner!
