Phloretin CF
- Routine step
- Serum (serum)
- When
- Morning and evening
- Skin types
- Combination, Normal, Oily
- Pairs well with
- Tretinoin, Retinaldehyde, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid
- Use with care
- 2 layering conflicts, listed below
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, slightly damp skin before your moisturizer. Start with a few nights a week if it contains an active you are new to.
This product contains an active that can irritate at first. Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours and start two or three times a week.
Ingredient research in this formula
These are ingredient-level research links, not evidence that this exact product has been clinically tested.
Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.
Good for: Brightening, Antioxidant
Boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C and vitamin E when layered together. The reason a good morning antioxidant serum stays potent through the day.
Good for: Antioxidant
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
Brightens dull skin and helps fade dark spots. Also defends against everyday UV and pollution damage when worn under sunscreen.
Krutmann J et al. PINGing Sunshine: A Review of the Evidence for Adding Non-Filtering Photoprotective Ingredients to Sunscreens. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2025;41(6). Review of Photoprotective INGredients (PINGs); L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) identified as a top-ranked PING demonstrating efficacy across multiple photodamage endpoints.
Pullar JM et al., The roles of vitamin C in skin health, Nutrients 2017;9(8):866: concluded topical efficacy "poorly understood"; supports dietary vitamin C
Lee JH et al., Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation, Annals of Dermatology 2017
Boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C and vitamin E when layered together. The reason a good morning antioxidant serum stays potent through the day.
Kim JH et al., Fractional microneedle radiofrequency with the application of vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid serum for neck skin rejuvenation: a prospective, double-blinded, split-neck, placebo-controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2025;36(1):2504655: CE+ferulic serum + microneedle RF produced superior clinical and histologic neck rejuvenation vs RF alone
Roux M et al., Ferulic Acid Use for Skin Applications: A Systematic Review, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2025;18(5):38-42: SR of 18 human studies; topical ferulic acid improved erythema, pigmentation, hydration, elasticity, texture
Wang X et al., Ferulic Acid in the Treatment of Papulopustular Rosacea: A Randomized Controlled Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(1):e16611: topical ferulic acid solution twice daily improved papulopustular rosacea
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Benzoyl Peroxidemedium
Benzoyl peroxide breaks down vitamin C, making both less effective. Use one in the morning and the other at night.
- Retinollow
Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.