Timeless vs. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

Timeless vs. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

The Gold Standard of Vitamin C Serums

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic has gained a reputation as the gold standard of Vitamin C serums, with many copycat products attempting to mimic its mystical powers. Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid is among the most common of these products, and one that I receive questions about most often.

No Budget Option for Quality, Well-Formulated Vitamin C Serums

When it comes to quality, well-formulated Vitamin C serums, there really is no budget option. Skinceuticals holds the patent on stabilized ascorbic acid compositions, which are the ideal formulation with maximum bioavailability and the least likelihood of irritation at a low pH. Bioavailability is the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the skin and is able to have an active effect.

pH Range and Bioavailability

Although competitors are able to create ascorbic acid serums at a pH of 2.0-2.4 or 3.1-3.5, once a serum’s pH surpasses 3.5, bioavailability decreases in the skin. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic’s stability testing shows that their serum is at least 88% as potent even after a full year of storage.

Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid

On the other hand, Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid’s formula may not be properly stabilized, as the serum’s pH changes as it ages due to the vitamin C oxidizing. As the serum ages, the pH can increase, which can disrupt the skin’s barrier over time and create inflammation, leading to symptoms such as over-exfoliation.

pH Levels and Irritation

Skinceuticals’ patent covers the least irritating pH of 2.5-3.0, while Timeless sits at a low pH of 2.4, which many may find irritating, drying, or skin sensitizing. Irritated skin experiences an increase of transepidermal water loss, meaning our skin cannot retain water properly.

Daytime Use of Ascorbic Acid Serums

Ascorbic acid serums are designed for daytime use because of their ability to neutralize free radicals. A quality serum wouldn’t be necessary to use in the evening because it creates a reservoir in your skin that remains when used daily. Timeless suggests using Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid both AM and PM.

Poorly Formulated Products on the Market

Unfortunately, there are many poorly formulated, unstable products with ascorbic acid on the market advertised as a budget buy, fooling many consumers. As a licensed professional, it’s frustrating because these brands are causing consumer mistrust, giving a misleading perception that big brands are only out to make a profit.

Ingredients Comparison

Let’s start by comparing the ingredients of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic and Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid. Skinceuticals’ serum contains Water, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, and Sodium Hyaluronate. On the other hand, Timeless’ serum contains Water, Ethoxydiglycol, L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Alpha Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, Panthenol, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Benzylalcohol, and Dehydroacetic Acid.

Although the formulas look similar, Skinceuticals’ patent covers stabilized ascorbic acid compositions with maximum bioavailability and the least likelihood of irritation at a low pH. Competitors are able to create ascorbic acid serums at a pH of 2.0-2.4 or 3.1-3.5, but once a serum’s pH surpasses 3.5, bioavailability decreases in the skin. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic’s stability testing shows that their serum is at least 88% as potent even after a full year of storage.

Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid’s formula may not be properly stabilized, as the serum’s pH changes as it ages due to the vitamin C oxidizing. As the serum ages, the pH can increase, which can disrupt the skin’s barrier over time and create inflammation, leading to symptoms such as over-exfoliation.

Effectiveness Comparison

Skinceuticals’ patent covers the least irritating pH of 2.5-3.0, while Timeless sits at a low pH of 2.4, which many may find irritating, drying, or skin sensitizing. Irritated skin experiences an increase of transepidermal water loss, meaning our skin cannot retain water properly.

Ascorbic acid serums are designed for daytime use because of their ability to neutralize free radicals. A quality serum wouldn’t be necessary to use in the evening because it creates a reservoir in your skin that remains when used daily. Timeless suggests using Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid both AM and PM.

Value Comparison

Skinceuticals premium Vitamin C serums may be expensive, but they are worth the premium price to know that you are getting a formula that does what it’s being sold. If it’s out of your price range, you could start with Skinceuticals Serum AOX 10, which is still a better option than Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid. Then, as your budget allows, work your way up to Serum AOX 15, Serum AOX 20, or CE Ferulic.

Unfortunately, there are many poorly formulated, unstable products with ascorbic acid on the market advertised as a budget buy, fooling many consumers. As a licensed professional, it’s frustrating because these brands are causing consumer mistrust, giving a misleading perception that big brands are only out to make a profit.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Skinceuticals premium Vitamin C serums may be expensive, but they are worth the premium price to know that you are getting a formula that does what it’s being sold. If it’s out of your price range, you could start with Skinceuticals Serum AOX 10, which is still a better option than Timeless Vitamin C+E Ferulic Acid. Then, as your budget allows, work your way up to Serum AOX 15, Serum AOX 20, or CE Ferulic.