SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Will Never Leave My Skin Care Routine—Here’s Why

There’s a good chance you’ve heard your skin care junkie friends raving about vitamin C serum, and there’s a greater chance that SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has entered the conversation. You see, vitamin C is a Holy Grail skin care ingredient that’s able to even out skin tone, defend against free radicals, and improve your skin’s texture. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic just happens to do all of that best. Now, this tiny little bottle isn’t cheap, but the old adage is true: You get what you pay for. For the 2025 GQ Grooming Awards, we crowned SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic as the best vitamin C serum in the game—read on to find out why.

Silky smooth, all day long

The first thing you’ll notice about the serum when you apply it to your face is its texture. It’s a bit viscous with a texture close to an oil, but once your skin absorbs it, it has no greasy texture whatsoever. Its lightweight feel makes it perfect for applying after your moisturizer (and before your sunscreen) without it feeling as if you’ve slathered a whole bunch of potions onto your mug. I will say that the serum leaves a nice healthy glow on your skin, which can be jarring for anyone who’s used to looking more matte throughout the day. However, do note that it doesn’t make you look greasy, rather like you take really good care of your skin. Another thing to know is that it does have an… interesting scent—common for vitamin C serums—but after the first couple uses, you won’t even notice it.

Vitamin See Results

Obviously, the main draw of the serum is its vitamin C, which is about as effective as it gets. I’ve dealt with acne since I was a teenager, and while I’ve got that mostly under control now, I still get the occasional spot that eventually leads to some hyperpigmentation. (Sorry, I’m a popper!) Usually those dark spots would take weeks to fade, still leaving behind a faint mark even months after the initial breakout. I’ve noticed with the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, my hyperpigmentation lightens much quicker than usual, and I’m left with fewer lingering spots. As I’m about to enter my 30s, I’m also starting to worry about fighting wrinkles and fine lines. I’ll be honest: I don’t really have very many of those, and I’m hoping that this serum will keep it that way for years to come. The addition of vitamin E and ferulic acid in the formula have also been excellent for firming up my skin and increasing its ability to retain moisture. Plus, the healthy dose of antioxidants to my face means that New York City pollution and even the sun’s UV rays (I wear sunscreen daily, so don’t worry) isn’t as damaging to my skin as usual. Adding this to my routine has been simple, since all I need is about four drops a day. The brand says that the formulation remains effective for up to 72 hours, but since I use it daily, I don’t need to rely on that claim.

The Verdict: Is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Worth It?

I’m big on skin care, and I’ve always been happy to spend however much is necessary on effective products that keep my skin in check. Vitamin C serums can vary in price, but I’ve found that that added benefits of the SkinCeuticals formulation have been the most effective for my skin. Its $185 price tag may scare some folks away, but the brand’s dedication to creating products that actually work make it all worth while. So, for as long as SkinCeuticals makes this product, it’ll be a staple in my medicine cabinet.