SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C | 2-in-1 Serum Review
This powerful antioxidant serum combines the brightening effects of vitamin C with the blemish-clearing properties, making it perfect for oily skin.
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When it comes to the world of beauty, there are a lot of people talking about a lot of products but how much of it is really essential and which brands are worth the extra cash?
One brand that is constantly heralded as one of the best in the market and definitely worth the extra money is SkinCeuticals. This American clinical skincare brand is known for its science-backed advanced skincare products that actually work with one product in particular having reached cult status.
The C E Ferulic serum is the gold standard when it comes to vitamin C and is beloved worldwide for its insane skin-perfecting benefits. But one issue with the beloved serum is that it isn’t suitable for those with oily, acne-prone skin. This is where Silymarin CF, its lesser-known sister, comes in.
This incredible antioxidant serum is designed for oily and blemish-prone skin and has thousands of shoppers obsessed but as someone with more normal skin, I decided to put it to the test to see if it truly measures up.
1-MINUTE REVIEW: SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
Skinceuticals Silymarin Cf Vitamin C Serum For Oily Skin
What You Need To Know
This high-quality, oil-free, antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum is a breakthrough product for blemish-prone skin. Made up of a combination of 0.5 per cent silymarin, 15 per cent l-ascorbic acid, 0.5 per cent ferulic acid and 0.5 per cent salicylic acid, this powerful serum is clinically proven to decrease oiliness, refine pores, brighten dark spots and noticeably improve any signs of ageing such as fine lines.
After trialling it for three weeks, I’m definitely impressed. My skin tone looks brighter and definitely more even too. But I will say, I’ve noticed my skin feels a bit dryer which I think would be a plus for those with true oily skin, although it isn’t something I personally love or need.
HOW WE TESTED THE SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
As any skincare aficionado knows, you have to wait a few weeks to see if a new product is working for your skin. Sometimes you might notice some not-so-great side effects – such as purging – in the first few days while your skin adjusts and before any positive benefits occur. Alternatively, your skin might thrive for a while before your skin decides it doesn’t agree with it.
With this in mind, I tested the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF serum for three weeks. I applied it every morning and with other skincare products, under makeup and when exercising.
HOW WE EVALUATED THE SERUM
FULL REVIEW OF THE SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
Beauty lovers are obsessed with the C E Ferulic but does this newer serum hold its own against it?
Read on for my full review where I’ve broken down everything you need to know.
WHAT DOES SILYMARIN CF DO?
“Silymarin CF is a patented vitamin C serum specially designed for oily skin, aiming to target oil flow, blemishes, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Renate Stewart, education manager at SkinCeuticals told news.com.au checkout.
This means that on top of the regular vitamin C benefits like evening skin tone and brightening skin, it also works in a similar way to an acne-targeting serum. It’s a real two-in-one.
HOW SHOULD SILYMARIN CF BE APPLIED?
Renate says Silymarin CF should be applied once daily in the morning after cleansing.
“Place four to five drops in the palm of your hand and dab onto the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck before spreading evenly.”
Renate then suggests following it up with a hydrating serum, moisturiser and SPF.
SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM: MY RESULTS
First things first, I do not have oily skin. I know that trialling a serum designed for oily skin doesn’t quite make sense but we wanted to see if it could have similar benefits on a normal skin type.
We’ve heard people with oily skin rave about the results they have had using this serum, but what about the rest of us?
In the three weeks since I started using it I noticed some dark spots on my face genuinely lightened and my skin tone in general seems to be brighter too.
I also loved how lightweight it was. Its texture and consistency is almost like an oil or toner. I simply placed a few drops into my hands before patting it on my skin. It absorbed super well too and sat great under the rest of my skincare and makeup.
But, if I’m being 100 per cent honest, I wasn’t blown away by this serum. I’ve used multiple vitamin C products before and this doesn’t stand out as much as I thought it would.
I’ve definitely noticed my skin is a lot dryer and feels less naturally oily or glowing. Last week, I also developed a couple of surface-level spots on my cheeks which I think are linked to the serum as I haven’t tried any other new products recently.
However, they did go away fairly quickly, so it wasn’t too big of a deal-breaker for me as I know that sometimes skin can break out initially as you try a new product.
Overall, I think the serum would be amazing if you do have oily skin. If I was to have done this trial a couple of years ago, I’m sure I would be raving about it but unfortunately, my skin has dried up in the past few years and it’s a touch too intense for me.
However, it does have hundreds of five-star reviews online.
“Honestly, I was very sceptical when I received this product as I am super fussy about skincare due to having such sensitive skin, HOWEVER. wow! It is an absolute game changer,” wrote one happy customer.
“So many of my friends have commented how good my skin looks and how it has such a natural glow and I’ve only been using this serum for just over a week. Blown away by the results!” they continued.
PRICE: IS SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF SERUM WORTH IT?
If you have oily and blemish-prone skin then 100 per cent I do think it is worth it, despite its high price tag. It combines a vitamin C serum with an acne-targeting serum meaning you get two products for the price of one.
However, if you don’t have oily skin I would recommend one of the brand’s other cult vitamin C serums like the C E Ferulic or the Phloretin CF vitamin C serum.
VITAMIN C SERUMS SIMILAR TO SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF SERUM
Medik8 Super C Ferulic, $143 at THE ICONIC
Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor, is a big fan of this serum.
“I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased this vitamin C serum – it has to be one of my most bought beauty items,” says Hannah.
“While it’s certainly not cheap, the Medik8 Super C Ferulic performs just as well as vitamin C serums twice the price, making it excellent value for money in my opinion.
“It’s transformed my skin, making it brighter and more even – it’s honestly like a brightening facial in a bottle.”
OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright vitamin C Serum, $99 at Sephora
This best-selling serum is beloved on both social media and the thousands of five-star reviews online. Combining vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and PHAs it works to produce brighter and bouncier skin.
“The best vitamin C serum I have tried. Love the texture, absorbs quickly, leaves a radiant glow and I noticed the difference in my skin after I stopped using it, so it definitely makes a difference,” wrote one five-star review.
Much Brighter Skin, $59 at Go-To Skincare
Trust Zoe Foster Blake to create a vitamin C packed with all the antioxidants your skin needs. Formulated with niacinamide, kakadu plum, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, glycerine and more, this serum easily delivers your daily dose of radiance. Working to target hyperpigmentation, the serum is truly such good value for the price.
One five-star review said, “Absolute go-to favourite product. So lightweight and leaves my skin feeling fresh, rejuvenated and bouncy.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE MAIN INGREDIENTS IN SILYMARIN CF AND HOW DO THEY WORK?’
Its main ingredients include 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 0.5 per cent silymarin (milk thistle extract), 0.5 per cent ferulic acid, and 0.5 per cent salicylic acid.
“These components work synergistically to provide antioxidant protection, reduce oil oxidation, minimise pores, reduce pigmentation, and improve overall skin texture,” says Renate.
IS SILYMARIN CF SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES?
Renate says that Silymarin CF is best suited for oily, combination skin types seeking clarity and balance. However, other skin types can use it but should be aware of the serum’s properties and ingredients as it may be drying.
CAN SILYMARIN CF BE USED AT NIGHT?
According to Renate, Silymarin CF should only be used in the morning. She says this is due to its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
“Incorporating Silymarin CF in the morning will enhance your night-time skincare regimen by preventing future damage sustained in the daytime,” she says.
CAN YOU USE SILYMARIN CF WITH RETINOL?
While it is not recommended that you use them at the same time they can be used in the same routine with Silymarin CF in the day and retinol at night.
“While Silymarin CF and retinol have complimentary benefits, combining these two powerful ingredients at night has the potential to over stimulate the skin,” says Renate.
More Coverage
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