This powerful antioxidant serum combines the brightening and blemish-fighting properties of Vitamin C, making it ideal for oily skin.
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One brand that is consistently hailed as the best on the market and definitely worth your money is SkinCeuticals. This American clinical skincare brand is known for its advanced skincare products that are backed by science, with one product in particular achieving cult status.
CE Ferulic Serum is the gold standard in Vitamin C, loved the world over for its incredible skin-perfecting effects. But one problem with this popular serum is that it’s not suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. That’s where its lesser known sister product, Silymarin CF, comes in.
This amazing antioxidant serum is designed for oily, blemish-prone skin and thousands of shoppers are going crazy for it, but since I have normal skin, I decided to give it a try to see if it really works.
1 Minute Review: SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin
What you need to know
This premium, oil-free, antioxidant-rich Vitamin C serum is a breakthrough for blemish-prone skin. Made with a combination of 0.5 percent Silymarin, 15 percent L-Ascorbic Acid, 0.5 percent Ferulic Acid, and 0.5 percent Salicylic Acid, this powerful serum is clinically proven to reduce oil, tighten pores, lighten blackheads, and significantly improve the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging.
I’ve been trying it for 3 weeks and I’m really impressed – it brightens and definitely evens out my skin tone. However, I did feel like it left my skin a little dry, which I suppose is a plus for people with oily skin, but it’s not something I personally like or need.
We reviewed one of the most popular Vitamin C serums. Photo: news.com.au/Philippa Tonkin.
How we tested SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARI CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin
As any skincare enthusiast knows, you have to wait a few weeks to see if a new product works for your skin. You might notice some unpleasant side effects, like irritation, for the first few days while your skin adjusts and sees the positive effects. Or your skin might be fine for a while before deciding it’s just not for you.
With this in mind, I tested SkinCeuticals’ Silymarin CF serum for three weeks, using it every morning alongside my other skincare products, under makeup, and when working out.
Serum evaluation method
Full Review of SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin
Beauty lovers are going crazy over CE Ferulic, but can this new serum live up to the hype?
Read my full review detailing everything you need to know.
Actress Lucy Hale is a fan. Photo: Instagram/@skinceuticals.
How does SILYMARI CF work?
“Silymarin CF is a patented vitamin C serum specially developed for oily skin, targeting oil flow and blemishes to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” SkinCeuticals education manager Renate Stewart told news.com.au checkout.
So in addition to all the usual vitamin C benefits like evening out and brightening skin, it also works like an anti-acne serum – truly 2 in 1.
How should I use Silymarin CF?
Renate says Silymarin CF should be applied once a day in the morning after washing your face.
“Put 4-5 drops into the palm of your hand and dab onto your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, then spread evenly.”
Afterwards, Renate recommends applying a hydrating serum, moisturizer, and SPF.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum: My Results
First of all, I don’t have oily skin, and while I know there’s not much point in trying a serum made for oily skin, I wanted to see if it would have a similar effect on my normal skin type.
I’ve heard many people with oily skin rave about the results they get from using this serum, but what about those who don’t?
After three weeks of using it, I noticed that the age spots on my face had really faded and my skin tone seemed brighter overall.
I also like how lightweight it is. The texture and consistency is similar to an oil or toner. All you need to do is apply a few drops and dab it onto your skin. It absorbs very well and is perfect as a base for skincare and makeup.
Here I am after a day of wearing this with just my usual make-up. Photo: news.com.au/Philippa Tonkin
But to be honest, I wasn’t impressed with this serum. I’ve used a number of Vitamin C products in the past and they didn’t have the noticeable effect I expected.
My skin feels a lot drier and less natural oil and glow, and I developed some surface level spots on my cheeks last week, and I think this has to do with the serum since I haven’t been trying any other new products lately.
However, those symptoms went away quickly so it wasn’t that big of an issue for me as I know trying new products can sometimes irritate your skin at first.
Overall, I think this serum is great for those with oily skin. If I had tried this serum a few years ago I would have raved about it, but unfortunately my skin has become so dry over the last few years that it’s a bit too harsh for me.
But there are hundreds of five-star reviews online.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum. Photo: news.com.au/Philippa Tonkin.
“To be honest, I was very skeptical when I received this product because I have very sensitive skin and am very picky about skincare. But wow! This is truly a game-changer,” wrote one satisfied customer.
“Lots of my friends have commented that my skin looks so much clearer and has a natural glow. I’ve only been using the serum for a little over a week now and I’m amazed at the results!” they continued.
Price: Is SKINCEUTICALS SILYMARIN CF Serum Worth It?
It’s pricey, but if you have oily, acne-prone skin, I think it’s definitely worth it – it combines a Vitamin C serum with an acne-fighting serum, so you get two products for the price of one.
However, if you don’t have oily skin, we recommend other popular vitamin C serums from the brand, such as CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF Vitamin C Serum.
Vitamin C serum similar to SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Serum
Medik8 Super C Ferulic, $143 at THE ICONIC
Medik8 Super C Ferulic. Photo: THE ICONIC.
Hannah Paine, editor at news.com.au, is a big fan of the serum.
“I can’t count the number of times I’ve repurchased this Vitamin C serum – it’s one of my most frequently purchased beauty products,” says Hannah.
“While it’s certainly not cheap, Medik8 Super C Ferulic performs just as well as vitamin C serums costing twice the price, so I think it’s great value for money.
“My skin has changed, brightened, and become more even. It’s really like a whitening facial in a bottle.”
OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, $99 at Sephora
OLE HENRIKSEN Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum. Photo: Sephora.
This best-selling serum is loved on social media and with thousands of 5-star reviews online. It combines Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and PHA to create brighter, more elastic skin.
“This is the best Vitamin C serum I’ve tried so far. I love the texture, it absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves a radiant glow. I noticed a difference in my skin after I stopped using it so I definitely think it works,” wrote one five-star review.
Brighter Skin, Go-To Skincare, $59
My skin looks much brighter. Photo: Go-To Skincare.
Zoe Foster Blake has created a Vitamin C that is packed with antioxidants your skin needs. With ingredients like Niacinamide, Kakadu Plum, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and more, this serum gives you an effortless daily glow. This pigmentation-fighting serum is well worth the price.
One five-star review read, “This is my absolute favorite go-to product! It’s so lightweight yet leaves skin feeling fresh, rejuvenated and bouncy.”
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in Silymarin CF and how does it work?
Key ingredients include L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 15%, Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) 0.5%, Ferulic Acid 0.5%, and Salicylic Acid 0.5%.
“These ingredients work synergistically to provide antioxidant protection, reduce sebum oxidation, minimize pores, reduce pigmentation, and improve overall skin texture,” says Renate.
Is SILYMARI CF suitable for all skin types?
Renate says Silymarin CF is perfect for oily or combination skin looking for clarity and balance, but it can also be used by people with other skin types, but you should be mindful of the serum’s properties and ingredients as it can be drying.
Can SILYMARIN CF be used overnight?
Renate says that Silymarin CF should only be used in the morning, because its antioxidant properties protect the skin from environmental aggressors, she says.
“Incorporating Silymarin CF in the morning can help prevent damage done during the day and enhance the effectiveness of your nighttime skincare routine,” she says.
Can I use Silymarin CF with Retinol?
Although it is not recommended to use them at the same time, you can use Silymarin CF during the day and Retinol at night in the same routine.
“Silymarin CF and retinol have complementary effects, but combining these two powerful ingredients at night can overstimulate the skin,” says Renate.
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