In my job as a beauty editor, I’m really lucky that I’ve been able to try several luxurious skincare products that I would never normally justify buying. One of which SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, which is a holy grail favourite among beauty insiders and skin experts alike. But at £165, would I actually buy this if it weren’t for my job? Probably not. Dropping over £150 for a serum isn’t a luxury everyone can afford and it certainly makes my bank account want to cry. Thankfully, there are some SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic alternatives that are just as good. Think all of the glow, without the damage to your bank balance.
So what exactly makes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum so good anyway? The antioxidant serum is packed with L-ascorbic acid (a potent form of vitamin C) vitamin E, as well as ferulic acid, which work in tandem to brighten the complexion, fading sun damage and make your complexion glow. When used daily, it’s a great serum for targeting fine lines and firmness too. Its no wonder that Hailey Bieber, Sienna Miller and Kendall Jenner count themselves as fans of it. After using the serum consistently for two months, my skin was the glowiest and most even-toned it has ever been. But since finishing my last bottle, I’ve been on the search for some more affordable alternatives.
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
If you want all of the glow on a budget, scroll ahead for the best SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum dupes—which are great serums in their own right, FYI.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Dupes
1. Beauty Pie Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Beauty Pie
Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener
Price show is member price.
I previously did a review of Beauty Pie’s Superdose Vitamin C serum, and my before and after pictures really speak for themselves. From just a few days of using this serum, I noticed my skin tone looking more even, acne scarring look less noticeable and my complexion had a serious glow. I’m becoming a Beauty Pie member just to stock up on this serum alone. The ingredients are similar to SkinCeuticals, with a high dose of vitamin C and ferulic acid, but this one also has tranexamic acid which is a antioxidant workhorse for brightening sun damaged skin, and it’s also an ideal formulation if you have sensitive skin.
2. Templespa Let’s Concentrate Serum
Templespa
Let’s Concentrate Serum
Imagine the kind of glow you get from drinking cold-pressed juices—this is what this serum does for your skin. This is a really great option if you want a vitamin C serum that’s also suitable for acne-prone skin as it has the addition of blemish-busting magnesium and zinc while helping to address enlarged pores.. You’ll also find alpha arbutin in this, which works with the vitamin C to help to address sun damage, blemishes and skin redness too. The serum texture is so lightweight and sinks in quickly into the skin leaving it hydrated but not greasy. A great powerhouse serum at a more reasonable price point.
3. Dr Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum
Dr Barbara Sturm
The Good C Vitamin C Serum
While still an investment this comes in more bank balance-friendly than SkinCeuticals and still brings all the luxe vibes to your skincare shelf. Some vitamin C products can disrupt the skin barrier, so as someone with sensitive skin I love that Dr Barbara Sturm created this with skin sensitivity in mind, which targets pigmentation, scarring and helps to boost collagen too. You’ll find three types of vitamin C in this milky serum consistently alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid to leave skin calm, soothed and glowing. They don’t call it The Good C for nothing, and I trust Dr Barbara Sturm with my life at this point.
4. Minimalist Vitamin C + E + Ferulic 16%
Minimalist
Vitamin C + E + Ferulic 16%
Want a a serum that costs less than lunch at Pret? I’ve got you. Coming in at just £9, this affordable option boasts all of the same ingredients as SkinCeuticals, but is £156 cheaper. Sure, the formula might not be as sophisticated as the OG, but this is worth a try if you want to give your skin a healthy glow while targeting pigmentation and boosting collagen.
5. Medik8 Super C Ferulic
I’m yet to meet a Medik8 product that I don’t like and this serum is very highly regarded amongst industry experts. Featuring a potent 30% vitamin C concentration with ferulic acid and vitamin E, you can expect this serum to brighten up sun damage, pigmentation and dark spots pretty promptly. You’ll also find turmeric root and botanical oils which further enhance the antioxidant protection against free radicals, which are often responsible for signs of ageing in the skin. This lightweight serum dries down instantly, making it great for all skin types.
6. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster Treatment
Paula’s Choice
C15 Super Booster Treatment
I always trust Paula’s Choice products, and this serum is no exception.It has recently been reformulated with a gentler formulation and it really does give your skin an instant glow as well as a long-term radiant complexion. The combination of vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin are a triple threat for even toned and luminous skin. In fact, it has been clinically proven to brighten the skin, so you know you’ll get good results from using this daily.
7. The Ordinary Resveratrol Serum 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
The Ordinary
Resveratrol Serum 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
Another affordable favourite is The Ordinary, which offers a resveratrol and ferulic acid combo that basically acts as a shield against pollution while turning up the dial on radiance and skin clarity. If you have stubborn sun damage, or just want your skin to have a even, healthy glow, this serum is really impressive for just £10.
8. Garden Of Wisdom Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid
Garden of Wisdom
Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid
I’ve heard many people compare this serum to the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, and at only £12 it can’t hurt to see if it lives up to the hype. If you want an affordable version of vitamin C, ferulic acid and vitamin E, this serum boasts all of them and has several 5-star reviews for clearing up acne scarring and brightening the skin alike. I’m ordering a bottle as we speak.
