When it comes to protecting your skin from environmental damage, few ingredients deliver results as reliably as antioxidants. And, when it comes to antioxidant expertise, SkinCeuticals stands in a category of its own. Founded on groundbreaking research by renowned dermatologist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, SkinCeuticals revolutionized the skin care industry by creating the first clinically proven topical vitamin C formulation.

Dr. Pinnell's pivotal research led to the Duke Antioxidant patent, which remains the gold standard for antioxidant formulation today. This patent defines the precise parameters necessary for vitamin C to effectively penetrate and protect skin: pure L-ascorbic acid at a concentration between 10-20%, formulated at an acidic pH of 2-3.5. Every SkinCeuticals antioxidant serum is developed according to these exacting standards, ensuring maximum efficacy and visible results you can count on.

Why antioxidants matter for your skin

Free radicals from UV rays, pollution, ozone and other environmental stressors cause oxidative damage that accelerates visible signs of aging—think fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and loss of firmness. Antioxidants neutralize these damaging free radicals before they can harm your skin cells, providing a crucial layer of defense. But protection isn't their only benefit. Science-backed antioxidant formulas also help improve the appearance of existing damage, brightening skin tone and smoothing the look of fine lines.

SkinCeuticals takes this protection a step further by combining multiple antioxidants in synergistic formulations. The brand's proprietary blends enhance stability and efficacy while targeting specific skin concerns from discoloration to oiliness to signs of aging.

The antioxidant lineup

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum

The gold standard vitamin C serum that started it all. This award-winning formula combines 15% pure L-ascorbic acid with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid to deliver advanced environmental protection and visible anti-aging benefits. Clinical studies show it reduces combined oxidative damage by up to 41%, while improving radiance by up to 44.8%, firmness by 37% and reducing visible wrinkles by up to 36% after twenty weeks. Once absorbed, this serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours.

Best suited for normal, dry, combination and mature skin types, C E Ferulic is the ideal choice for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and overall brightness. Since its introduction in 2005, this cult-favorite serum has won countless awards and garnered loyal followers thanks to its proven ability to make a visible difference in skin health and appearance.

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Vitamin C Discoloration Serum

Designed specifically to combat discoloration and uneven tone, this patented formula features 2% phloretin derived from apples and fruit tree bark, 10% pure L-ascorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid. Phloretin enhances the antioxidant benefits of vitamin C while helping to improve cell turnover and minimize the appearance of sun damage.

Clinical results demonstrate improvements in skin tone by up to 20%, radiance by up to 27% and discoloration by up to 16% in as little as twelve weeks. This lightweight serum is best suited for normal, oily and combination skin types experiencing discoloration alongside visible signs of aging.

“In general, I recommend Phloretin CF for my more oil-prone patients while C E Ferulic works in normal to dry skin situations,” explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. “These serums are the backbone of the SkinCeuticals regimen, so it is important to make sure your skin type is right for it.”

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum

The go-to antioxidant for oily and blemish-prone skin types. This oil-free formula combines silymarin (an antioxidant proven to neutralize free radicals that contribute to blemish formation), 15% L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid. Together, these ingredients provide environmental protection while reducing excess oil, refining skin texture, improving skin clarity and smoothing the appearance of fine lines. The addition of salicylic acid provides gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear and minimize breakouts.

SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+ Antioxidant Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum

Perfect for those new to vitamin C or with sensitive skin, this gentle formula features 10% pure L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid for antioxidant protection without irritation. “This antioxidant serum contains a 10% concentration of ascorbic acid instead of 15% like C E Ferulic and Silymarin CF," Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains. "I recommend it for my patients who have had difficulties with vitamin C serums in the past, so they can still reap the benefits of antioxidants without irritation."

The lightweight, fast-absorbing texture protects against free radical damage and environmental aggressors while lightly illuminating skin for a more radiant, youthful appearance. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours after application.

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Concentrate Treatment

While most antioxidant serums are designed for daytime defense, Resveratrol B E works overnight to support your skin's natural repair processes. This nighttime concentrate features 1% pure resveratrol, 0.5% baicalin and 1% vitamin E to neutralize free radicals, promote skin repair and boost visible radiance. The formula helps improve the feeling of skin firmness while you sleep, complementing your daytime antioxidant routine.

Protecting skin from environmental damage

"In our practice, we often see patients with significant sun damage and skin that is damaged by inadequate protection and lack of simple moisturizing," says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon. "There are fantastic products out there and the SkinCeuticals line has a variety of solutions."

What truly sets SkinCeuticals apart is the brand's unwavering commitment to clinical validation. Every product undergoes rigorous testing to prove efficacy and the formulations are manufactured under highly regulated conditions to ensure stability and potency. The brand's antioxidant serums are formulated to remain stable and effective for 36 months in final packaging and up to six months after opening.

When used as part of the SkinCeuticals philosophy—prevent with an antioxidant, correct with a targeted serum and protect with sunscreen—these science-backed formulas deliver transformative results that maintain and improve skin health over time.

Whether you're looking to address fine lines and wrinkles, combat discoloration or manage oily, blemish-prone skin, SkinCeuticals has an antioxidant serum formulated specifically for your needs. With clinically proven formulations backed by decades of research, you're not just treating your skin—you're investing in its long-term health and radiance.