SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum

Yes — it is formulated specifically for oily and blemish-prone skin. It is an oil-free vitamin C serum that helps reduce oil oxidation (a trigger for blemishes), controls excess sebum and refines pores, while still delivering the brightening and anti-ageing benefits of 15% vitamin C. It is a genuine breakthrough for skin types that usually find vitamin C too rich.

It delivers advanced antioxidant protection against free radicals and pollution, helps prevent the oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts, reduces excess oil, refines texture and pores, and improves clarity and fine lines. In testing, it reduced oil oxidation by up to 76%.

All three are SkinCeuticals CF antioxidant serums built around 15% vitamin C and ferulic acid. C E Ferulic suits normal, dry and mature skin; Phloretin CF suits combination and ageing or discoloured skin; Silymarin CF is the one for oily and blemish-prone skin, adding silymarin and salicylic acid to control oil and refine pores.

Every morning, after cleansing, apply 4-5 drops to a dry face, neck and chest before your other products, then finish your routine with a broad-spectrum SPF.

Yes. Use it in the morning; you can layer other serums and moisturiser over the top. Keep retinol for your evening routine. As a potent vitamin C with salicylic acid, introduce it gradually if your skin is not yet used to actives.

It can help. The 0.5% salicylic acid exfoliates and helps decongest pores, while reducing oil oxidation targets one of the triggers behind blemishes. In a self-assessment study, 76% agreed it reduced the appearance of blemishes. For persistent or severe breakouts, it is best used as part of a wider routine — our team is happy to advise.

A light tingle can be normal with a high-strength vitamin C serum, especially on freshly cleansed skin. Always apply to fully dry skin, and if you are new to actives, start every other morning and build up. If tingling is strong or persistent, reduce how often you use it.

Antioxidant protection begins from the first use. In a self-assessment study, most users saw visible improvements in blemishes, pores, smoothness and clarity over the study period, with results building through consistent daily use over several weeks.

Silymarin CF contains salicylic acid, a BHA. As we are not able to give individual medical advice, we always recommend checking with your GP, midwife or a qualified skincare professional before using any active skincare, including this serum, during pregnancy or breastfeeding.