SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic

Bottom line

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is rich with potent antioxidants, namely ferulic acid and vitamins C and E. Despite users reporting noticeable changes to their skin, they also say that it can have a sticky feel and an unpleasant scent. Ultimately, it doesn't contain as large an assortment of good-for-skin ingredients as Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, Fragrance Free (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.), which is a much better overall value.

Performance

Potent antioxidants: Paula Begoun, skin care expert and author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," praises SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic for its potent antioxidants -- ferulic acid and vitamins C and E. Editors at InStyle magazine note that the formula contains actual vitamins, rather than the synthetic forms many other products contain. One dermatologist says, "It not only prevents sun damage but also reverses aging from the sun." Begoun says the formula would be better, however, if it contained a larger variety of good-for-skin ingredients, such as ceramides, peptides and niacinamide. She also says a pump dispenser is preferable to the liquid dropper CE Ferulic comes with. The dropper allows the "oxygen sensitive" antioxidants to be exposed to light and air every time it's taken out of the bottle.

Users at MakeupAlley.com are very impressed with SkinCeuticals' antioxidant formula. One woman says, "I have experienced gradual but noticeable changes to my skin, i.e. increased clarity, freshness, refinement of fine lines etc."

Feel and smell

Unpleasant scent: Users say SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic spreads easily onto the skin and absorbs in a matter of minutes but is a bit sticky -- especially if you apply too much. Several are turned off by the strong scent. One says, "It stinks to high heaven! It is just the most repulsive smell and it lingers." Others say the smell fades quickly.