A vitamin C serum made for oily, blemish-prone skin
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is an antioxidant serum for oily and blemish-prone skin that also wants to address early signs of ageing. It combines 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with 0.5% silymarin from milk thistle and 0.5% ferulic acid to help neutralise free radicals and oil oxidation, a trigger of blemishes. 0.5% salicylic acid gently exfoliates and refines skin texture. SkinCeuticals reports 15% less shine after one week, and smoother texture and fewer visible fine lines after eight weeks.
The texture
A light, clear, oil-free liquid applied from a dropper. It absorbs within seconds, leaves no greasy film and sits well under moisturiser and sunscreen.
Who it suits
- Oily and combination skin that looks shiny by midday
- Blemish-prone skin with enlarged-looking pores
- Adults who want antioxidant protection without a heavy texture
- Normal skin with occasional breakouts
Worth knowing before you buy: It contains denatured alcohol and salicylic acid, so very dry or sensitive skin may find it drying; C E Ferulic suits dry and normal skin better. Vitamin C serums can darken slightly over time once opened; store it away from heat and light.
Complete the routine

Oil Shield UV Defense SPF50
A matte daily sunscreen to follow your serum.
Shop →
Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel
An exfoliating cleanser for oily, ageing skin.
Shop →Characteristics
- Texture: light liquid serum
- Skin type: oily, combination, blemish-prone, normal
- Skin concerns: shine, blemishes, uneven texture, fine lines
- When to apply: every morning
- Main benefits: antioxidant protection, less shine, smoother texture, softens fine lines
- Formulated without: oil, silicones, dyes
How to use
Every morning on clean, dry skin, apply 4 to 5 drops to the face, neck and chest. Follow with a moisturiser if needed and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Active ingredients
- L-ascorbic acid (15%): pure vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps brighten and protect the skin
- Silymarin (0.5%): milk thistle antioxidant that helps prevent oil oxidation
- Ferulic acid (0.5%): boosts the antioxidant action of vitamin C
- Salicylic acid (0.5%): exfoliates and helps refine skin texture
Ingredients
AQUA/WATER/EAU · ALCOHOL DENAT. · ASCORBIC ACID · PROPYLENE GLYCOL · DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL · LAURETH-23 · SILYBUM MARIANUM FRUIT EXTRACT · SODIUM CITRATE · SALICYLIC ACID · FERULIC ACID
Formulations are updated by the manufacturer from time to time. Always check the packaging you receive.
Manufacturer information
Brand: SkinCeuticals (L'Oréal)
Address: 62 quai Charles Pasqua, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France
EAN: 3337875746267
