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SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic INCI Teardown: pH 3.2 Free-Acid Value & Routine Conflicts
Duke-patented pH 3.2 15% L-Ascorbic Acid + 1% Alpha-Tocopherol + 0.5% Ferulic Acid photoprotective gold standard.
Recommended Spacing: 15 Minutes
Apply in the AM only if paired with broad-spectrum SPF 30–50+ and separated from antagonistic pH/redox actives.
In the PM, Clashes critically with Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) via Cu2+ redox oxidation and Benzoyl Peroxide via peroxide quenching. Wait 15 minutes before Niacinamide.
Copper ions in GHK-Cu catalyze rapid single-electron oxidation of Ascorbic Acid while low-pH Vitamin C protonates histidine and strips Cu2+ from the tripeptide.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
+ View 15 additional secondary ingredient interaction(s)
Pure L-Ascorbic Acid requires pH <= 3.5 while retinoids require pH 5.5–6.5. Co-application creates a ΔpH > 2.2 shock and cumulative erythema.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Co-layering 1% Copper Tripeptide-1 and potent retinoids in the same PM session increases stinging and risks trace Cu2+ acceleration of retinoid isomerization.
Copper ions in GHK-Cu catalyze rapid single-electron oxidation of Ascorbic Acid while low-pH Vitamin C protonates histidine and strips Cu2+ from the tripeptide.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
Applying pH 3.2 acid alongside neutral oligopeptides (ΔpH 3.0 > 1.8 threshold) denatures peptide conformation and cleaves matrikine bonds.
- AM Prep: pH 5.5 Gentle Amino-Acid Cleanser or Water Rinse [pH 5.5 · Pat dry]
- AM Antioxidant (Low pH): L-Ascorbic Acid 15%–20% + Ferulic Acid Serum [pH 3.2 · ⏱ Wait 5 min]
- AM Barrier + Photoprotection: Physiological Ceramide Moisturizer + Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ [pH 5.8 · Mandatory final step]
Save Your Personalized AM/PM Glow Ritual & 9:16 Vanity Card
Includes your printable 4-Night Skin-Cycling calendar, Henderson-Hasselbalch free-acid table, and Apple-Wallet lockscreen guide.
Esthetician & Cosmetic Chemist FAQ
What is the formulation pH and full INCI profile of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid?
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid is formulated at pH 3.2 ($182). Full INCI: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate.
Which skincare actives conflict with SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid?
Clashes critically with Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) via Cu2+ redox oxidation and Benzoyl Peroxide via peroxide quenching. Wait 15 minutes before Niacinamide.
Is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid comedogenic or fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe?
Run the pre-loaded INCI analyzer above to inspect positional comedogenicity (0–5) and C12–C24 Malassezia lipid ester triggers for every ingredient in C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid.