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Compare · Serums

No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum vs SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: which is better?

This comparison comes down to a dark-spot-focused routine versus a vitamin C serum praised for brightening, even tone, and smoother texture.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated about the same — 85 vs 86 nextscore
  • Better for hyperpigmentation: C E Ferulic

numbuzin No.5 is praised for acne marks and dark spots, while SkinCeuticals is praised for brightening, even tone, and smoother texture.

Choose No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum if

  • you’re targeting acne marks, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation
  • you want a no-sting, no-smell vitamin C routine

Choose SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic if

  • you want visible brightening and a more even-looking tone
  • you value reported glow and smoother texture

At a glance

No.5 Vitamin Concentrated SerumSkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
$0.57/ml$4.93/ml
85 · 65 verdicts86 · 71 verdicts
—Hyperpigmentation
Niacinamide, Vitamin C both, Panthenol, Tranexamic AcidVitamin C both, Ferulic Acid

What Reddit says

No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

What Reddit likes

  • Tranexamic acid plus niacinamide for dark spots
  • Reddit HG for acne marks and hyperpigmentation
  • No-sting, no-smell vitamin C routine

Watch out for

  • Breakouts, including cystic acne, hit some users
  • Irritation and redness can appear quickly
  • Doesn't control oil, pores, or texture
See the Reddit threads on No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

What Reddit likes

  • 15% L-ascorbic acid; visibly brightens and evens tone
  • Vitamin E and ferulic acid pairing; antioxidant stability and photoprotection
  • Natural glow and smoother texture reported with consistent use

Watch out for

  • Eye-watering price for 30 mL; cheaper same-formula alternatives abound
  • Hotdog smell and orange oxidation can be dealbreakers
  • 15% L-ascorbic acid stings reactive skin and can trigger redness or breakouts
See the Reddit threads on SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Compare full ingredient lists · 7 in common

In both · 7

  1. Water
  2. Panthenol
  3. Pentylene Glycol
  4. Glycerin
  5. Sodium Hyaluronate
  6. Tocopherol
  7. Ascorbic Acid

Only in No.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum · 40

  1. Butylene Glycol
  2. Niacinamide
  3. Tranexamic Acid
  4. 1,2-Hexanediol
  5. Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
  6. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  7. Sorbitol
  8. Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract
  9. Behenyl Alcohol
  10. Chondrus Crispus Extract
  11. Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
  12. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
  13. Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
  14. Carbomer
  15. Alpha-Arbutin
  16. Bisabolol
  17. Tromethamine
  18. Ethylhexylglycerin
  19. Bifida Ferment Lysate
  20. Adenosine
  21. Hydrogenated Lecithin
  22. Allantoin
  23. Xanthan Gum
  24. Glutathione
  25. Disodium EDTA
  26. Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
  27. Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
  28. Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
  29. Ceramide NP
  30. Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
  31. Corallina Officinalis Extract
  32. Beta-Glucan
  33. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
  34. Ascorbyl Glucoside
  35. Tocopheryl Acetate
  36. Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
  37. Ubiquinone
  38. Thioctic Acid
  39. Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
  40. Potassium Hydroxide

Only in SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic · 11

  1. Ethoxydiglycol
  2. Propylene Glycol
  3. Laureth-23
  4. Phenoxyethanol
  5. Sodium Hydroxide
  6. Ferulic Acid
  7. Carnosine
  8. Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract - Dandelion Rhizome/Root Extract
  9. Maltodextrin
  10. Citric Acid
  11. Eperua Falcata Bark Extract

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