The Cult Vitamin C Serum That’s About to Get Duped (Legally!)

For 20 years, Skinceuticals C E Ferulic has reigned supreme in the antioxidant serum game. Beloved by dermatologists and beauty insiders alike, this iconic serum blends 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid to fight off environmental damage, brighten skin, and soften the look of fine lines.

It’s been the gold standard—and priced like one too. (At over R3,000 a pop, it’s not exactly casual skincare.)

But here’s the buzz: The patent just expired.

Yes, after two decades, the formula is now fair game—and that means we’re about to see a new wave of true C E Ferulic dupes hit the shelves. We’re not talking “inspired by” copycats. With the patent lifted, brands can now legally replicate the original formulation—and potentially for a fraction of the price.

So What’s the Catch?

Formulating a stable, effective vitamin C serum isn’t easy. That’s why C E Ferulic became a cult fave in the first place—it wasn’t just the ingredient list, it was the science behind how it all worked together.

Will the new dupes live up to the OG’s reputation? That remains to be seen—but expect to see innovation ramp up fast in this category. Formulators are ready, and the skincare crowd is watching.

So, if you’ve been gatekeeping your bottle or rationing each drop—2025 might be your year. Keep your eyes peeled, because affordable C E Ferulic-level skincare could be just around the corner.