Phyto PDRN Serum launched at EST Skinlab in September, and it now sits on the shelf alongside the classic Phyto Corrective Gel. If you are deciding whether to continue with the classic gel or start Phyto PDRN Serum, here is the practical difference.
Both formulas belong to the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective range, part of the SkinCeuticals range at EST Skinlab, and both are made for skin that reddens easily. The part that matters most right now is not the ingredient list, but what each product's future at EST Skinlab looks like, and what that means for the one you already use.
SkinCeuticals has updated the Phyto Corrective formula, and that update affects what's available at EST Skinlab. Below is what it means whether you already use the classic gel or you're deciding between the two for the first time.
The classic Phyto gel isn't going away today, but it won't be reordered
SkinCeuticals has moved the Phyto Corrective range over to the new PDRN formula. That means the classic Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum you might already have in your bathroom cabinet is not being restocked at EST Skinlab once current supply runs out. We still have stock of the classic Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum at EST Skinlab, and you can order it now.
If it's been part of your routine and you'd rather stick with it a while longer, consider purchasing it while current EST stock remains available, rather than assuming it will always be here. You can order it in-store or get in touch with our team directly, the same as any other product in the range.
If you haven't tried either product yet, this is worth knowing too. The classic gel is still a suitable option to use in the meantime, but Phyto PDRN Serum is the formula that will continue after the classic gel sells through, so it's worth factoring that into which one you start with, particularly if you're hoping to stick with the same product for a while.
So which one actually suits you?
Here's a practical way to think about it, based on what each product is suited to.
The classic gel may still suit you if visible redness is your main concern and you already know that its texture works well in your routine. Phyto PDRN Serum was also developed with redness in mind, so there's no need to change what's already working for you.
If you have visible redness and acne-prone skin, Phyto PDRN Serum is the newer formula developed with that combination in mind.
If you're already using the classic gel and it's working for you, keep using it. There's no need to change a routine your skin has settled into just because something new has arrived. The only thing to keep in mind is the stock situation above, so you're not caught out later once your current bottle runs low and you go looking for a replacement.
If you haven't used either product before, Phyto PDRN Serum is a practical starting point, since it's the formula that will continue after the classic gel sells through.
If your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, Phyto PDRN Serum was formulated with that in mind. That's useful to know, but it isn't a substitute for looking at your own skin, so ask us if anything feels uncertain before you begin, particularly if you're also using other active products. Our Sensitive & Redness collection has other products suited to sensitive, redness-prone skin.
If you have a professional treatment booked, your treating clinician determines your individual aftercare, and that applies whether you're using the classic gel, Phyto PDRN Serum, or another product in your routine. Our Post-Laser Care and Post Cosmetic Injection Care collections are worth a browse if you're recovering from a treatment, and our team can talk through where either serum might fit once your aftercare plan is confirmed.
Phyto PDRN Serum vs Classic Phyto Gel
This isn't a full ingredients breakdown. It covers the practical differences most relevant to choosing between the two.
| Phyto PDRN Serum | Classic Phyto Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Visible redness and acne-prone skin | Visible redness, especially if it already suits your skin |
| Key ingredients | Biotech PDRN, botanical blend, ectoin, tripeptide-8, hyaluronic acid | Botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid |
| Format | Serum applied as 3–5 drops | Light, non-greasy gel |
| Availability at EST Skinlab | Ongoing | While current stock lasts |
| Morning routine order | After vitamin C serum, before moisturiser | After vitamin C serum, before sunscreen |
The main practical difference is that Phyto PDRN Serum is specifically positioned for visible redness and acne-prone skin.
Where it fits in your morning routine
Phyto PDRN Serum goes on after your vitamin C antioxidant serum and before your moisturiser. Use three to five drops, pressed gently across the face, neck and décolletage, then finish with sunscreen as usual.
The classic Phyto gel follows a similar spot in the routine, applied after vitamin C and before sunscreen, with two to three drops across the face, neck and chest. It can also be used on hands, legs and the bikini line if you'd like to use it more broadly.
Either way, the order stays the same: cleanse, antioxidant serum, your Phyto product, moisturiser, sunscreen. Both products sit in a similar place in a morning routine. If you use prescription products or have a treatment plan, ask your clinician or our team before making changes. You can browse our full serums range to see where each step sits.
Still not sure? Come and see us
The guidance above is general rather than specific to your skin, and it doesn't replace an in-person look at what's going on. If you would like a recommendation based on your own skin, book a consultation with our team at the SkinCeuticals Flagship Store on Collins Street, or get in touch and we'll sort out a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phyto PDRN Serum?
It's the newest formula in the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective range, formulated with biotech PDRN alongside a botanical blend, ectoin, tripeptide-8 and hyaluronic acid. It's made for visible redness and acne-prone skin, and it replaces the classic gel as the ongoing formula in the range. It's applied as drops pressed into the skin, rather than the gel format of the classic serum.
When did it launch at EST Skinlab?
It launched in September and has been available at EST Skinlab since then.
How is it different from the classic Phyto gel?
The classic gel is a light, non-greasy botanical calming formula built around hyaluronic acid, aimed at visible redness. Phyto PDRN Serum is applied as 3–5 drops and is also formulated for acne-prone skin, with a different set of active ingredients behind it. It's a newer formula rather than an add-on to the range, and it's the one that will remain part of the range once the classic gel's remaining stock is gone.
Which one may suit my concerns?
If visible redness is your main concern and the classic gel already works for you, stick with it. There's no reason to change something your skin has settled into. If you have visible redness and acne-prone skin, or you're choosing your first Phyto product, Phyto PDRN Serum is the more likely fit. If you're not sure, our team can help you work through it.
Where does it fit in a morning routine?
After your vitamin C antioxidant serum and before your moisturiser, followed by sunscreen.
Can sensitive skin or people with a treatment booked use it?
Phyto PDRN Serum is formulated for sensitive, redness-prone skin. If you have a treatment booked, your treating clinician determines your individual aftercare.
Is the classic Phyto gel still available?
Yes. We still have stock of the classic Phyto Corrective Gel Calming Serum and you can order it now. SkinCeuticals has moved the range over to the PDRN formula, so once our current stock sells out, we won't be reordering the classic gel. If it's part of your routine, consider purchasing it while current EST stock remains available.
