Application: A daily moisturizer applied after cleansing and serum, with sunscreen as the final morning step.
Best for: Skin that looks dull, uneven or congested and needs a lightweight moisturizer. Suitable for a range of skin types, including oily and blemish-prone skin.
A moisturizer for skin that feels difficult to balance
Your skin can feel shiny in one area and uncomfortable in another. Add leftover blemish marks or uneven texture, and choosing a moisturizer becomes less straightforward than “light” versus “rich.” SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Daily Moisturizer, also called Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, brings moisturizing and corrective care into the same step.
The 30 mL gel-cream combines azelaic acid, alpha arbutin and a botanical blend. It is designed to help improve the look of clarity, tone and texture in an oil-free formula. If you prefer a light finish and want your moisturizer to address more than dryness, this is one to discuss with us.
Note: You may also be interested in: Simply Clean if you are reviewing your cleansing step, and Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 for daytime sun protection. Considering LHA Serum as well? Tell us about your current routine first so we can help you decide whether an additional corrective step is useful.
A few helpful things to know about this product:
- It belongs in the moisturizer step. You can keep the routine easy to follow: cleanse, apply your chosen serum if needed, moisturize, then use sunscreen in the morning.
- Post-blemish marks and active breakouts are different concerns. Tell us which one is bothering you most. A moisturizer may be one part of your plan, while persistent or painful breakouts deserve a closer assessment.
- “Suitable for sensitive skin” still leaves room for individual differences. Let us know about previous reactions and introduce one new product at a time so it is easier to see how your skin responds.
- You can judge progress without guessing. Take a photo before you start, using the same lighting for later comparisons. Changes in texture and marks can be difficult to track when you look at your skin every day.
Notable skin care ingredients:
3% azelaic acid: Helps improve the appearance of skin clarity and uneven tone. Azelaic acid is a different ingredient from the AHAs and BHAs you may recognize in exfoliating toners.
2% alpha arbutin: Included to help skin tone look more even, particularly when lingering marks make the complexion look patchy.
5.75% phyto botanical blend: The soothing component of the formula, included to help calm the appearance of redness.
This is an overview of selected ingredients. For allergies or sensitivities, check the full ingredient list on your product packaging. Formulas can change.
How to use Phyto A+ Daily Moisturizer
- Cleanse and apply any serums that belong before moisturizer in your routine.
- Dispense 1 to 2 pumps and gently press evenly into the skin. SkinCeuticals recommends morning and evening use.
- In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen and follow its reapplication directions.
SkinCeuticals says Phyto A+ can be used in routines with vitamin C or retinol. If you are also introducing a new acid or retinol product, tell us so we can help you plan the order and frequency.
Clinical studies:
SkinCeuticals reports the following changes after 12 weeks of Phyto A+ use:
- 20% reduction in post-blemish marks.
- 19% improvement in rough skin texture.
- 28% reduction in pore-clogging surface oil.
The supplier describes a single-centre study involving 64 women and men, ages 18 to 55, with Fitzpatrick skin types I to VI, normal to oily skin, and mild to moderate discolouration and rough texture. Participants used Phyto A+ twice a day with sunscreen; assessments took place at the start and at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12.
These are manufacturer-reported findings for a defined study routine. They are not a promise that every person will see the same change. Read the study details in SkinCeuticals’ own announcement here.
Before & afters: Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
These images come directly from SkinCeuticals’ product study gallery. Click either photo to see it larger.
Source: SkinCeuticals. Manufacturer study photographs, not BC Laser patient photographs. Individual results vary; the images do not guarantee a particular outcome.
Read more about Phyto A+ on the SkinCeuticals website here, or explore the supplier’s guide to azelaic acid.
Shop with us: shipping and pickup options
- Free Canada-wide shipping on orders over $75. Otherwise, shipping is a flat $6.
- Free clinic pickup: Suite #101, 13805 104th Avenue, Surrey, BC. We will email or call when your order is ready. Please wait for that confirmation before coming in.
- All prices are in Canadian dollars. See the Additional information tab for product details and our full shipping and pickup information.
Need a hand choosing? Get in touch with us here.
Frequently asked questions
Click a question to read the answer.
Is Phyto A+ a serum or a moisturizer?
It is a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer. Our product name, Phyto A+ Daily Moisturizer, refers to the product SkinCeuticals calls Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment.
Is Phyto A+ suitable for oily skin?
Yes, the supplier positions this oil-free, non-comedogenic formula for oily and blemish-prone skin as well as other skin types. If your skin also feels dehydrated or reactive, tell us so we can help you assess the whole routine.
Does Phyto A+ contain SPF?
No. Apply a separate broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step in your morning skincare routine. The manufacturer’s 12-week study also included sunscreen.
Is Phyto A+ the same as prescription azelaic acid?
No. This cosmetic moisturizer contains 3% azelaic acid. Do not use it to replace a prescribed treatment without speaking with your prescriber.
How long should I give Phyto A+ before judging the results?
The supplier’s published study followed participants for 12 weeks. Use that as context for gradual change, not a deadline or a guarantee. If your skin becomes irritated, ask for advice instead of continuing just to finish a trial period.
Can you help me choose between Phyto A+ and a richer moisturizer?
Absolutely. Tell us how your skin feels after washing, whether you get oily during the day, and which textures you enjoy using. We can help you compare options before you buy.
