Best value
Timeless Skin Care
20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum
8.1Great
The best-known budget take on the C + E + ferulic formula: 20% L-ascorbic acid for $27.95, if you can keep it from oxidizing.
Serum5$27.95
Antioxidants· in 2 products
Ferulic acid
Also listed as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
Emerging evidence About 0.5%
Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant found in grains and fruit cell walls, best known as the stabilizing partner in vitamin C and E serums. On its own it is a modest antioxidant; its main value is in combination.
2FaFerulic acidAntioxidants
What it does
The short version.
Ferulic acid absorbs some ultraviolet light and scavenges free radicals. In a widely cited 2005 study, adding 0.5% ferulic acid to a 15% L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha-tocopherol solution improved the formula's chemical stability and doubled its protection against UV-induced redness and sunburn cells in pig skin. That combination underpins many antioxidant serums sold today.
Emerging evidence
The headline evidence comes from laboratory and animal-skin studies of the vitamin C + E + ferulic combination; independent clinical trials of ferulic acid alone in cosmetics are scarce.
In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 2 products we review, most often serums. Those products are mostly built for antioxidant, brightening and fine lines. In formulas, it most often shares the label with vitamin c, vitamin e and hyaluronic acid.
Reach for it for
Usually a good fit for
How to use it
Getting it right.
Use in a morning antioxidant serum, after cleansing and before moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Layering
Friends & frenemies.
Pairs well with
Before you start
Generally well tolerated, though the low-pH serums it usually appears in can sting. Some people react to the formula as a whole, so patch test. Not a substitute for sunscreen.
References
- 1Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin — Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2005), via PubMed
- 2Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications — Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2017), via PubMed
Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.
2 products
Every product with ferulic acid.
2 products
Community favorite
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
7.7Good
The benchmark 15% vitamin C + E + ferulic serum, backed by strong data and derm loyalty, at a price many find hard to justify.
Serum5$185
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