If you haven’t heard of ferulic acid, you’re not alone. However, you’ve likely still used it on your face without knowing in a brightening product, such as vitamin C serum or exfoliating cleanser. In fact, the two skin ingredients are often combined topically for effectiveness and potency, but it tends to be vitamin C that receives the most recognition and love.
Now’s the time to change that by shedding light on ferulic acid and its benefits for skin health and appearance, particularly with age. Found in many popular skincare products, it’s a terrific skin agent for brightening tone and complexion, treating dark spots or pigmentation and improving skin elasticity, softness and hydration for a fresher, more youthful looking radiance. Here’s everything to know about ferulic acid, a mighty and magical skin superhero that protects, repairs and nourishes when used consistently in a beauty or skincare routine.
Ferulic Acid Benefits in Skin Care
“Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant naturally found in foods like oats, rice and apples, and in skincare is most often used in serums, but you’ll also see it in creams, daily SPF moisturizers, exfoliating pads and masks,” Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami said.
It’s often paired with vitamins C and E since ferulic acid helps to stabilize them and boost their effectiveness. For instance, you might find ferulic acid listed as an ingredient in a daily daytime moisturizer or face cream with broad spectrum (it’s best to choose one with SPF 30+) and dark spot reducing skincare, like vitamin C serum, antioxidant face cleanser or a brightening scrub.
“Its main role is to protect skin from environmental damage, especially damage caused by sun exposure and pollution,” Chacon says, noting ferulic acid’s high antioxidant content as a factor.
Antioxidant protection helps slow aging and decrease side effects, like fine lines, sun spots and wrinkles, and defends against damage due to free radicals, UV rays and environmental stress. That’s why using ferulic acid in the morning is best, applying as a brightening serum, cleanser or either day cream with SPF 30+ or then layering with sunscreen for daily skin protection.
Other benefits of ferulic acid include brightening and dark spot reduction, exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote more even tone, collagen production and anti-aging support to fight wrinkles, fine lines and dryness as well as boosted effectiveness if used with vitamin C and E.
“Ferulic acid helps even skin tone by fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time, and it offers anti-aging and wrinkle prevention by neutralizing free radicals that break down collagen,” Dr. Chacon said, suggesting to apply in the morning with skincare products containing vitamins, like vitamin C and E, for greater antioxidant absorption and power to give skin a smoother, more clear complexion and resilience. Adding hydrating elements, like hyaluronic acid in a face cream or moisturizer, improves moisture and combats dryness to further promote a dewy softness.
“Ferulic acid is most effective when used in the morning, by applying after cleansing and before layering with moisturizer and sunscreen, and it works well in face serums and SPF moisturizers along with exfoliating pads or night creams,” Chacon said.
Always remember to check labels and ingredient lists when purchasing products. And it’s best to start slowly with use, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions that may increase the risk of adverse reactions or skin irritation. Performing a patch test and waiting 48 hours to check for any signs of irritation can also be beneficial when first using new skincare products. Applying on alternate days or every few days rather than daily initially can also provide protection, where once skin adjusts you can gradually increase use and work your way up to daily, if skin allows it.
“Look for products that clearly list ferulic acid with antioxidants like L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) and that are packaged properly, ideally in dark or airless bottles to help keep antioxidants stable,” Chacon recommends.
The Best Ferulic Acid Skincare Products
The Best Highest In Potency Serum: Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Brightening Serum
This serum is packed with antioxidants and vitamins for ultimate protection against sun damage and UV rays, free radicals and environmental pollutants, anti-aging and unwanted skin effects. A high-strength vitamin C, ferulic acid and Vitamin E formula make this one powerful serum trio for healthier, youthful looking skin by brightening, improving tone and supporting collagen, making it a covetable option to shield against sun damage and early signs of aging.
The Best Serum For Oily Or Combination Skin: Acure Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil-Free Serum
This is a lightweight and oil-free option that’s well suited for combination or acne-prone skin. It combines vitamin C and ferulic acid to help brighten dull skin and improve discoloration without feeling heavy, which can be helpful for people who don’t tolerate richer and dense serums well. It has a 2% concentration of vitamin C and pineapple extract for antioxidants and skin benefits.
The Best For Skin Exfoliation: Derma E Ferulic Acid Resurfacing Pads
These face pads combine ferulic acid with gentle exfoliants or ingredients and antioxidants like resveratrol, helping to remove dead skin cells, provide antioxidant protection and boost radiance when used regularly in a skincare routine. This combination can improve skin texture and tone for a lighter freshness with reduction of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It’s a nice exfoliating product for people struggling with uneven skin tone, roughness or pigmentation issues. It’s ideal for anti-aging by firming and tightening for increased tautness and skin elasticity. Pair the pads with humectants, such as a cream or moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides.
The Best SPF Moisturizer: Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF Day Cream
This product is a great example of multitasking skincare. It combines daily sun protection with antioxidants like ferulic acid, which helps boost the protective effects of sunscreen. And, using antioxidants under SPF adds an extra layer of defense against UV-related skin aging. Having turmeric, ferulic acid and vitamin C gives it nice antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Best Day & Night Duo Skin Set: Mad Hippie Day & Night Vitamin C And Super A Serum Set
“This set works well as part of a simple and daily routine since it combines an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum with ferulic acid for daytime protection and a vitamin A (retinoid-style) serum at night to support skin renewal,” Chacon said. Together, they address brightness, tone or texture and early signs of aging in a balanced and effective way. In the vitamin C serum, chamomile and sage soothe skin and lower inflammation, while hyaluronic acid offers rich and long-lasting hydration. In the Super A serum, aloe vera nourishes and calms skin with gentle properties.
The Best Night Cream: ShiKai Healthy Glow Night Cream
This night cream uses ferulic acid alongside moisturizing and brightening ingredients to help repair and restore the skin barrier overnight. Night formulas are ideal for antioxidants because the skin naturally focuses on repair during sleep. With a trio of ferulic acid and vitamin C and E there’s a balanced potency, plus niacinamide, strawberry and pomegranate extract work to fight dryness, boost antioxidants and lock in a sustained moisture.