You’ve probably heard of ferulic acid, but if you’re not sure what it does, you’re not alone. While it offers antioxidant protection and boosts the effects of other powerful antioxidants, it hasn’t become as popular as retinol or hyaluronic acid. Still, experts agree that ferulic acid can make a real difference for your skin. It protects against free radicals, which cause collagen loss and dark spots, but its real strength is how it enhances and stabilizes other antioxidants like vitamins C and E. As dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara explains, “Think of it as both a bodyguard and an amplifier for your other skincare ingredients.”
Here are some top ferulic acid serums:
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Price: $185 at Bluemercury
Why it’s great: This serum is considered the “gold standard” by dermatologists. It combines vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid for maximum antioxidant power, making it ideal for normal to dry, aging skin. It helps with sun damage, fine lines, discoloration, and loss of firmness.
Size: 30 ml
Best for Mature Skin: The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
Price: $10 at Amazon
Why it’s great: This serum feels like a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil and offers strong antioxidant support. With both ferulic acid and resveratrol, it’s a powerful yet gentle option.
Size: 30 ml
Best for Dark Circles: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Eye Serum
Price: $71 at Nordstrom
Why it’s great: This eye serum pairs ferulic acid with retinol to brighten skin and improve firmness, reducing the look of wrinkles and crepey skin. It’s great for dark circles and fine lines at any age.
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Best with SPF: Vacation Studio Tone SPF 50
Price: $28 at Amazon
Why it’s great: These bronzing drops offer broad-spectrum SPF 50 and are infused with ferulic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and vitamin E to brighten and smooth skin while you wear them. A single layer gives a natural glow.This product gives skin a sheer, flattering bronze tint. Additional layers build a temporary tan.
Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen peptides
Size: 30 ml
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tatcha The Brightening Serum
Tatcha The Brightening Serum
$89 at Amazon | $89 at Tatcha
Why We Love It: Since SkinCeuticals launched its CE Ferulic serum, many brands have tried to copy the powerful mix of vitamin C and ferulic acid. This formula stands out by using a time-released vitamin C that works gradually over 12 hours. This provides all-day skin repair and protection, and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. (Note: It does contain fragrance, so avoid if you’re sensitive to scents.)
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, Japanese plum extract
Size: 30 ml
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment
Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment
$62 at Nordstrom | $32 at Ulta
Why We Love It: Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew lives up to its magical-sounding name. Ferulic acid brightens with its antioxidant power, while lactic acid gently exfoliates and hydrates to even skin tone and boost radiance. This hydrating toner also contains squalane, a skin-friendly lipid that soothes and nourishes.
Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, lactic acid, squalane
Size: 100 ml or 200 ml
Everything You Need to Know:
What is ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. It protects skin from free radicals caused by UV light and pollution, which speed up aging.
What are the benefits of ferulic acid for skin?
External factors like sun and pollution cause oxidative stress, leading to pigmentation, collagen loss, and fine lines. Ferulic acid helps fight this damage. It also works well with other antioxidants, stabilizing vitamin C and E to enhance their effects. Over time, it can reduce inflammation and improve skin radiance and evenness.
Is ferulic acid better than vitamin C?
Ferulic acid isn’t necessarily better—they work best together. Vitamin C is stronger for collagen production and brightening but can be unstable and irritating. Ferulic acid helps vitamin C last longer and work more effectively. For collagen boosting, vitamin C (ideally with ferulic acid) is best, while ferulic acid offers gentle antioxidant protection. Most people benefit from using both.
Who should use ferulic acid?
Anyone can use ferulic acid, especially those concerned with early signs of aging or exposed to environmental stressors. It’s particularly helpful for people with a lot of sun exposure or who want to prevent skin damage.Dr. Akhavan notes that people exposed to high levels of oxidative stress—such as those who spend significant time outdoors or live in polluted cities—may particularly benefit from this product.
Dr. Gohara also recommends it for those already using vitamin C who want to enhance their results, as well as for individuals with sensitive skin who may not tolerate stronger vitamin C serums well.
Meet the Experts
– Dr. Arash Akhavan is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York, NY.
– Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist based in New Haven, CT.
– Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in the New York City area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the benefits of ferulic acid for skin and the top serums to try
General Questions About Ferulic Acid
Q What is ferulic acid
A Its a powerful antioxidant found in the cell walls of plants like oats and rice In skincare its used to protect your skin from environmental damage
Q What are the main benefits of ferulic acid for my skin
A Its main job is to neutralize free radicals from sun and pollution which helps prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots It also makes other antioxidants like Vitamins C and E more effective
Q Is ferulic acid suitable for all skin types
A Yes Its generally welltolerated by sensitive dry oily and acneprone skin types because its so stabilizing and calming
Q Can ferulic acid help with acne
A While its not a direct acne treatment its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties can help calm redness and protect skin from damage that can worsen breakouts
Usage Application
Q When should I apply a ferulic acid serum in my routine
A Apply it in the morning right after cleansing and before your moisturizer and sunscreen This allows it to act as a protective shield for the day
Q Can I use ferulic acid with other active ingredients
A Absolutely Its famous for pairing perfectly with Vitamin C and Vitamin E You can also use it with hyaluronic acid niacinamide and retinoids
Q How often should I use a ferulic acid serum
A For best results use it once daily typically in your morning skincare routine
Product Recommendations
Q Why are ferulic acid serums often combined with Vitamin C
A Ferulic acid stabilizes Vitamin C preventing it from oxidizing and going bad quickly Together they become a much more powerful team for fighting free radicals and brightening the skin
Q What should I look for in a good ferulic acid serum
A Look for a serum that pairs it with other antioxidants especially Vitamins C and E Also check that its in airtight opaque packaging to keep the ingredients stable and effective