You’re likely familiar with all of the (many) benefits of incorporating an antioxidant serum into your daily skincare routine, but just in case you’re not, allow us to refresh your memory. “Antioxidants neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that cause damage to the skin cells, protein, and DNA, and can lead to inflammation, signs of aging, and even skin cancer,” explains Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Since free radicals are formed by exposure to unavoidable things like UV rays and pollution,1 using an antioxidant serum daily gives your skin another layer of defense. There’s no shortage of antioxidants to choose from, but, unlike the vitamin Cs and green teas of the world, ferulic acid flies somewhat under that radar. Still, it’s a great option, a highly potent antioxidant, and, according to King, it pairs nicely with many other popular antioxidants (specifically vitamin C and E)2. Regular use can leave your skin brighter, smoother, and more radiant.
Ahead—get involved with any of these standout ferulic acid serums, ASAP.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
There’s a good reason why both team Byrdie and dermatologists galore sing the praises of this cult classic time and time again. The unique combo and concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid delivers potent protection against environmental free radicals, says King of one of her top picks. It’s pricey, yes, but a little goes a long way, and the efficacy really can’t be beaten.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: DERMAdoctor Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E
Broadly speaking, ferulic acid plays nice with a wide array of antioxidants, but King says it’s especially great when paired with vitamins C and E, helping to increase their efficacy, while offering its own benefits.2 This formula also relies on that magic trio, though rings in at a slightly more affordable price than the SkinCeuticals pick above, and one bottle is enough for about 150 uses.
Best Budget: The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
Antioxidant serums can put a dent in your wallet in a hurry, which is why we appreciate this insanely wallet-friendly formula. And you know you’re getting some good bang for your buck since this contains just three ingredients, two of which are the namesake antioxidants. It’s another top choice for King, who lauds it for both the chosen antioxidants it contains and their high concentrations.
Runner-Up, Best Budget: Versed Auto-Save Skin Restoring Serum
Another option that won’t max out your skincare budget, this newbie is not only affordable, it’s also an amazing multi-tasker. Apply it in the morning to yes, reap the benefits of ferulic acid (which is combined with other antioxidants, phloretin, and vitamin C), but also to give your skin an instant lift, thanks to a unique microalgae ingredient. Just don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen afterward.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Typology Antioxidant Serum 3% Ferulic Acid + 3% Resveratrol
We like this pick for sensitive skin for several reasons. Unlike many other ferulic acid serums that pair the ingredient with vitamin C (which, FYI, can be irritating, especially in higher concentrations), this instead combines it with resveratrol, a much more well-tolerated option. On top of that, it’s fragrance-free and touts a very minimal ingredient list, always a plus for those with sensitive skin. (The fewer the ingredients, the less likely there is to be one that’s irritating in there.)
Best Exfoliating: Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Facial Treatment Acid with Lactic Acid
As a general rule of thumb, it’s not a great idea to pair ferulic acid with exfoliating ingredients such as lactic acid, says King. The latter can lower the pH, which can decrease ferulic acid’s efficacy, she cautions. But that’s not a concern here, because this has been specially formulated to ensure you get the exfoliating benefits of the ferulic acid and the lightly-exfoliating benefits of the lactic acid.
Best Anti-Aging: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution
Antioxidants, ferulic acid included, are most definitely an anti-aging ingredient, but that benefit really gets kicked up a notch when they’re paired with the king of all youth-boosting ingredients, retinol. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, there isn’t much this serum can’t do, combining the two namesake ingredients with other skin brighteners for an extra hit of spot fading, specifically. It can be used morning and night, but with any retinol product, it’s always a good idea to start slow and gradually work your way up.
Best Clean: Acure Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil-Free Serum
This choice combines ferulic acid with vitamin C, plus matcha green tea (another great antioxidant) plus brightening pineapple extract. And despite that powerful list of ingredients, it’s still gentle enough to use twice a day, and/or if you have sensitive skin.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Skinceuticals Silymarin CF
The C E Ferulic may be the OG antioxidant serum from Skinceuticals, but this newbie is poised to give it a run for its money, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It has that same level of efficacy, thanks to a carefully formulated combo of ferulic acid and vitamin C, but throws a new antioxidant into the mix. Silymarin, which comes from the milk thistle plant, also plays nice with these guys, and this trio not only provides antioxidant benefits,3 it also reduces oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts. Speaking of, there’s also some zit-zapping salicylic acid in the formula.
Best Overnight: Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum
Traditionally, antioxidants serums are a good option for daytime use, but they can also be used overnight as a way to help undo the day’s damage. “This contains potent antioxidants ferulic acid and coenzyme Q10 to help protect the skin from free radicals, along with a type of retinoid and glycolic acid to also help resurface the skin overnight,” says King. It’s a combo that she says helps improve dullness, fine lines, and pigmentation. We’re here for it.
Best for Dark Spots: Peter Thomas Roth Potent C Targeted Spot Brightener
Ferulic acid can be great for brightening your complexion overall, but if you’re looking to really knock out super stubborn, target dark spots, you’ll want it in this formula. It touts a unique (and super powerful) form of vitamin C for spot-fading benefits, and ferulic acid and vitamin E to help ensure it works even better and evening out skin tone.
Best for Easy Application: Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Don’t really feel like having to work another skincare product into your routine? This makes it easier than ever. You can definitely use it on its own, but we like it because, per the name, you can also mix in a drop or two into any serum or moisturizer you’re already using. Either way, you’re getting plenty of good stuff, namely a powerful concentration of vitamin C, along with vitamin E and ferulic acid, the top-notch trifecta that we keep referencing time and time again.
Final Verdict
Ferulic acid is a superstar antioxidant worth knowing. It’s especially good when combined with vitamins C and E since it increases their efficacy and all three work synergistically, which is part of the reason why SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is such a fan favorite. There are some more affordable picks that boast the same trio, such as DERMAdoctor Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E and Versed Auto-Save Skin Restoring Serum. Speaking of, the The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% comes in as the most wallet-friendly choice on this list, combining ferulic acid with resveratrol, another choice antioxidant.
What To Look For In a Ferulic Acid SerumThe Packaging
Ideally, packaging that protects the product from exposure to light and air (both of which can decrease ferulic acid’s stability) is best, says King. Look for dark, opaque bottles, preferably with a dropper or pump-top applicators.
Other Antioxidants
As mentioned, ferulic acid works well with so many other antioxidants, but vitamin C and vitamin E are really its best buddies. Choosing a formula that combines these three is one way to make sure you’re getting even more efficacy from each of the ingredients on its own.
FAQWhat does ferulic acid do?
Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralize the skin-damaging and aging free radicals formed when skin is exposed to pollution and UV rays, says King.
What ingredients should you avoid combining with ferulic acid?
According to King, unless the product has been specifically formulated to blend ferulic acid with exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic), don’t mix the two. They can lower ferulic acid’s pH and make it less effective, she says.
Is it safe to use ferulic acid during pregnancy?
“There is limited data on this,” says King. Check with your doctor, but many ferulic acid products will specify that they shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.