Is Ferulic Acid Worth the Hype?

Ferulic acid—a plant-based antioxidant—may just be the unsung hero of your skin care routine. Since it’s surfacing in a plethora of anti-aging formulations from eye creams to serums, now’s the time for the spotlight to turn onto this potent ingredient. What is ferulic acid and is it worth the hype? Keep reading. 

What Is Ferulic Acid?

“The word acid can be a misnomer, it makes you think it’s harsh, but ferulic acid is a very potent antioxidant,” says Dr. Lisa Ginn, board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert. Dr. Ginn shares that ferulic acid is an antioxidant with strong science behind it and strong results. In fact, some research suggests that when ferulic acid is paired with vitamins C and E, the potency and efficacy of the latter antioxidants are enhanced. A study published by Duke University Medical Center found that ferulic acid incorporated into a solution of 15 percent l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 1 percent alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) improved the chemical stability of the vitamins. Sounds like a formulation we need to get our hands on. Oh wait, we already have. Meet SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, the (soon-to-be) power player of your anti-aging skin care routine. Haven’t already met this cult favorite? Allow us to provide the formal introduction.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

When I think of an antioxidant powerhouse, this heavy-hitter by SkinCeuticals immediately comes to mind. Why? Because, as its name suggests, it’s formulated with 15 percent pure vitamin C, 1 percent vitamin E and .5 percent ferulic acid—the magic cocktail, per above—to help strengthen the skin’s natural protection from free radicals induced by UVA/UVB rays, infrared radiation, and pollution. These environmental aggressors may lead to visible signs of premature skin aging—think: fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and a dull complexion—and C E Ferulic can help offset those effects. With benefits like that, you’ll want to use this vitamin C serum—ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types—daily, without fail. 

To use, apply 4-5 drops of the liquid to a dry face, neck, and chest in the morning after cleansing and toning. Pair it with your favorite broad-spectrum sunscreen—more on why you need to wear SPF every day, here—for strong protection against visible aging caused by environmental aggressors.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $163