Is Ferulic Acid Worth The Hype?

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?

“Ferulic acid is an antioxidant which acts as a strong scavenger of free radicals, the adverse byproducts of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and pollutants,” says board-certified plastic surgeon, SkinCeuticals ambassador, and Skincare.com consultant Dr. Peter Schmid. “Over time free radicals can lead to skin deterioration, fine lines and wrinkles.”

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.

What Can Use Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid can benefit all skin types, but Dr. Schmid says even more so for certain Fitzpatrick Skin Types. “Ferulic acid is extremely beneficial to skin types that are highly sensitive to the sun and easily burn (Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-2),” he says.

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 to this product and a few others from the L'Oreal portfolio of brands. 

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 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF 

This broad-range treatment is packed with antioxidants, formulated with 2% phloretin, 10% l-ascorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid for prevention against environment factors and other external damages. Phloretin CF also boosts the skin’s structure by supporting collagen and elastin levels. The result? Firmer, more radiant and a visibly younger-looking complexion.

SkinCeuticals Phlorentin CF, $166 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel

This formula boasts the same antioxidant combination as Phloretin CF—2% phloretin, 10% l-ascorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid—able to accelerate cell turnover, support collagen levels, and boost skin’s structure for firmer, brighter-looking skin. The only difference? It has a gel texture. 

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel, $166 MSRP

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel

This serum-in-a-gel product contains a protective antioxidant combination to help protect the eye area from damage as a result of environmentally-induced free radicals. Expect this formula to revive under-eye skin, and reduce the appearance of puffiness and fatigue. Apply once in the morning along the orbital bone.

SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel, $95 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+

For reduced visible signs of premature aging, look to this serum for help. It contains a combination of vitamin C and ferulic acid to help protect against environmental damage caused by free radicals. Use once in the morning after cleansing. Just make sure to avoid contact with your eyes.

SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+ $70 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Serum 15 AOX +

For ample anti-aging benefits and a product packed with antioxidants, opt for this SkinCeuticals serum optimal for all skin types. It contains a synergistic combo of l-ascorbic and ferulic acid to help protect against environmental damage caused by free radicals and reduce visible signs of premature aging. To use, just apply 4-5 drops to a dry face, neck or chest in the morning. Then, apply your daily moisturizer and sunscreen. 

SkinCeuticals Serum 15 A0X +, $102 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Serum 20 AOX+

See a pattern here? This SkinCeuticals serum boasts 20% l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with ferulic acid to provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. Help rotect your skin against skin damage caused by free radicals by applying four to five drops to a dry face every morning. 

SkinCeuticals Serum 20 AOX+ $121 MSRP

Want to learn more about skin care acids? Check out our skin care acid guide here, and find out why they’re not so scary after all!