What it does
A plant antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and stabilizes vitamins C and E, boosting a serum's antioxidant and photoprotective performance.
Best for
Antioxidant and environmental-defense routines, usually as a partner to vitamin C in morning serums.
What is ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and, more importantly, stabilizes other antioxidants. It is best known as the third ingredient in the classic vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid serum.
Its job is less about acting alone and more about making an antioxidant serum work harder and last longer.
What does ferulic acid do for skin?
Ferulic acid stabilizes vitamins C and E and increases their photoprotective power.
Research found that ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and roughly doubles its photoprotection of skin.
That is why it pairs with vitamin C and vitamin E in morning antioxidant serums. Antioxidants defend against daily environmental damage, so ferulic acid formulas are best applied in the morning under sunscreen.
Who should use ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid suits anyone building an antioxidant, environmental-defense routine, especially vitamin C users who want a more stable, effective serum. It is gentle and layers under sunscreen.
Evidence
Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and roughly doubles its photoprotection of skin.
Read the source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology: ferulic acid stabilizes vitamins C and E and doubles photoprotection (2005) ->