Ferulic Acid
- Effective dose
- 0.5–1 %
- Evidence
- 4/5· Strong
Last updated June 1, 2026
What it is
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant most often used to stabilize and boost vitamin C and vitamin E serums. On its own it neutralizes free radicals, but its signature role is improving the chemical stability of notoriously unstable L-ascorbic acid while enhancing the formula's overall antioxidant performance. It is a supporting active that makes daytime antioxidant serums more effective.
Benefits
In a benchmark formulation, adding 0.5% ferulic acid to 15% vitamin C and 1% vitamin E doubled photoprotection against UV-induced damage and extended the serum's stability. This synergy is why the C+E+ferulic combination became the template for high-performance antioxidant serums. The added protection complements, but does not replace, sunscreen.
When to take it
Best applied in the morning under sunscreen so its antioxidant protection works alongside UV defense. Apply to clean skin before moisturizer.
Side effects
Ferulic acid is generally well tolerated; any irritation usually comes from the accompanying high-strength vitamin C rather than the ferulic acid itself. Some formulas can oxidize and discolor over time, signaling reduced potency.
Sources
Products containing Ferulic Acid
No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.