10 Best Ferulic Acid Serums for Smoother, Fresher-Looking Skin
Vitamin C this, vitamin C that...here's another antioxidant worth paying attention to.
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Ingredients like vitamin C and retinol get all the hype these days, but we think it’s high time ferulic acid got its fifteen minutes of fame. For the uninitiated, ferulic acid is an antioxidant—you know, one of those chemicals that neutralize free radicals, which can cause all kinds of chaos and things like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots if left unchecked. “Ferulic acid serums help to scavenge and clean up damaging free radicals caused by sun, pollutants, and stress. It is also anti-inflammatory and may help to improve conditions such as rosacea or acne that are driven by inflammation,” says Dr. Serena Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, CA. That’s why adding a ferulic acid face serum to your roster of skincare products just might be the move.
As you scroll through our compilation of the best ferulic acid serums, you’ll find that many also incorporate other potent ingredients too. “When combined with other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, it has been shown to boost stability and effectiveness. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation by reducing oxidative damage,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University. In this case, more really is more.
Whether you’re in need of a formula that brightens your dark spots or smooths out fine lines, trust that there’s a ferulic acid waiting to come to your rescue. We combed through countless products and reviews online and consulted with our trusty dermatologists just so we could present below the best ferulic acids for you and your skin.
Pros
- Brightening
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Pricey
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
We keep raving over and over about Skinceuticals’ CE Ferulic, but we just can’t help ourselves—the powerful combination of antioxidants protects skin from environmental stressors, brightens hyperpigmentation, and firms skin, all in one fell swoop. There’s a reason so many dermatologists and skincare lovers recommend it, despite the slightly frightening price tag.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Yes, it is expensive—but it works! I noticed that a dark spot from an extraction gone wrong was lightened within a few weeks. While this is a universal favorite for many beauty lovers, if you have acne prone skin this may not be the product for you because of the vitamin E. ” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Formulated specifically to target dark spots, this serum features a one-two punch of antioxidants resveratrol and ferulic acid. Fun fact: Resveratrol is the ingredient that gives red wine its health-friendly rep.
Key ingredients: Resveratrol, ferulic acid
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I didn’t expect much from this product. I’ve used topical antioxidants before and believe that they are a great addition to my skincare routine. I live in Florida and I’m under the sun pretty much all year around. I wanted this to fade some sun spots. I thought that at its price I didn’t have anything to lose. After a week of applying it every morning, I see my skin showing much improvement. Sun spots are already less noticeable—still there, of course. But what amazes me the most is that fine lines are also disappearing, skin seems tighter even though I'm losing weight, and texture is also smoothing by the day. I am 44-years-old, so this is no joke.”
Pros
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
The name Hyalucid comes from the serum’s hero ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, glycerin, and aloe. These ingredients work together to hydrate and soothe. Bright, glowy skin is on your horizon.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, glycerin, aloe polysaccharide
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This serum really helps to lock in moisture and keep your skin looking bright, even on dull winter days. A little goes a long way, and only a couple of drops are needed. The hyaluronic acid makes fine lines fade into the background as the moisturizing effects plump up your skin, leaving a refreshed appearance.”
Pros
- Brightening
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and quickly decreases in potency without the right formula or packaging. However, this serum from Peach & Lily stays efficacious for up to a year after you first open it, and its ferulic acid likely bolsters its stability.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, camellia extract, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid
Size: 0.67 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have tried so many products to fade the dark spots on my face, and this is the only one that has actually worked! I don’t usually review anything but had to for this because I am amazed at how well and how fast it works! Total game changer.”
Paula's Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster
Pros
- Smoothing
- Gives skin a glow
Cons
- On the pricier side
Paula’s Choice always brings the heat with its formulas, and this vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid serum also includes collagen-boosting peptides—it’s a true multitasker. You can apply a layer of just the booster or mix in a few drops to your favorite moisturizer if you prefer.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.67 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have been using it for a month, and I can see a difference. It gives me a natural glow!”
Perricone MD VCE CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex 20%
Pros
- Brightening
- Firming
Cons
- May not layer well with other skincare products
This serum boasts an impressive 20 percent concentration of vitamin C. The addition of ferulic acid enhances its free radical-neutralizing prowess, while vitamin E, which is also an emollient and humectant, helps moisturize the skin.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
Size: 2 oz.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I'm in my forties and have had melasma ever since my first pregnancy. It gets worse in the summer months. This really helps to reduce the dark spots. It started fading them within a couple of weeks.”
Farmacy 10% Waterless Vitamin C Serum
Pros
- Firming
- Brightening
Cons
- Some reviewers found that the packaging is leaky
This brightening and firming serum is one of those products that contain zero water, which usually means it’s more concentrated and environmentally friendly. Instead of water, the formula uses a base of Propanediol, which kind of feels like a face oil.
Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, alpha arbutin, ferulic acid
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve tried several different vitamin C serums, and this one has been the best one yet. Being waterless, it applies like oil and gives the skin a beautiful look. I have seen my complexion become brighter since incorporating this into my routine.”
Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid
Pros
- Supports skin barrier
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
Looking for a more wallet-friendly option? Reviewers rave about Timeless’ version of the vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid combo—just a few pumps spread onto your skin daily with even your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation in no time.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “From the first application, I [could] see the difference in my skin’s luminescence. It’s amazing, and I paid full price for the product. I’ll definitely keep using it and recommend it. The price is outstanding, and it’s fragrance free. It absorbs quickly and works well with my sunblock and my makeup.”
Lancôme Rénergie H. C.F. Triple Serum
Pros
- Brightening
- Hydrating
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Garshick says, “This serum contains niacinamide, vitamin C, and ferulic acid to help brighten the skin and improve discoloration. It also contains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture and won’t leave the skin feeling irritated or dry.” It’s thick, luxurious texture will leave your skin feeling plump and nourished.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, ferulic acid
Size: 1.7 oz.
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 star
A Sephora reviewer says: “This has transformed the tone of my skin to amazingly even-toned and smooth. This is the best serum I have used so far, and I have tried them all. I will keep using it because I love the ingredients and they really work.”
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C Power Serum
Pros
- Evens skin tone
- Brightening
Cons
- Pricey
We all want radiant skin, and this serum from Peter Thomas Roth is here to give it to us. It harnesses a mighty form of vitamin C that instantly begins boosting skin and improving its texture—you’ll be tempted to start going makeup-free in no time.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “After two months, my skin tone has evened out. My fine lines have diminished, and my dark spots are almost gone.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Serena Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, CA.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
Who should use a ferulic acid serum?
In general, anybody can benefit from using a ferulic acid, and it’s “especially good for those who are dealing with signs of photodamage, including dark spots, and those who are looking to prevent signs of skin aging,” says Dr. Garshick.
However, both of the dermatologists we asked said that those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution. “While there are no known side effects, because ferulic acid is often combined with other ingredients, it may be possible to experience sensitivity or irritation as a result of another ingredient. As such, it is often recommended to apply a small amount of the product to the skin to determine if you experience a reaction,” Dr. Garshick explains.
Should you use a ferulic acid serum in the morning or at night?
You can still glean benefits from ferulic acid whether you apply it first thing or before bed. Ideally, though, it should at least be a part of your morning routine since it helps prevent damage from free radical exposure throughout your day. “Ferulic acid works well under sunblock to give even better sun protective effects than sunblock alone. It also works in concert with vitamins C and E to create even more potent antioxidant effects and helps clean up damaging free radicals even more efficiently. A second evening application may speed up improvement of the skin’s appearance and may also work to potentiate the effects of retinol or tretinoin applied in the evening,” says Dr. Mraz.
Are there any ingredients ferulic acid shouldn’t be mixed with?
It’s best to avoid layering it with any chemical exfoliants like alpha or beta hydroxy acids. “These can alter the pH and may impact the efficacy of ferulic acid,” explains Dr. Garshick.
Why Trust Elle Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted dermatologists about the best ferulic acid serums. Lee also searched the internet for the top-rated ferulic acid serums, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
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