Want a Brighter Complexion? Switch to a Vitamin C Serum With Ferulic Acid

Vitamin C is essential to have in a skin care routine in order to slow signs of aging, but it’s especially beneficial for those dealing with pesky acne breakouts and the dark scars left behind. Culling vitamin C from Japanese plum and combining it with ferulic acid, the powerhouse duo brightens and firms the skin while imparting antioxidants for protection.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Japanese plum, ferulic acid

Size: 1 fl oz

Sephora rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I love how lightweight this serum feels on my skin! I saw a difference within the next day. My skin looks and feels so refreshed after because it absorbed so quickly into my skin! My skin looked brighter and radiant! I love tatcha.”

SkinCeuticals was one of the first to popularize the vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid combo, and we’re not afraid to say that its formula still reigns supreme. “This tried-and-true serum helps to protect the skin against oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals. The combination works to keep the formula stable and effective. It helps to brighten the skin, improve skin tone, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while improving and preventing the signs of sun damage,” says Dr. Garshick. What more can you ask for?

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The legendary Skinceuticals C E Ferulic had been at the top of my wishlist for years. When it finally landed in my hands, I was afraid I’d love it. I’m sad to say that my fears came true. That C E Ferulic glow everyone talks about? It’s real. Beyond the serum’s brightening effects, my skin felt like it was moisturized inside and out—just from a few drops of this precious elixir.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

Paula’s Choice’s second-best-selling product recently got an internal makeover. If you have sensitive skin, you may have felt a tingling sensation with the previous version—the scientists behind the brand worked hard to solve that issue. They also added ergothioneine, which helps address dark spots, and peptides for a plumping effect. If you need more convincing, the serum is clinically proven to increase skin’s glow within 15 minutes.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, ergothioneine, peptides

Size: 0.67 fl. oz.

Paula’s Choice rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This vitamin C serum is unlike any other I’ve tried. It has all the ingredients and benefits I want, plus a non-sticky finish. And to those who abhor the ‘hot dog water’ scent that many vitamin Cs have, this one barely has an aroma, but it does smell faintly of orange juice.”—Carol Lee

This pick from the TikTok-viral brand ensures stability with the addition of ferulic acid and guarantees freshness by allowing you to activate the serum yourself. The liquid serum and the vitamin C powder come separately, and once you mix them together, they maintain efficacy for up to six months.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E

Size: 0.94 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve tried many vitamin C serums, but I always return to the Drunk Elephant C-Firma serum. My skin is noticeably more radiant when I use it, and it also does wonders for evening my skin tone. Since vitamin C is a notoriously unstable skin care ingredient, I like that you mix this one yourself, as it ensures the freshest formula.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

If you’re a vitamin C serum veteran who’s ready for the good stuff, you’re in for a treat. This is Medik8’s most potent iteration, with a whopping 30 percent vitamin C. It’s strong enough to take on years of damage, and it has a non-greasy, cosmetically elegant formula.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, turmeric root extract

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Medik8 rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “The liquid peptides serum made me hooked on this brand, so when it launched the Super C Ferulic acid, I was excited to try. The product is strong, so I was wary, but it works well with my sensitive skin. My skin is definitely brighter and has a more even tone.” —Danielle James, beauty expert

Thanks to this serum’s lower price tag and efficacious formula, many customers love it as an alternative to pricier vitamin C serums with ferulic acid. The product is also free of fragrances and dyes, which can be irritating for sensitive skin.

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 can see the difference in my skin 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.”

Vitamin C can be helpful for any skin type, but some formulas may feel too greasy and sit on top of the skin. MadHippie’s version, however, contains sebum-controlling clary sage, making it especially suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, clary sage, chamomile extract, konjac root

Size: 1.02 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “One, it works, and quickly. Within a week or so, I saw a smoother texture to my skin. By the end of the bottle, my skin definitely looked smoother and brighter, and three darker spots on my face (sun damage) were at least 80 percent lighter. I have one on my right cheek and two on my jawline that I would cover with concealer. Amazingly, they are almost gone. Two, it’s pleasant and easy to use. Not really luxurious, and has no scent, but who cares if it works? The serum has an almost watery texture, and sinks in fast. A few drops go a long way. I spread it over my face, neck and chest after cleansing at night, and sometimes—though not always—applied in the AM as well. Three, I had no breakouts or irritation from this product.”

This pick from Maelove has all the makings of a superior vitamin C formula, plus a bevy of soothing and nourishing ingredients like aloe, and magnolia. “It also incorporates hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, leaving it looking healthy and refreshed,” says Dr. Garshick.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Maelove rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Maelove reviewer says: “I have tried several vitamin C serums, and this tops them. It has a pleasant smell and very nice texture. Not at all sticky. Also, it does not irritate my sensitive skin.”

We all know that supporting the skin barrier is one of the best—if not the best—thing you can do for your skin, and this serum contains probiotics in order to do just that. Of course, it also contains plenty of antioxidants that brighten, help minimize free radical damage, and encourage collagen production.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, probiotics

Size: 1.01 oz.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I started using this about five months ago for post-acne marks/pigmentation, and it faded the spots quickly and very effectively. I continue to use it in the morning for its antioxidant benefits and my skin looks very even, healthy, and bright. It doesn’t irritate my skin or break me out. It’s not heavy or sticky and layers well under moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup. Keeping it in my routine.”

Perricone MD prides itself on its innovative and potent formulas, and the proof is in this serum. Fans of the formula have seen their skin transform and appear smoother, brighter, and more even-toned with use.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E

Size: 2 fl. 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 take down the dark spots. It started fading them within a couple weeks. I started applying this every morning, it became part of my routine, and I haven’t been as frustrated with my spots. I am now able to hide them easier with concealer because they have lightened so much, and friends don’t even notice that I have melasma, when I mention it.”

Like many of the other vitamin C serums on this curated list, this one from Farmacy contains L-ascorbic acid, which is known for its higher efficacy. While that particular form of vitamin C is quite unstable, the ferulic acid helps extend its lifetime, as does the lack of water in this formula.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, alpha-arbutin

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Farmacy rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Farmacy reviewer says: “Other brands I try, my skin absolutely hate. Whatever they formulate their products with irritates my skin and causes it to clog and break out. This one? Never had an issue. My skin looks so beautiful and healthy, and it’s helped to fade a lot of my hormonal scarring! I always keep coming back.”