Meet Ferulic Acid, the Most Underrated Skin Brightener
In the wonderful world of skin care, there are nearly countless acids to utilize for a variety of concerns. There are quite a few popular ones, but you're probably most familiar with these two: exfoliating glycolic and hydrating hyaluronic. However, we think ferulic acid products are highly underrated, as this antioxidant is known for its proven ability to make other ingredients in your regimen work better, faster, and more efficiently.
According to New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, ferulic acid is an antioxidant found naturally in the walls of plant cells. She says to think of this ingredient as a helping hand to the rest of the actives and antioxidants in your skin-care products. Research, such as this 2005 study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, has proven that one of the biggest benefits of ferulic acid is its ability to stabilize multiple ingredients, such as vitamins C and E, so they can last longer without losing their potency. "The stability of antioxidants may be increased by adding other antioxidants," says King.
"Ferulic acid is a strong antioxidant and so is vitamin C," adds cosmetic chemist Ginger King. "But vitamin C is not stable on its own, so when they work together, they have a synergistic effect for maximum performance."
Dr. King also suggests pairing ferulic acid with another skin-care staple: sunscreen, specifically with the American Academy of Dermatology's recommended broad-spectrum SPF rating of 30 or higher. "Sunscreens, either mineral or chemical, help to protect the skin from UV radiation," says the dermatologist. "But if these ingredients are combined with antioxidants like ferulic acid, then the protection has been shown to be greater because the antioxidants help to neutralize the free radicals from UV rays."
You also won't have to worry about having any irritation or sensitivity issues with this ingredient, because Dr. King says all skin types can enjoy ferulic acid, including sensitive skin types and acne-prone skin. However, its brightening benefits make it especially great for anyone dealing with dullness, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation — which explains why it's usually paired with vitamin C, another radiance-boosting antioxidant.
If you're ready to elevate most of the ingredients in your skin-care routine to perform their best (while having a pigmentation-targeting treatment in the process), grab some of these ferulic acid-infused favorites, below.
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- 1/15
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the mother of all vitamin C and ferulic acid serums. The name itself says it all: this high-potency antioxidant serum will brighten your complexion, reduce discoloration and the appearance of fine lines, and improve firmness. How? Through a trio of ferulic acid and vitamins C and E. "It's my personal go-to because it contains a potent triple combination of antioxidants," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, previously told Allure.
It may be pricey, but it's a dermatologist-beloved skin-care investment that will definitely leave you satisfied. "This simple step helps dramatically with the improvement of fine lines, skin firmness, and overall brightening," Dr. Idriss adds.
- 2/15
Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum
Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, says the Ghost Democracy Lightbulb Vitamin C Serum is one of her favorite brightening serums. Along with antioxidant vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid, this impressive formulation also contains bakuchiol, a gentler alternative to retinol that'll reduce the look of signs of aging like fine lines and skin sagging.
- 3/15
Community Sixty-Six Retinol Resurfacing Night Cream
Those looking for a hyperpigmentation-reducing treatment should try Community Sixty-Six's Retinol Resurfacing Night Cream, one of Dr. Greenfield's favorite overnight creams. "This product combines emollients and antioxidants with caffeine, niacinamide, and reservatrol to create an effective and soothing formulation that helps to smooth, brighten, and even out skin tone," she says.
Those targeting fine lines and wrinkles will reap all of the benefits of retinol, an ingredient Dr. Greenfield says will boost collagen production. Meanwhile, dry skin types will be treated with the benefits of moisturizing squalane and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
- 4/15
Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum
The Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum has such an impressive, antioxidant-fueled formula that we had to give it an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022. This intensive serum boosts radiance and balances oil production (perfect for oily skin types) with a combination of niacinamide, ferulic acid, and vitamin C. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid binds water to the skin so it feels soft and supple to the touch.
- 5/15
Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask
Radiant skin is just a few pumps of Drunk Elephant's Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask away. This leave-on mask can be used day or night to treat your skin with radiance-inducing azelaic acid (which is also known as an acne-reducing, antibacterial ingredient) and antioxidants like ferulic acid to even tone while preventing free radical damage. Salicylic acid, an exfoliating beta hydroxy acid, also makes an appearance in this formula to unclog pores and smooth texture.
- 6/15
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
You may have heard that L-ascorbic acid (pure vitamin C) is the gold-standard ingredient of antioxidant-powered serums, but the Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum swaps this additive for another powerful and more stable derivative, THD ascorbate. This form of vitamin C is further stabilized with ferulic acid and vitamin E to provide optimal brightening results while improving texture and tone.
- 7/15
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
The Ordinary's Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% subs out ferulic acid's usual best friend, vitamin C, for another trending ingredient you should know about: resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine. This unique pairing works hand-in-hand to target any skin texture issues — including acne, sagging, and fine lines — while protecting your skin from damaging environmental stressors.
- 8/15
Kiehl's Ferulic Brew Facial Treatment Essence
If you're in need of exfoliation, the Kiehl's Ferulic Brew Facial Treatment Essence will do the trick. It's made from a blend of ferulic and lactic acids, the latter being a popular active in skin care for its gentle exfoliating properties. This mix provides antioxidant protection to visibly smooth and even your skin's texture and tone, reduce fine lines, and leave skin with a healthy-looking glow.
- 9/15
Paula's Choice Resist C15 Super Booster
This cocktail of antioxidants is especially impressive for its high potency of vitamin C. Paula's Choice Resist C15 Super Booster contains a maximum-strength formula filled with vitamin E, ferulic acid, and an impressive 15 percent vitamin C to brighten, firm, and correct uneven skin tones. This booster can be mixed into your favorite moisturizers and serums for an added dose of the antioxidants, or you can apply it on its own.
- 10/15
Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment
Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment stands out for its ability to address dark spots and hyperpigmentation without irritating or dehydrating your skin. It makes this possible by combining a high percentage of vitamin C (20 percent, to be exact) with stabilizing ferulic acid, healing vitamin E, and brightening licorice extract. This highly active blend also looks to a lightweight base of sunflower, macadamia seed, camellia, and meadowfoam seed oils for added moisture.
- 11/15
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Plus Retinol Moisturizer
If you're looking for a more intensive ferulic acid treatment, grab a jar of the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Plus Retinol Moisturizer. This high-potency cream contains a blend of the antioxidant, along with retinol, another popular skin-care ingredient known for firming skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Another bonus about this moisturizer is that it's suitable for nightly and morning use. Just make sure you slather on sunscreen after applying it in the AM.
- 12/15
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex
This serum pairs ferulic acid with a more stable form of vitamin C, called vitamin C ester, to create a high-performing brightening treatment. Perricone MD's Vitamin C Ester CCC+ Ferulic Brightening Complex is formulated with a stabilized version of the antioxidant to provide the same brightening and smoothing results from the first pump to the last drop.
- 13/15
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask
This intensive mask is like hitting a restart button on your skin. It works more like an exfoliating peel with ferulic acid, which heightens the properties of active exfoliants glycolic and lactic acids in the formula. You'll also find hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which work in tandem to hydrate and comfort your skin. This mask tackles a whole slew of skin concerns like dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
- 14/15
Derma E Ferulic Acid Resurfacing Pads
These peel pads are an easy way to give your skin an intensive exfoliation treatment. Derma E's Ferulic Acid Resurfacing Pads are soaked in a cocktail of resveratrol, ferulic, and lactic acids to remove dirt, sweat, and makeup left behind after washing your face. It helps keep acne at bay for a brighter, more even skin tone.
- 15/15
Maya Chia The Super Lift Vitamin C-More Treatment
Both Dr. Greenfield and Dr. King say this is one of their personal favorite skin-care products for addressing dark spots while illuminating their complexions. "Maya Chia's Super Lift Vitamin C-More Treatment is another great option that is formulated with three types of vitamin C, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, ferulic acid, and peptides to help brighten the skin," says Dr. King.
