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Ingredients Antioxidant Ferulic Acid
50Fa
Tier · Moderate evidence
Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

INCI: Ferulic Acid · Also called: trans-Ferulic Acid

Boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C and vitamin E when layered together. The reason a good morning antioxidant serum stays potent through the day.

For your skin

Boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C and vitamin E when layered together. The reason a good morning antioxidant serum stays potent through the day.

Want the science? Keep reading ↓

Mechanism of action

Hydroxycinnamic acid antioxidant that stabilizes the redox state of vitamins C and E in solution, extending their UV-photoprotective lifespan.

Why we tier this moderate

9 cited papers across 5 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.

4
United States
2
China
1
Korea
1
European Union
1
International

Read the research

Cited research

🇰🇷

Kim JH et al., Fractional microneedle radiofrequency with the application of vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid serum for neck skin rejuvenation: a prospective, double-blinded, split-neck, placebo-controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2025;36(1):2504655 — CE+ferulic serum + microneedle RF produced superior clinical and histologic neck rejuvenation vs RF alone

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40464749View source ↗
🇺🇸

Roux M et al., Ferulic Acid Use for Skin Applications: A Systematic Review, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2025;18(5):38-42 — SR of 18 human studies; topical ferulic acid improved erythema, pigmentation, hydration, elasticity, texture

2025Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:40538529View source ↗
🇨🇳

Wang X et al., Ferulic Acid in the Treatment of Papulopustular Rosacea: A Randomized Controlled Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(1):e16611 — topical ferulic acid solution twice daily improved papulopustular rosacea

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:39413013View source ↗
🇨🇳

Qin X et al., A Randomized, Investigator-Blinded, Split-Face, Controlled Trial Assessing Efficacy and Satisfaction of CE Ferulic Serum Following Nonablative Fractional Laser Treatment for Photoaging Skin, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(5):e70251 — topical vitamin C/E/ferulic serum aided post-laser photoaging recovery

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40414817View source ↗
🇪🇺

Zdunska-Peciak K et al., Ferulic acid - A novel topical agent in reducing signs of skin aging, Dermatologic Therapy 2022;35(7):e15543 — 14% ferulic acid peel improved hydration, melanin, and erythema in photoaged skin

2022Positive (efficacy)PMID:35486440View source ↗
🌐

Staniforth V et al., Ferulic acid, a phenolic phytochemical, inhibits UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinases in mouse skin via posttranslational mechanisms, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 2012;23(5):443-451 — ferulic acid suppressed UVB-induced MMP-2/-9 expression

🇺🇸

Murray JC et al., A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2008;59(3):418-425 — topical C+E+ferulic acid serum significantly reduced UV-induced erythema and thymine dimer formation

2008Positive (efficacy)PMID:18603326View source ↗
🇺🇸

Oresajo C et al., Protective effects of a topical antioxidant mixture containing vitamin C, ferulic acid, and phloretin against ultraviolet-induced photodamage in human skin, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2008;7(4):290-297 — topical ferulic-acid antioxidant blend reduced UV photodamage

2008Positive (efficacy)PMID:19146606View source ↗
🇺🇸

Lin FH et al., Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2005;125(4):826-32 — synergistic antioxidant combination efficiently reduced UV-induced thymine dimer formation

2005Positive (efficacy)PMID:16185284View source ↗

Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.