Ingredient guide
Ferulic Acid
INCI name · ferulic acid
In short
Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant known for boosting the stability and performance of vitamin C and E. It helps defend skin from environmental stressors and supports a more even, radiant look.
Skin type
Dry · Combination · Oily · Sensitive
Best used
Morning
What it is
Small human studies found lower UV-related redness and damage markers with complete antioxidant combinations containing ferulic acid. Ferulic acid was not tested alone; the widely cited eightfold result came from pig, not human, skin. This supports a formula-partner role, not a standalone treatment claim or a replacement for sunscreen.
Evidence receipt
LimitedFerulic Acid · applied to skin
Based on 3 sources
Open the citable recordSmall human studies found less UV-related redness and damage markers after four days with complete antioxidant combinations containing ferulic acid.
Studied as Ferulic Acid: 15% L-ascorbic acid with 1% alpha-tocopherol, the same formula with 0.5% ferulic acid, 15% L-ascorbic acid with 1% alpha-tocopherol and 0.5% ferulic acid, vehicle, vitamin C with ferulic acid and phloretin.
Ferulic acid was never isolated from the vitamin C, vitamin E or phloretin formulas. One human trial had 10 participants, another reported only a small sample, and the widely cited eightfold result came from pig, not human, skin. These formulas may complement sunscreen; they do not replace it.
See 3 sources
Porcine-skin study: adding 0.5% ferulic acid stabilized the vitamin C and E formula and increased its reported photoprotection from about fourfold to about eightfold. This was pig, not human, skin and did not test ferulic acid alone.
formula stability, erythema, sunburn cells, thymine dimers · 15% L-ascorbic acid with 1% alpha-tocopherol, the same formula with 0.5% ferulic acid
J Invest Dermatol, 2005Small human in-vivo study over four days: the complete vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid formula reduced several solar-simulated-radiation damage markers versus vehicle. The abstract did not report the sample size, and ferulic acid was not isolated.
erythema, sunburn cells, thymine dimers, p53, inflammatory cytokines · 15% L-ascorbic acid with 1% alpha-tocopherol and 0.5% ferulic acid, vehicle
J Am Acad Dermatol, 2008Randomized four-day human study in 10 participants: the complete vitamin C, ferulic acid and phloretin formula reduced several UV-related damage markers versus vehicle. Ferulic acid was not tested alone, and one author was affiliated with L’Oreal USA.
erythema, sunburn cells, thymine dimers, MMP-9, p53, Langerhans cells · vitamin C with ferulic acid and phloretin, vehicle
J Cosmet Dermatol, 2009
Affiliation note. Publication links report the study authors and their affiliations. MIRU does not infer independence from an affiliation alone.
When to use it
Mornings suit it best.
Where it sits
Serums sit after toner and before moisturiser. Thinnest to thickest, water before oil.
- Cleanse
- Tone
- Ferulic Acid
- Moisturise
- SPF
Also found as
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15% L-ascorbic acid
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Common questions
What does ferulic acid do in skincare?
It helps neutralise surface free radicals and enhances the effectiveness of vitamins C and E. This can support a brighter, more even appearance and improved visible firmness.
Is ferulic acid suitable for sensitive skin?
Most people tolerate it well, though sensitive skin may prefer it in blends rather than high‑strength standalone products. It generally pairs well with hydrating formulas.
How do you use ferulic acid?
It’s often found in antioxidant serums used in the morning under sunscreen to help support protection from everyday environmental stress.
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Personal guidance, not medical advice.