antioxidant
Phenolic antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and stabilises vitamins C and E formulations, doubling their photoprotective efficacy.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uneven tone & radiance | Strong | — | Most-validated topical antioxidant photoprotection combo (C+E+ferulic, Lin 2005); primarily a stabilizer/booster but real antioxidant radiance contribution. Moderate. |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Relevant | 2 | Ferulic acid demonstrates tyrosinase inhibition activity contributing to brightening effects, with modest standalone clinical evidence and stronger evidence as supportive ingredient in combination depigmenting routines.… |
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Relevant | 5 | Ferulic acid contributes to photoaging prevention and treatment via MMP-1 inhibition (collagen protection — Pluemsamran 2012 demonstrated UVA-induced MMP-1 reduction in HaCaT keratinocytes via antioxidant defense system… |
No known conflicts — Ferulic Acid isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Ferulic Acid is a antioxidant backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 11 studies for it, 11 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 0.5–1% in a formulation.
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology · 2024 · systematic review · n=443
Systematic review (n=443): MODERN systematic review consolidating 18 human studies 443 patients evaluating ferulic acid effect on skin erythema n 13 pigmentation n 9 hydration n 7 elasticity n 6 and texture n 6; demonstrates FA effective both alone and in combination for multiple cutaneous conditions.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology · 2018 · systematic review
Review of ferulic acid in cosmetics: potent antioxidant (scavenges superoxide, hydroxyl, and peroxyl radicals), UV absorber (λmax 316-322 nm), anti-inflammatory, and collagen-protective; enhances stability and efficacy of co-formulated vitamin C and E; optimal cosmetic concentration 0.5-1.0%
Dermatologic Therapy · 2022 · observational · n=20
Clinical study (n=20): MONOTHERAPY evidence 14% ferulic acid peel demonstrated improvements in skin hydration topography melanin levels and erythema; INDEPENDENT NON INDUSTRY FUNDED evidence from Polish research group outside Pinnell Duke SkinCeuticals evidence base; emerging standalone evidence for ferulic acid beyond combination use.
Cosmetic Dermatology · 2008 · observational
Clinical study: Early monotherapy evidence demonstrating ferulic acid improves appearance of photoaged skin independently of C E combination.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics · 2000 · in vitro
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of ferulic (and caffeic) acid as topical photoprotectants: ferulic acid absorbs UV light and scavenges free radicals, and topical application reduced UV-induced oxidative skin damage in vivo, supporting its use as an antioxidant photoprotective agent.
Annals of Dermatology · 2016 · in vitro
In-vitro/mechanistic study: Demonstrates ferulic acid pretreatment protects human dermal fibroblasts against UVA irradiation; mechanism evidence for dermal collagen protection indication.
+ 5 more studies in our evidence base.
In 196 products — most often serums (120), moisturizers (26), eye creams (16), from $5.72 to $439.42. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
DIME
Serum
$32.0029.6ml · $1.08/ml
Ideal for
DIME
Serum
$32.0029.6ml · $1.08/ml
Ideal for
Hyper Glow Vitamin C Serum is a antioxidant serum by DIME. Key ingredients include Water, L-Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileTatcha
The Brightening Serum - 1.0 oz
Serum
$89.0029.6ml · $3.01/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Rosacea (Citrus Oils, Limonene and Linalool)
Tatcha
The Brightening Serum - 1.0 oz
Serum
$89.0029.6ml · $3.01/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Rosacea (Citrus Oils, Limonene and Linalool)
The Brightening Serum - 1.0 oz is a antioxidant serum by Tatcha. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileTatcha
Eye Cream
$65.0014.8ml · $4.39/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate)
Tatcha
Eye Cream
$65.0014.8ml · $4.39/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate)
The Brightening Eye Cream is a eye cream by Tatcha. Key ingredients include Squalane, Glycerin, Propanediol.
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Set up your skin profile
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Eye Cream 10% 15ml
Eye Cream
$25.3415ml · $1.69/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter and Glyceryl Stearate)
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Eye Cream 10% 15ml
Eye Cream
$25.3415ml · $1.69/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter and Glyceryl Stearate)
NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Eye Cream 10% 15ml is a eye cream by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol.
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Set up your skin profileButtah Skin
Serum
$43.0029.6ml · $1.45/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol and Limonene)
Buttah Skin
Serum
$43.0029.6ml · $1.45/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol and Limonene)
Brightentng Vitamin C Serum is a antioxidant serum by Buttah Skin. Key ingredients include L-Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20.
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Set up your skin profile
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50 Hydrating Shield 40ml
Serum
$61.9840ml · $1.55/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate); Rosacea (Linalool)
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50 Hydrating Shield 40ml
Serum
$61.9840ml · $1.55/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate); Rosacea (Linalool)
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50 Hydrating Shield 40ml is a antioxidant serum by Elizabeth Arden. Key ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide.
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Set up your skin profileDrunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Moisturizer – for Acne & breakouts, barrier_repair
$56.0050ml · $1.25/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil, Cetyl Alcohol and Linoleic Acid)
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Moisturizer – for Acne & breakouts, barrier_repair
$56.0050ml · $1.25/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil, Cetyl Alcohol and Linoleic Acid)
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial is a peptide serum by Drunk Elephant. Key ingredients include Squalane, Propanediol, Niacinamide.
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Set up your skin profileL'Oréal
Bright Reveal 12 Percent Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
Serum
$39.9929.9ml · $1.34/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate)
L'Oréal
Bright Reveal 12 Percent Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
Serum
$39.9929.9ml · $1.34/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 80 and Sorbitan Oleate); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate)
Bright Reveal 12 Percent Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum is a brightening serum by L'Oréal. Key ingredients include Niacinamide, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat.
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Set up your skin profileLancôme
Renergie C.R.x Triple Serum Retinol - 0.67 oz
Serum
$73.0019.8ml · $3.69/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme
Renergie C.R.x Triple Serum Retinol - 0.67 oz
Serum
$73.0019.8ml · $3.69/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Renergie C.R.x Triple Serum Retinol - 0.67 oz is a retinoid treatment by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol.
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Set up your skin profileSeoul Ceuticals
Korean Skin Care Vitamin C Serum Day Glow Serum - 1 oz
Serum
$19.9829.6ml · $0.68/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil)
Seoul Ceuticals
Korean Skin Care Vitamin C Serum Day Glow Serum - 1 oz
Serum
$19.9829.6ml · $0.68/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Jojoba Oil)
Korean Skin Care Vitamin C Serum Day Glow Serum - 1 oz is a calming serum by Seoul Ceuticals. Key ingredients include Water, Witch Hazel, Jojoba Oil.
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.