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At Face Dr, we work only with medical-grade, professional skincare brands that deliver real results. We focus on products and ingredients that are science-backed and proven to be effective rather than chasing trends. Some ingredients, like vitamin C and peptides, often take the spotlight, but others quietly do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. One of these is ferulic acid.
Ferulic acid is a strong antioxidant that protects your skin from environmental damage, supports your skin barrier, and brightens dullness. It also complements other potent actives in your routine, enhancing overall anti-ageing and brightening benefits.
In this guide, we’ll explain what ferulic acid is, how it works, and why it is such a valuable part of an evidence-based skincare routine. You’ll also learn how to incorporate it safely and effectively into your regimen and which trusted professional serums and products deliver the best results.
- What is Ferulic Acid?
- How Does Ferulic Acid Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Ferulic Acid for Skin?
- Who Is Ferulic Acid Best For?
- Can Ferulic Acid Be Used With Other Active Ingredients?
- Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
- Where Does Ferulic Acid Fit in My Skincare Routine?
- Face Dr Favourites: The Best Ferulic Acid Products to Try
- Conclusion: Is Ferulic Acid Right For You?
What is Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant naturally found in plants, fruits, vegetables, and some grains. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules generated by UV light, pollution, and other environmental stressors. They work by neutralising these molecules, stopping the chain reaction that can lead to inflammation, premature ageing, and cellular damage.
If you would like to learn more about antioxidants and how they protect and support your skin, you can read our blog What Are Antioxidants and What Can They Do for Your Skin.
How Does Ferulic Acid Work?
Ferulic acid is different from many other antioxidants because it’s rarely used on its own in skincare. Rather, you’ll usually find it combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C or vitamin E.
This is because ferulic acid not only provides its own protective benefits but also has a unique ability to enhance the effects of other antioxidants. It acts as a kind of booster, helping other ingredients perform better and offering stronger protection against environmental stressors. By working together with other potent actives, ferulic acid makes your skincare routine more effective.
What Are the Benefits of Ferulic Acid for Skin?
Ferulic acid offers a wide range of benefits for your skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that not only protects your skin from environmental damage but also supports overall skin health. Skincare products that combine ferulic acid with other antioxidants can help:
- Reduce inflammation and calm redness
- Prevent fine lines and wrinkles
- Fade sunspots and dark spots
- Limit sun damage and photodamage
- Support an even skin tone
- Protect the skin barrier
Ferulic acid works particularly well as a preventative ingredient. While some antioxidants can help reverse signs of ageing or pigmentation, ferulic acid is especially effective at protecting your skin from damage before it occurs. This makes it a valuable addition for anyone looking to maintain healthy skin, particularly from their 20s onwards, though it remains beneficial at any age.
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Who Is Ferulic Acid Best For?
Ferulic acid is a versatile antioxidant that can benefit many skin concerns. It is particularly valuable for anyone looking to protect their skin from environmental damage, maintain a healthy skin barrier, and support long-term skin health. It works well alongside other active ingredients in your routine and is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
You may benefit from incorporating ferulic acid if you:
- Notice early signs of ageing, such as fine lines or loss of firmness
- Want to reduce redness or calm inflammation
- Struggle with uneven skin tone, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation
- Use vitamin C or other antioxidants, and want to boost their effectiveness
- Want to maintain healthy, resilient skin as a preventative measure
- Spend a lot of time outdoors and want extra protection from the sun, pollution, and other environmental stressors
If you’re unsure whether ferulic acid is right for your skin or how to include it in your routine, our Skin Experts are here to help. You can book a free online consultation to get personalised advice and recommendations tailored to your skin concerns, type, and lifestyle.
Book your free video skincare consultation now
Can Ferulic Acid Be Used With Other Active Ingredients?
As we’ve mentioned, ferulic acid can be used alongside most other skincare ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your routine.
Here are some of the most effective combinations and why they are particularly beneficial:
#1. Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid
This pairing prolongs the potency of vitamin C while providing extra defence against environmental stressors, giving your skin stronger overall antioxidant protection and helping prevent early signs of ageing.
#2. Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid
Together, these antioxidants reinforce your skin’s natural defences and support a healthier, more resilient skin barrier, keeping it shielded from daily environmental challenges.
#3. Hyaluronic Acid + Ferulic Acid
Combining deep hydration with antioxidant support helps maintain smooth, plump skin while protecting it from free radical damage, so your skin stays soft and radiant.
#4. Niacinamide + Ferulic Acid
This combination calms inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and enhances protection against oxidative stress, leaving the skin more resilient and balanced.
#5. Retinol + Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid protects your skin from free radical damage during the day, complementing retinol’s cell-renewal effects at night. Using them together supports a comprehensive anti-ageing routine.
#6. Azelaic Acid + Ferulic Acid
Azelaic acid helps reduce redness and even out skin tone, while the pairing with ferulic acid offers enhanced protection from environmental stressors, keeping sensitive or reactive skin calmer and healthier.
#7. Glycolic Acid + Ferulic Acid
Glycolic acid exfoliates to reveal brighter skin, and when paired with ferulic acid, it benefits from antioxidant support, helping maintain a fresh, radiant complexion without compromising skin health.
#8. Salicylic Acid + Ferulic Acid
This combination works to clear congestion and refine pores, while also providing environmental protection, so skin stays clearer, calmer, and more resilient.
By combining ferulic acid with these ingredients, you’re not just layering products; you’re creating a synergistic effect where each component enhances the performance of the other, supporting brighter, healthier, and more resilient skin.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
Ferulic acid is gentle and usually very well-tolerated. Most people can use it without any issues, and it’s generally considered safe even during pregnancy.
However, everyone’s skin is different, so there’s always a small chance of sensitivity, especially when it’s combined with other active ingredients. To be safe, test any new product on a small patch of skin before using it on your face.
Where Does Ferulic Acid Fit in My Skincare Routine?
Ferulic acid doesn’t have one set place in a routine because it’s usually included alongside another active ingredient. So the best way to use it is to follow the rules of the main ingredient in the product.
- In a vitamin C serum: apply in the morning after cleansing.
- In a retinol formula: apply in the evening.
- In a hydrating or antioxidant treatment: apply after cleansing and before your moisturiser.
In short, how you use ferulic acid depends on the product it’s in.
If you’re unsure where your product fits, our Skin Experts can guide you through exactly how and when to use it in your routine.
Book your free video skincare consultation now
Face Dr Favourites: The Best Ferulic Acid Products to Try
At Face Dr, we only recommend products we know deliver real results. These are reliable, high-quality formulae that you can trust to support your skin every day.
Here are our favourite ferulic acid products, chosen to help keep your skin healthy, bright and protected.
1. Medik8 Super Ferulic C
A potent antioxidant serum formulated with 30% stabilised ethylated vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid, and turmeric root extract to support skin health and an even complexion.
Key features:
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens dull skin and diminishes dark spots, age spots, and uneven tone
- Supports skin firmness and elasticity for a smoother, more youthful look
- Highly stable formulation ensures the active ingredients remain effective throughout use
- Lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and is suitable for all skin tones
Best for: Skin showing sun damage or age spots, uneven tone, or a need for overall rejuvenation.
Available at Face Dr for £69.
Note: This is a strong formula. If you are new to high-strength vitamin C or have sensitive skin, speak with one of our Skin Experts before first use.
2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
A professional-strength vitamin C serum combining 15% pure L-ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid to protect skin from environmental damage and support a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Key features:
- Helps reduce potential damage from free radicals caused by pollution, sun exposure, and metals
- Clinically improves eight visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, loss of firmness, and dullness
- Remains effective on the skin for up to 72 hours after absorption
- Gentle formula suitable for normal, dry, and sensitive skin
- Clinically tested for post-laser use, but if you are considering an aesthetic treatment, always consult a medical professional
Best for: Those with sun-affected skin, uneven pigmentation, loss of firmness, or anyone seeking to boost their skin’s defence against daily environmental damage.
Available at https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/ for £165.00.
3. The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
A budget-friendly yet impressively potent antioxidant serum featuring high concentrations of resveratrol and ferulic acid. This minimalist, water-free formula is designed to shield the skin from oxidative stress and support a smoother, brighter, and more resilient complexion.
Key features:
- Provides strong daily antioxidant support to help reduce the visible impact of pollution and environmental stressors
- Helps improve the appearance of dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of ageing
- Anhydrous (water-free) format protects the stability and effectiveness of the antioxidants
- Light, oil-like texture that layers well and can be mixed with a moisturiser for easier use
- Minimalist formula free from fragrance, artificial colour, and alcohol, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Best for: Anyone seeking an affordable yet high-quality antioxidant booster to support brightness, smoothness, and daily environmental protection.
Available at https://theordinary.com/en-gb/ for £9.90 GBP.
4. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
A daily refining serum powered by a Phyto-Retinol Blend™ of encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid to smooth texture, improve clarity, and support firmer, more radiant-looking skin.
Key features:
- Helps refine uneven texture and visibly smooth fine lines
- Supports clearer-looking skin by helping to balance excess oil and reduce blemishes
- Includes squalane and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and reduce dryness
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula suitable for all skin types
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged in recyclable materials
Best for: Those noticing early signs of ageing, uneven texture, breakouts, or anyone new to retinol who wants a gentle yet effective formula.
Available at https://www.sephora.co.uk/ for £57.25.
5. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
A glow-enhancing serum formulated with a stable, gentle form of vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), combined with vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and konjac root to brighten, smooth, and support healthier-looking skin.
Key features:
- Helps visibly brighten dull skin and even overall tone
- Supports a smoother, firmer look by targeting fine lines and early signs of ageing
- Uses a stable form of vitamin C comparable to a 15–20% L-ascorbic acid serum, with reduced risk of irritation
- Vitamin E and ferulic acid reinforce antioxidant protection against environmental stressors
- Hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, while chamomile and konjac root help calm and support the skin barrier
- Light, gel-like texture that absorbs quickly and layers well with other products
- Suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin
Best for: Dull or uneven skin tone, early signs of ageing, post-blemish discolouration, or anyone wanting a gentle yet effective brightening serum.
Available at https://relaxskinstore.com/ for £28.00.
Conclusion: Is Ferulic Acid Right For You?
Ferulic acid isn’t something you need to use as a standalone ingredient. You will usually see it included within well-formulated antioxidant serums, especially vitamin C blends, where it quietly strengthens the overall performance of the formula. If you are aiming for brighter, healthier and more resilient skin, choosing products that contain ferulic acid can offer an extra layer of support without adding complexity to your routine.
With years of clinical knowledge and hands-on experience, we’ve helped thousands of clients achieve real, visible results. If you’re unsure whether ferulic acid is right for your skin, or which antioxidant formulae will suit you, we’re here to guide you. Book a free online consultation with one of our Face Dr Skin Experts, and we’ll review your skin, routine and goals to recommend the products that will deliver the best results.
