13 Best Ferulic Acid Serums for Brighter Skin, According to Dermatologists
Not sure what ferulic acid even does? Keep reading.
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It’s almost 2023, and by now, I’m willing to bet that you’ve seen or heard of ferulic acid, especially because it’s almost always found alongside its BFF, vitamin C. But as for wtf a ferulic acid serum actually does? That’s where I come in. Ferulic acid, for the ~uniformed~, is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from environmental damage (i.e., free radicals) by neutralizing the threat before it reaches your skin cells. Basically, it’s a shield for your skin against premature fine lines (like forehead wrinkles and stress lines), dark spots, irritation, and more.
Ferulic acid is also known for increasing the efficacy of other antioxidants it’s paired with, including vitamin C, niacinamide, and vitamin E, which is why every ferulic acid serum on the market has at least one (to a dozen) other antioxidants in the formula. So how do you know which one is best for you? Welp, I chatted with board-certified dermatologists Jeannette Graf, MD; Kim Nichols, MD; and Karan Lal, MD, on the best ferulic acid serums of 2022 and 2023, below:
Our top picks for ferulic acid serums in 2023:
Best Ferulic Acid Eye Serum
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
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Now keep reading for the full list of tested and reviewed winners, then scroll down for answers to all your questions, like how to choose the best ferulic acid serum for your skin type, which ingredients do what, and how it works.
Pros
- It’s been a cult favorite since its 2005 launch
Cons
- Some testers find the scent too unpleasant
I promise I’m not recommending a $169 serum just for funsies. While this cult-favorite formula is an investment, it's also arguably the most well-known and dermatologist-loved ferulic acid serum since 2005. Why? Because it contains a highly potent ingredient lineup of 15 percent vitamin C (specifically l-ascorbic acid, the most potent and pure form), along with 1 percent vitamin E (to protect and soothe) and 0.5 perfect ferulic acid (to increase efficacy). The result = brighter, more even skin, with fewer lines and dark spots over time.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), vitamin E (antioxidant and soothing)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “Love this vitamin C serum,” writes a reviewer. “I've been using it for about a year and believe it has really contributed to a smoother and more even skin tone. Worth every penny.”
Pros
- Contains retinol to actually smooth fine lines
Cons
- Some reviewers found it too harsh on their sensitive skin
Listen, most eye creams and serums are meh—nothing really worth buying, IMO. But this one from Dr. Dennis Gross is filled with both retinol and bukuchiol (a gentler retinol alternative) to speed up collagen production and churn out smoother, softer skin over time, along with tightening caffeine, soothing plant extracts, and exfoliating salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Just note that a little goes a long way—a tiny half-pump is all you need for both eye areas to avoid excess irritation.
- Other key ingredients: Retinol (anti-aging), bakuchiol (antioxidant), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I love this stuff!!” writes a tester. “This is my fifth bottle and it works! Great for fine lines and wrinkles and also puffiness. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Pros
- Doubles as makeup primer
Cons
- Some reviewers say the dropper dispenser gets really messy
Surprised to see SPF on this list? That’s because you clearly haven’t tried this next-level serum that’s basically four products in one: an SPF (of 50, ahem), an acne treatment (hi, tea tree oil and niacinamide), a hydrator (see: aloe vera and hyaluronic acid), and a brightener (thanks to ferulic acid and vitamin C-rich kakadu plum oil). Layer it on every morning as the last step of your skincare routine for some dark-spot-fading sun protection.
- Other key ingredients: Sunscreen (SPF protection), tea tree oil (antioxidant and antimicrobial), colloidal oatmeal (soothing)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I have highly acne prone skin and about every sunscreen I have tried either gave my face a total white cast or broke me out,” reads one tester’s review. “This does neither and my gosh does it make my skin feel amazing!”
Pros
- Wears well under makeup
Cons
- Fragrance can be irritating to some skin types
This ferulic-acid serum is not only a best-seller on Amazon (hi, 11,000+ five-star reviews), but it’s also filled with a gentler form of vitamin C called sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP). Though SAP has all of the same brightening and protective qualities of pure vitamin C (aka l-ascorbic acid, or LAA), it’s a bit less potent and easier to tolerate, making it a good choice for first-timers on a budget.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening) and vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Fragrance free? No
THE REVIEWS: “I have been using this for not even a month now and this is by far the best!” writes one tester. “My skin is actually glowing.”
Pros
- It’s the most affordable option on our list
Cons
- Some say the texture is uncomfortably greasy
Instead of relying on vitamin C for its brightening powers, this ferulic-acid serum contains resveratrol, an equally powerful antioxidant found in grapes (and a mix of other foods and fruits) that neutralizes free radicals to help protect against cellular damage. Layer this drugstore serum over your skin every morning to help lighten dark spots, brighten your skin, and potentially slow the production of fine lines.
- Other key ingredients: Resveratrol (antioxidant) and propanediol (moisturizer)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “This stuff is magic,” one Sephora shopper writes. “Honestly! I don't usually leave rave reviews, but this product really brightens and clears my skin.”
Pros
- Formulated with three powerful skin brighteners
- Free of 1,550+ potentially irritating ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers found the finish too oily
Trust me when I say this ferulic acid serum is a brightening powerhouse. It’s packed with three different MVPs, including: (1) ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, or ATIP, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that penetrates deeper and more effectively into your skin; (2) a form of kojic acid that gently brightens and softens; and (3) tranexamic acid, which inhibits pigment production, helping to prevent hyperpigmentation in the first place.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening); kojic acid and tranexamic acid (brighteners)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I can totally say that my skin and dark spots healed to the point that I have better skin now,” one tester writes. “It's a holy grail that you don't wanna miss!”
Pros
- Super lightweight and non-sticky
Cons
- High dose of vitamin C can be irritating
There’s a reason why ferulic acid and vitamin C are almost always found in the same formula: They’re significantly more effective together than apart. And this ferulic-acid serum is filled with a potent dose of 20 percent pure l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), leaving you with brighter, calmer skin within a few weeks of daily use. Just note: If you’ve got sensitive skin or are new to the vitamin-C game, skip this formula and start with a gentler option.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), vitamin E (antioxidant), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “This serum is amazing!” writes one tester in their review. “I use it in the morning and keep it in my fridge. I have to say after using it for about a month I can definitely see a difference in the dark spots I had.”
Pros
- Testers found it gentle enough for their sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers found it too sticky
We've all been guilty of accidentally buying a subpar skincare product based on looks alone, but don’t worry—this ferulic-acid serum is as effective as it is cute (hence the 4.6 stars on Amazon). The clean—and cruelty free! And vegan! And sustainable!—formula is filled with brightening vitamin C, moisturizing vitamin E, soothing chamomile, and plumping hyaluronic acid, making it a 100/10 formula to slather on each morning.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), vitamin E (antioxidant), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I've spent hundreds of dollars on products to lighten the dark spots on my face from acne scarring,” reads one review. “This has been the only product that not only lightened the dark spots, but it didn't make me break out more!”
Pros
- Gives your skin an immediate “lifting” effect
Cons
- Not very widely available
If you want to see results fast, check out this ferulic acid serum…immediately. It’s formulated with 3 percent microalgae to give your skin an immediate (yet temporary) ~lifting~ effect, while also helping to firm and strengthen your skin over time, thanks to its ferulic acid, vitamin C, and phloretin (an antioxidant from apples).
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), phloretin (antioxidant)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “Love this daytime serum!” writes one product tester. “I have sensitive, mature skin. After four weeks of use, I had brighter, firmer skin.”
Pros
- Testers say the pump bottle makes it less messy
Cons
- Small bottle
This oil-free serum works double duty to protect your skin from free radicals (with vitamin C and ferulic acid) while gently exfoliating with pineapple fruit extract, making it a great choice for oily or dull skin types. And if liquidy serums aren’t your thing, you’re in luck—testers say the formula has a creamy, non-greasy texture that doesn’t drip or run.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), pineapple fruit extract (exfoliating)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “This serum has helped lighten an age spot on my cheek as well as brightened my facial complexion as a whole,” writes one reviewer. “I will repurchase for certain.”
Pros
- It’s loaded with hydrating and soothing plant extracts
Cons
- Botanicals may be irritating to hyper-sensitive skin
Come for the pretty packaging, then stay for the formula’s hydrating and soothing benefits. This ferulic acid serum uses a mix of plant oils (like sunflower seed and tea seed oils) and aloe vera juice to hydrate skin, along with a low-dose of vitamin C to gently brighten skin over time.
- Other key ingredients: Glycerin (moisturizing), vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: According to a tester, “This product leaves my face glowing and soft. After one use it got rid of my recurring dry patches around my nose, cheeks and forehead. This is one of the best moisturizers I've used and I have not seen results like this before from other natural products.”
Pros
- Also treats acne with salicylic acid
Cons
- Too harsh for sensitive skin types
Calling all acne-prone bbs: This ferulic acid serum will not only help unclog your pores and exfoliate your skin with salicylic acid, but it’ll also fade your leftover acne scars and hyperpigmentation with a potent mix of kojic acid (a gentle brightener), arbutin (a pigment inhibitor), and 20 percent pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, LAA).
- Other key ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating); kojic acid and alpha-arbutin (brighteners)
- Fragrance free? Yes* (*contains essential oils)
THE REVIEWS: “This serum is amazing!” writes a reviewer. “I use it in the morning and keep it in my fridge. I have to say after using it for about a month I can definitely see a difference in the dark spots I had.”
Pros
- Actually formulated to be safe for morning and night use
Cons
- Some reviewers say it oxidizes quickly
If you can’t handle adding yet another product into your skincare routine…don’t! Just grab these serum drops, which contain a highly effective combo of pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, or LAA), ferulic acid, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to brighten your skin in a customizable way. Mix a few drops in with your moisturizer or favorite face serum each morning and night, or tap it over your clean dry face as the first step of your skincare routine.
- Other key ingredients: Vitamin C (antioxidant and brightening), glycerin (hydrating), vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Fragrance free? Yes
THE REVIEWS: “I used this serum for about a year. It was amazing,” writes one reviewer. “My acne hyperpigmentation faded, my skin looked bright and glowy, and overall I was impressed with its efficacy.”
What does ferulic acid serum do?
Ferulic acid is a “plant-derived antioxidant that helps neutralize the free radicals that can lead to premature signs of aging,” says Dr. Nichols. As a reminder, free radicals are cell-damaging molecules that come from UV rays, blue light, environmental pollution, and smoke exposure (all things we face on a day-to-day basis) and can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and even skin cancer.
Ferulic acid—and all antioxidants—helps scatter and disperse these free radicals, protecting your skin from further damage. And, says Dr. Nichols, ferulic acid enhances the effectiveness of other antioxidants, including vitamin C and E. That’s why you’ll almost always find the powerhouse trifecta together in ferulic acid serum. As Dr. Graf puts it, ferulic acid helps other antioxidants “pack their mightiest punch.”
Which is better: hyaluronic acid or ferulic acid?
Just because hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid both have “acid” in their name doesn’t mean they’re similar. In fact, they’re fundamentally different ingredients with entirely different duties. “Hyaluronic acid is a powerful natural humectant that provides long-lasting hydration to help soften skin texture,” says Dr. Nichols, which is why it's often paired with other moisturizers like almond oil, while ferulic acid help prevent damage to keep your skin (and its texture) healthier.
The tl;dr: “Ferulic acid is more of a preventative ingredient, while hyaluronic acid is more of a corrective ingredient,” she says.
Does vitamin C serum need ferulic acid?
No, your vitamin C serum doesn't need ferulic acid on its ingredient list, but it does work more effectively when included. Ferulic acid boosts—and speeds up—the benefits of vitamin C and also helps it last longer. “Vitamin C goes bad quickly if not paired with other ingredients that stabilize it,” says Dr. Graf. “When used together, ferulic acid helps stabilize vitamin C and keep it effective.”
How to choose the best ferulic acid serum:
Consider your skin type
The first step to finding the best ferulic acid serum is to focus on your skin type and what it needs. If it's dry, stick with products that contain moisturizers, like oils and cream-like formulas, while oily skin types should stick with sheer serums and lightweight hydrators, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, etc. Got sensitive skin? Avoid fragrance and essential oils, and look for gentle, low-dose ingredients (like vitamin C derivatives).
Check the label
Even though many antioxidant serums contain the same ingredients, they're each formulated in different concentrations, which makes them more or less intense. So check the label: If ferulic acid (or vitamin C, retinol, salicylic acid, etc.) is in the first few ingredients on the list, you know the formula will be a bit more potent (and effective). If they’re toward the bottom of the list, you can assume the product will be a bit gentler and easier to tolerate for sensitive skin (but, of course, also less effective).
Investigate the packaging
Dr. Lal recommends choosing a ferulic acid serum in a vacuum-sealed pump or opaque packaging to prevent it from oxidizing as quickly. "Many brands package their serums with droppers, which don't last as long because they lose efficacy upon exposure to air," he says. "If you notice your serum changing color and getting darker, it’s an indication that the product is undergoing oxidation, and it might be time to replace it."
Meet the experts:
- Kim Nichols, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD and SkinLab in Greenwich, Connecticut. Dr. Nichols specializes in both cosmetic and medical skincare concerns.
- Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
- Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and treating skin of color.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan with over five years of experience researching and writing about makeup, skin, and hair, ranging from how to clean your makeup brushes to face fillers. She discussed ferulic acid serums with the three dermatologists featured in this story and dove into reviews and research on top-rated ferulic acid serums to recommend the best products.
Marisa Petrarca is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan.com. In the rare case that she’s not working on a story, you can find her testing new makeup, skin, or hair launches, binge-watching bad reality TV, or diligently working (but failing) to get her inbox to zero. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, POPSUGAR, and GRAZIA USA, among others. Follow her on Instagram for corgi photos and shameless self-promotion.
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