According to Yadav, ferulic acid is another antioxidant that supports and enhances the effects of vitamin C. “Ferulic acid is another potent antioxidant found in many different types of plants, including grasses, grains, fruits, and flowers. I often recommend using ferulic acid in conjunction with vitamin C. These two are a great pair because they help make each other more effective when it comes to protection from UV damage, giving you more bang for your buck. Ferulic acid also helps stabilize vitamin C, which is a notoriously unstable ingredient and breaks down easily without the proper support.”
Elyse Love, MD, FAAD, Board-Certified Dermatologist at GlamDerm, agrees, saying the two work best when used in tandem. “Ferulic acid increases the stability and supports the antioxidant properties of vitamin C. This synergistic relationship maximizes the potential of the vitamin C.”
The best part is that there are nearly zero downsides or drawbacks to this ingredient pairing, save for irritation when used in high percentages. “For vitamin C, tolerability will depend on the form and the concentration,” Love says. “L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C and is typically found in a range from 10-20%, with higher concentrations being more potentially irritating. Those with sensitive skin will benefit from stating with lower percentages and/or gentler vitamin C formulations to prevent irritation.” In that case, she recommends First Aid Beauty’s 10% Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($50) since it’s designed for sensitive skin.
