13 Best Ferulic Acid Serums of 2023, According to Dermatologists

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

• 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.

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.