Moderate evidence

Ferulic Acid for Melasma

Boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C and vitamin E when layered together. The reason a good morning antioxidant serum stays potent through the day.

Why it works for Melasma

Keeps vitamin C and E stable and stretches out their sun-protecting effect, which is why morning serums combine all three. It is an antioxidant booster for melasma, not a fade ingredient on its own.

How Ferulic Acid works

Hydroxycinnamic acid antioxidant that stabilizes the redox state of vitamins C and E in solution, extending their UV-photoprotective lifespan.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Ferulic Acid ingredient page.

journal2025

Kim JH et al., Fractional microneedle radiofrequency with the application of vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid serum for neck skin rejuvenation: a prospective, double-blinded, split-neck, placebo-controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2025;36(1):2504655 — CE+ferulic serum + microneedle RF produced superior clinical and histologic neck rejuvenation vs RF alone

journal2016

Hahn HJ et al., Pretreatment of Ferulic Acid Protects Human Dermal Fibroblasts against Ultraviolet A Irradiation, Annals of Dermatology 2016;28(6):740-748 — ferulic acid pretreatment protects human dermal fibroblasts from UVA damage via antioxidant + stress-inducible mechanisms

journal2012

Staniforth V et al., Ferulic acid, a phenolic phytochemical, inhibits UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinases in mouse skin via posttranslational mechanisms, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 2012;23(5):443-451 — ferulic acid suppressed UVB-induced MMP-2/-9 expression

journal2008

Murray JC et al., A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2008;59(3):418-425 — topical C+E+ferulic acid serum significantly reduced UV-induced erythema and thymine dimer formation

Products with Ferulic Acid in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Ferulic Acid as a tracked ingredient.

Drunk Elephant

C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

$80 · Serum

SkinCeuticals

C E Ferulic

$182 · Serum

SkinCeuticals

Phloretin CF

$182 · Serum

By Wishtrend

Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum

$30 · Serum

Glow Recipe

Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

$42 · Serum

Full Ferulic Acid guide →Melasma overview →