Bargain vs Bougie: 4 Ferulic Acid Skincare Products Everyone’s Talking About

Ever heard about how good 'ferulic acid' in skin care is, but not known what it was?

If you’re confused, it’s normal. Skincare science and product developments are literally advancing by the hour.

While ferulic acid isn't a 'new' skincare ingredient, there's a lot of buzz around the brightening glowy skin saviour right now.

Probably the most popular (or infamous) ferulic acid product is the cult $228 SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum.

But competitors like Timeless 20 C E Ferulic Acid Serum and Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid and Retinol Brightening Solution come up again and again in beauty Facebook groups and all over Instagram, too.

Want to know more? Keep scrolling to find out why you should start putting ferulic acid on your face.

Plus, read my reviews of four bargain vs bougie ferulic acid products.

What Is Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is a protective antioxidant ingredient found in the walls of plants or seeds of fruits.

You'll commonly see it in antioxidant skin care, like in a brightening serum or antioxidant serum combining ferulic acid and vitamin C.

Hang on... what are antioxidants? And how do antioxidants for skin work?

Think of antioxidants as nightclub bouncers for your skin. It's their job to absorb and neutralise free radicals.

These are reactive substances that can damage your skin and lead to premature ageing.

Common free radical damage culprits include smoking, environmental pollution and UV exposure.

You can learn more about antioxidants in our vitamin C YouTube video below.

Ferulic Acid Skin Benefits.

Even though ferulic acid is known as an anti-ageing skincare hero, it's more than just a one trick pony.

For example, everyone wants to know how to brighten skin and get that glow, right?

Antioxidants like ferulic acid are the answer.

Benefits of ferulic acid for skin also include:

• Reduced inflammation to manage and prevent things like uneven skin texture, congestion, breakouts, redness, irritation and premature ageing.

• Protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays.

• Helping the skin heal to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun spots and uneven skin tone for a brighter-looking complexion.

• Prevention of premature ageing by preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin, ensuring healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

• Improved skin texture thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

We go into more detail on how antioxidants work in this episode of the Skincare School podcast below.

Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid.

Maybe the best thing about ferulic acid is that it's a dependable, selfless team player.

When ferulic acid is used in conjunction with other antioxidants, like in a vitamin C serum with ferulic acid and vitamin E, or ferulic acid and resveratrol, it can supercharge the effectiveness of the antioxidants.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum is an especially popular serum because the vitamin E and ferulic acid in the formula make the vitamin C (L-ascorbic) more stable and effective.

Think of these three ingredients like the Powerpuff Girls, working to fight the evil of free radicals in pursuit of healthy skin.  

Best Products With Ferulic Acid.

Without a doubt, the SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums are the gold standard of antioxidant skincare products.

There are three SkinCeuticals Australia options depending on your skin type, all containing ferulic acid:

• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - Best for normal to dry skin.

• SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF - Best for combination to oily skin.

• SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF - Best for blemish-prone combination and oily skin types.

The only catch? These incredibly effective serums are very potent, which means they may cause irritation if you have sensitive skin, or are an active skincare beginner.

If this is you, or you're not quite ready to commit (they are very expensive), no stress! You've got options!

I volunteered my face as tribute to give you the details on four ferulic acid products with very different price tags.

Disclaimer: These are my first impressions of using these products.

Typically, it can take anywhere from two to eight weeks of consistent use before you'll start seeing any visible results from active skincare products, including antioxidant serums.

1. A Vitamin C E Ferulic Acid Serum.

What:

Medik8 Super C Ferulic 30ml

A high-strength, high-performing antioxidant serum for experienced skincare users looking to take their hyperpigmentation prevention to the next level.

Main ingredients and how to use:

• 30 per cent ethyl ascorbic acid (a stable form of vitamin C).

• Ferulic acid, vitamin E and turmeric root.

• Apply four drops daily in the morning after cleansing and before other hydrating serums, moisturiser and sunscreen.

My Medik8 Vitamin C review.

I've actually been using this product for the last two years and can confirm it delivers brighter, smoother, more hydrated skin.

It used to be called Medik8 Super C30, but it's the same amazing formula. I love it so much, I even wrote a manifesto on my Medik8 vitamin C review, complete with before and after results.

So, trust me when I say this strong vitamin C and ferulic acid serum is not for the faint of heart or anyone who hasn't used vitamin C skin care before.

Everyone else, here are a few other things to know about the best brightening serum (in my eyes):

• This vitamin C serum has a strong citrus scent, but don’t let this put you off.

• The clear serum texture is lightweight and silky.

• The dark glass bottle with a dropper stops the ingredients from oxidising or going off earlier than the expiry date.

Shop it here:

2. A $14 The Ordinary Ferulic Acid Serum.

What:

The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%

An innovative high-concentration antioxidant serum. Perfect for those who don't or can't use vitamin C, but are looking for a powerful antioxidant hit.

Main ingredients and how to use:

• 3 per cent ferulic acid and 3 per cent resveratrol, another antioxidant ingredient.

• Resveratrol and ferulic acid skin benefits include free radical damage protection and more radiant-looking skin.

• 100 per cent plant-derived, and water-free.

• As this treatment is highly-concentrated, do not use on compromised skin.

• Apply either AM or PM using a few drops to treat the face. 

My The Ordinary Resveratrol 3 Ferulic Acid 3 review.

At $13.90 for 30ml, this is the most affordable antioxidant serum I've come across.

But is it any good? Here are my first impressions...

• The packaging ticks all the boxes by using a dark glass bottle and dropper.

• Because it's formulated without water, the texture is EXTREMELY different to other antioxidant serums I've used - best described as viscous.

• The thick, syrupy consistency took about five minutes to fully sink into the skin (as someone who doesn’t like waiting 30 seconds, I did not enjoy this part of the experience).

• It left behind a hint of a tacky residue, however, this didn’t pill, ball up or interfere with the remainder of my skincare steps.

• I'd suggest cocktailing/mixing it into your moisturiser to mitigate the tacky feeling.

• Great bang for buck if budget is a priority.

Shop it here:

3. A Ferulic Acid Face Toner.

What:

Kiehl's Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence 100ml

A slow-brewed essence/toner that promises to smooth, brighten and hydrate skin in just a few short weeks. 

Main ingredients and how to use:

• Ferulic acid for brightening.

• Lactic acid for very gentle exfoliation of the surface layers of the skin to refine texture (this = more brightening goodness).

• Moisturising squalene to keep your skin barrier intact.

• Only use this product at night by patting it into the skin after cleansing.

My Kiehl's Ferulic Essence review:

If you're not into serums or just want one multi-tasking skincare product, then this is for you.

Here are the details:

• Coming in strong with a glass bottle, this feels and looks LUXE.

• Being an essence, the texture is extremely thin - it melts into the skin.

• This has the mildest scent of all the four ferulic acid products. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it's a good option for the fragrance averse.

• Also great for anyone with dry and/or dehydrated skin.

Shop it here:

4. A SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Serum.

What:

A beginner-level antioxidant serum that has been formulated for sensitive skin.  

Main ingredients and how to use:

• 10 per cent L-ascorbic acid and .2 per cent ferulic acid, delivered using a patented delivery method for minimal irritation.

• Two forms of hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin B5 (panthenol) to keep skin hydrated and happy.

• Apply a few drop in the morning on cleansed skin, followed by any other serums, moisturiser and sunscreen.

My SkinCeuticals Serum 10 review.

Unfortunately, I haven't used this product for long enough to speak to the results.

But considering how beloved its older sister SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums are, I'd bet this gentler version would yield impressive results, too.

Upon cracking the bottle open, I noticed a few things:

• Like Medik8’s Super C Ferulic, this also has a lightweight, almost watery texture.

• Packaged in a dark glass bottle, complete with dropper (A+++ for packaging).

• This has the faintest smell of hot dogs that made me hungry (the more potent C E Ferulic has a strong ham smell, too).

• On a less food-related note, the consistency sunk into my skin within seconds and layered beautifully with other products.

Shop it here:

Who Can Use Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is one of those Miss Congeniality skincare ingredients almost anyone will benefit from using.

It's suitable for all skin types, particularly if vitamin C breaks you out or irritates your skin.

Ferulic acid is a great sensitive skin brightening option, it won't cause acne or blemishes, and it's safe to use during pregnancy.

But always check with your medical specialist before starting a new product during pregnancy/while breastfeeding.

When to Use Ferulic Acid Skin Care.

Timing is everything when it comes to using ferulic acid.

You can use ferulic acid at night if you like, but applying in the morning before your sunscreen will make the most of its protective benefits. That way, it can start working to protect your skin from environmental factors ASAP.

Like with introducing any new skincare product into your routine, tread with caution.

Start slow by patch testing and monitoring your skin for any changes before using daily.

And there you have it, your deep dive guide into ferulic acid is complete.

Now all that's left to do is to decide which ferulic acid skincare product(s) to add to cart!

Want more content on vitamin C and antioxidants?

• The Difference Between These Cult Vitamin C Serums

• 5 Very Good Vitamin C Products for Radiant Skin (That Aren't Serums)

• The Vitamin C Serum That Changed My Life and Lifted My Stubborn Pigmentation