The dynamic universe of skincare seems to have no shortage of powerful ingredients. On most days, even a beauty writer like me can’t keep up. Luckily, I have a soft spot for acids in skincare. These acids are touted for their powers to target specific skincare concerns and improve the overall health of your skin. However, have you come across an acid that improves the efficacy of other acids, in turn giving you the best of the best? Enter—ferulic acid.
“Ferulic acid is essentially a natural antioxidant which is widely used in brightening, anti-ageing products and even in-clinic skin treatments,” says Dr Rashmi Shetty, Global Dermatology Expert and Founder of Ra Skin & Aesthetics. She also explains that along with these benefits, ferulic acid also works effectively to stabilise powerful active ingredients such as vitamin C and even vitamin E. Dr Batul Patel, celebrity dermatologist and founder of The Bombay Skin Clinic adds that, “If you’re dealing with stubborn pigmentation caused by excessive exposure to the sun, ferulic acid will work like a charm for you.”
However, both of these dermatologists advise conducting a patch test before including ferulic acid in your skincare routine. Dr Rashmi explains that “Since ferulic acid is one of the safest ingredients owing to its natural occurrence, it can certainly be used on a daily basis. Using it in combination with other actives that aren’t limited to vitamin C namely niacinamide and hyaluronic acid will offer you multiple benefits.”
A few ferulic acid products that you need to try out.—
The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%
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How could one say no to a glass of red wine? On the days you can’t enjoy one, grab a bottle of The Ordinary’s Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3%. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that finds its roots in red wine. This combination of 2 potent ingredients mainly targets uneven texture of the skin along with shielding your skin from damage caused by environmental stressors. Since water can hinder the abilities of antioxidants, this serum has an oily formula. Best used after your water-based serums, the Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% takes a while to settle into your skin.
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
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Vitamin c connoisseurs out there, this one’s for you. Touted as one of the best vitamin c and ferulic acid serums in the world, the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is gold in a bottle. A 15% concentration of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) along with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid make for an effective trio of antioxidants that reduce discolouration, boost the firmness of your skin and visibly brighten it too. Even though it’s a tad bit heavy on the pocket and on oily skin too, this serum is the ultimate skinvestment!
Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Facial Essence
The importance of essences in skincare routines has divided the beauty community and how! But the Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Facial Essence could change your mind if you’re not, particularly a fan of essences. A gently exfoliating facial treatment enriched with ferulic acid, lactic acid, and squalane, this one doesn’t just do the usual jazz of brightening your skin but also sloughs away dull and dead skin in order to refine its texture. And the best part is, every skin type can use this, even the extra-sensitive ones!
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
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Like the name rightfully suggests, the C15 Super Booster by Paula’s Choice packs a mighty punch with its 15% concentration of vitamin C. If you’re a newbie to the world of vitamin c, it’s best to steer clear from this one owing to its potency. The 3% ferulic acid along with vitamin E performs a stellar job of offering antioxidant benefits of improving overall radiance and health of the skin.
Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel
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Overnight peels will be your messiah if you’re dealing with uneven skin. The Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal ( yes, I’m excited that they’re finally available in India too! ) is quite the potent product. With retinol, ferulic acid, bakuchiol and rambutan — this one is a versatile performer in that it targets excessive sebum production and breakouts along with fine lines and wrinkles.
SkinKraft Ferulic Acid with Vitamin E Antioxidant Face Mask
Who else is a firm believer in the fact that a face mask has the ability to solve all of our problems? I know I am. The ferulic acid with vitamin E antioxidant face mask from SkinKraft is specially created for helping your skin regenerate after it’s been damaged due to free radicals. Ferulic acid brightens and targets lines while zinc oxide unclogs pores without stripping them of the natural oils.
