Vitamin C is, coupled with retinol, one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetics for its anti-aging benefits. Ferulic acid may not be so familiar to you, but it is also becoming very well known. It is a powerful antioxidant, which stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin and, therefore, also has anti-aging benefits. So, you are probably wondering what is the difference between vitamin C and ferulic acid. We will tell you, below, from the experts.

Dermatologists, pharmacists and skin care experts agree that the best anti-aging routine must include antioxidants. These are active ingredients that help to slow down the production of free radicals in our skin, thus preventing premature aging. The antioxidant active par excellence is vitamin C, known as L-ascorbic acid in its pure form (although there are other types of vitamin C). But there are other active ingredients with a high antioxidant capacity, such as ferulic acid.

What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C And Ferulic Acid And How Do They Differ?

Both are antioxidants, and as the pharmacist Felipe Martín, owner of the Galileo 61 pharmacy in Madrid, explains, “both are obtained, like the other antioxidants used in cosmetics, from different plants and their fruits. Plants are constantly exposed to solar radiation, which is the main factor in the aging of our cells; the production of these active antioxidants serves as a defense mechanism to protect them from the action of the sun”.

In addition, vitamin C, as pharmacist Gema Herrerías explains in her book “The definitive guide to skin care”, increases collagen synthesis, thus improving elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles, it is a depigmenting ingredient, reducing melasma, and improves epidermal barrier function.

One of the main problems with vitamin C is that it oxidizes easily, because it is very unstable and, on the other hand, it is not easy to penetrate the skin. “That’s where ferulic acid comes in. It has essentially the same characteristics as vitamin C: it neutralizes free radicals, inhibits melanin synthesis and stimulates collagen and elastin production. It is also highly active at low concentrations: it is usually used at 0.5%. But the best thing about this compound is that it is capable of stabilizing vitamin C, helping it to penetrate the skin and reach its site of action unaltered so that it is able to carry out its function,” says pharmacist Felipe Martín.

So, in reality, vitamin C and ferulic acid are two very similar active ingredients, with similar benefits for the skin. But, if used together, they are more powerful. Gema Herrerías adds “ferulic acid improves the chemical stability and antioxidant potential of a solution of vitamin C and E”. Because, in addition to vitamin C and ferulic acid, there are other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, resveratrol, niacinamide or melatonin.

To benefit from the antioxidant and anti-aging action of vitamin C and ferulic acid, they should ideally be used in the morning, after cleansing and before sun protection. The ideal format is the serum, because it penetrates more.

Here are some of the best serums with we could find vitamin C and ferulic acid.

1. Endocare – C Ferulic Edafence Serum

This serum with patented anti-pollution technology includes vitamin C and ferulic acid, in addition to vitamin E. It stands out for its antioxidant and anti-pollution action, protecting the skin from free radicals, blue light, pollution and tobacco. Its light texture is immediately absorbed, leaving a velvety skin, and protected from environmental stress and other factors that accelerate aging. From Cantabria Labs, on sale at Amazon.

You can buy Endocare Radiance Serum here.

2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Combination Antioxidant Treatment

Antioxidant serum with 15% pure vitamin C, 0.5% ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E. Triple antioxidant action to prevent skin photoaging, improve fine lines, maintain skin firmness and provide luminosity. It is one of the serums with the highest concentration of antioxidants. From Skinceuticals, on sale at Amazon.

You can buy C E Ferulic by Skinceutical here.

3. Acure Brightening Vitamin C & Ferulic Acid Oil Free Serum

Paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, petrolatum free, formaldehyde free, cruelty free. Highest quality ingredients combined to create perfect combination to brighten.

You can buy Acure Brightening Oil Free Serum here.

4. Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum

It comes not only with Vitamin C and ferulic acid but also with vitamin E. One of the highest rated vitamin c and ferulic acid serum on Amazon.

You can buy Timeless Skin Care Serum here.