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Back to Skincare Ingredients Explained

A close up swatch of a pale yellow formula, containing ferulic acid, against a white background

The Dos & Don’ts of Mixing Ferulic Acid with Other Skincare Ingredients

You may be quite familiar with antioxidants such as vitamin C but what about ferulic acid? Ferulic acid was traditionally used in skincare products to stabilize other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. But in more recent years, it’s started to enjoy more of the spotlight, recognised for its own unique properties such as improving skin tone, and targeting visible ageing signs.

Found in the cell walls of plants such as spinach, apples, and artichokes, ferulic acid is a naturally occurring compound that’s part of a group of chemicals called hydroxycinnamic acids. This means that it can improve the effectiveness of other skincare products while inhibiting the enzymes that create melanin. In short, not only can it neutralize free radicals in our everyday environment, but it’s excellent at helping skin concerns that stem from excess pigment such as hyperpigmentation.

Ferulic acid is a team player with other antioxidants, but how does it mix with other skincare ingredients? Learn the the do’s and don'ts of using ferulic acid.

20 Aug 2024

Ferulic Acid and Vitamin C

Ferulic Acid and Retinol

Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

Ferulic Acid and Niacinamide

Ferulic Acid and Glycolic Acid

Ferulic Acid and Salicylic Acid

Ferulic Acid and Azelaic Acid

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and vitamin C?

A:

Yes, you can combine ferulic acid and vitamin C. Ferulic acid is often used to stabilize vitamin C in a skincare formula. When used together, these ingredients can also provide enhanced environmental protection against UV, pollution and infrared. Discover C E Ferulic, our bestselling formulation which incorporates both ingredients.

"SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a pioneer in vitamin C serums. It has just the right amount of the active form of vitamin C: L-ascorbic acid at 15%, with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid which again increases its efficacy. It has so many clinical studies behind it, and these are done on the product itself, not just the ingredients. It’s a synergistic and highly efficacious formulation. A science backed vitamin C serum is one of the best things you could add into your routine." - Dr. Laura Lenihan, GP.

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and retinol?

A:

Yes, retinol and ferulic acid can be used in the same skincare routine. Ferulic acid works on neutralising free radicals in the environment and preventing radiation-induced oxidative reactions in the skin. It’s recommended, however, that you apply ferulic acid in the morning, so your skin benefits from its antioxidant effect, while retinol should be applied in the evening as it makes the skin more photosensitive. Always follow using retinol with a broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the next day.

C E Ferulic serum on a clear, thin podium, against a pale blue background. Text reads: C E Ferulic. Up to 48% less oxidative damage in the skin from free radicals caused by the interaction of UV, pollution, metal*. *Measure of 4 hydroxynonenal (4HNE) lipid peroxidation marker indicative of oxidative stress. 4-day in vivo clinical study, 13 subjects. C E Ferulic applied daily vs untreated. Skin samples collected for 4HNE protein analysis at the end of study.

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid?

A:

Yes, you can combine hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that helps to retain water in the skin and is well tolerated by all skin types. Its moisture-attracting properties that plump up the surface of the skin mean that it’s considered one of the best ingredients to help reduce visible signs of ageing. Ferulic acid, on the other hand, helps to prevent free radical damage and premature ageing signs. Shop this serum pair in our exclusive skincare set, Brighten + Hydrate, and enjoy a £43 saving*.

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and niacinamide?

A:

Yes, you can. Like ferulic acid, niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3, also has antioxidant properties which can calm the skin while defending the skin against environmental aggressors. It’s also used to support a healthy skin barrier and prevent dehydration in the skin. When it’s paired with ferulic acid, the skin has increased free radical protection and premature ageing signs can be more effectively prevented. Try Phloretin CF, with ferulic acid, and Discoloration Defense, with niacinamide, for the perfect serum paring to target the appearance of discolouration.

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and glycolic acid?

A:

Yes, you can mix ferulic acid with glycolic acid. While they sound similar, both have different yet complementary actions on the skin. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental aggressors and can be suitable for sensitive skin. However, glycolic acid has an exfoliating action on the skin, to help shed dead skin cells and reveal brighter, newer skin beneath.

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and salicylic acid?

A:

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to combine salicylic acid and ferulic acid, and you can find skincare formulations that use both together, for example our Silymarin CF serum. Salicylic acid creates an exfoliating action that clears the pores – this doesn’t interfere with the antioxidant benefits of ferulic acid but may help it to be more readily absorbed by the skin. If you apply both ingredients in two separate products, it’s advised to apply them on alternate days.

A close-up of a woman applying a clear serum to her cheek, highlighting her glowing skin and natural beauty.

Q: Can you combine ferulic acid and azelaic acid?

A:

Yes, it’s considered safe to layer ferulic acid with azelaic acid. This is due to the different ways they impact the skin. So, while ferulic acid defends the skin from free radicals, azelaic acid has a gentle exfoliating action that removes dead skin cells and brightens the complexion. Due to the gentle nature of this action by azelaic acid, it works well with other ingredients such as ferulic acid. The skin doesn’t need daily exfoliation, however, so it’s recommended that you alternate an ingredient such as azelaic acid within your routine.

Discover our C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum which contains ferulic acid, perfect to help reduce visible signs of ageing.