Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

← All supplements
Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Ferulic Acid

A plant antioxidant used mainly to stabilise vitamin C and E in topical serums. The skin evidence is for the combination applied to the face; taken as a capsule it has essentially no human data.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Topical antioxidant serums Limited evidence

    A randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face trial found that a vitamin C, E and ferulic acid serum improved photoaging outcomes after fractional laser treatment. The trial tested a three-ingredient serum, so it cannot show what ferulic acid contributes by itself.

  • Overall skin evidence Limited evidence

    A systematic review of ferulic acid for skin applications concluded that most studies are small, use combination formulations and vary widely in design and outcome measures. Its best-documented role is chemical: stabilising vitamin C and extending its shelf life in a serum.

  • Oral supplementation Limited evidence

    No randomized trial of oral ferulic acid for skin ageing, photoprotection or joint symptoms is indexed in PubMed. Oral bioavailability is low and ferulic acid is rapidly conjugated and excreted.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTopical serums use 0.5–1% ferulic acid combined with 10–15% vitamin C and 0.5–1% vitamin E, applied once daily in the morning. No oral dose has been established.
SafetyTopical use is generally well tolerated; mild stinging or irritation can occur, especially in acidic vitamin C formulations. Oral safety in humans has not been formally studied. Not studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Scientific references

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

Related in Joints & skin