These Are the Best Vitamin C Serums with Ferulic Acid (2024)

SkinCeuticals was one of the first to popularize the vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid combo, and we’re not afraid to say that its formula still reigns supreme. “This tried-and-true serum helps to protect the skin against oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals. The combination works to keep the formula stable and effective. It helps to brighten the skin, improve skin tone, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while improving and preventing the signs of sun damage,” says Dr. Garshick. What more can you ask for?

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “The legendary Skinceuticals C E Ferulic had been at the top of my wishlist for years. When it finally landed in my hands, I was afraid I’d love it. I’m sad to say that my fears came true. That C E Ferulic glow everyone talks about? It’s real. Beyond the serum’s brightening effects, my skin felt like it was moisturized inside and out—just from a few drops of this precious elixir.” —Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

This pick from the TikTok-viral brand ensures stability with the addition of ferulic acid and guarantees freshness by allowing you to activate the serum yourself. The liquid serum and the vitamin C powder come separately, and once you mix them together, they maintain efficacy for up to six months.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E

Size: 0.94 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve tried many vitamin C serums, but I always come back to the Drunk Elephant C-Firma serum. My skin is noticeably more radiant when I use it, and it also does wonders for evening my skin tone. Since vitamin C is a notoriously unstable skincare ingredient, I like that you mix this one yourself—it ensures the freshest formula.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

Paula’s Choice’s second-best-selling product recently got an internal makeover. If you have sensitive skin, you may have felt a tingling sensation with the previous version; the scientists behind the brand worked hard to solve that issue. They also added ergothioneine, which helps address dark spots, and peptides for a plumping effect. If you need more convincing, the serum is clinically proven to increase skin’s glow within 15 minutes.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, ergothioneine, peptides

Size: 0.67 fl. oz.

Paula’s Choice rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This vitamin C serum is unlike any other that I’ve tried. It has all of the ingredients and benefits I want, plus the least sticky finish I’ve ever seen. Plus a note to those who abhor the ‘hot dog water’ scent that many vitamin Cs have: this one barely has an aroma, but it does smell faintly of orange juice.”—Carol Lee

If you’re a vitamin C serum veteran who’s ready for the good stuff, you’re in for a treat—this is Medik8’s most potent iteration, with a whopping 30 percent vitamin C. It’s strong enough to take on years of damage, and it has a non-greasy, cosmetically elegant formula.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E, turmeric root extract

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Medik8 rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Medik8 reviewer says: “The liquid peptides got me hooked on this brand, so when they launched the Super C Ferulic acid, I was excited to try. The product is strong, so I was wary, but it works well with my sensitive skin. My skin is definitely brighter and has a more even tone.” —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

Don’t let the lower price tag fool you—this serum visibly brightens and evens out the complexion with consistent use. Two to three pumps in the morning is all it takes!

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “From the first application, I can see the difference in my skin luminescence. It’s amazing, and I paid full price for the product. I’ll definitely keep using it and recommend it. The price is outstanding, and it’s fragrance free. It absorbs quickly and works well with my sunblock and my makeup.”

This pick from Maelove has all the makings of a superior vitamin C formula, plus a bevy of soothing and nourishing ingredients like aloe, and magnolia. “It also incorporates hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, leaving the skin looking healthy and refreshed,” says Dr. Garshick.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Maelove rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Maelove reviewer says: “I absolutely love this vitamin C serum! Love how it’s a high percentage and feels so nice on my skin. It gives a very natural glow to my complexion while protecting from free radicals. Also, you can’t beat the price for the type of quality you are getting!”

Perricone MD prides itself on its innovative and potent formulas, and the proof is in this serum. Fans of the formula have seen their skin transform and appear smoother, brighter, and more even-toned with use, and they keep coming back for more.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E

Size: 2 fl. oz.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I’m in my forties and have had melasma ever since my first pregnancy. It gets worse in the summer months. This really helps to take down the dark spots. It started fading them within a couple weeks. I started applying this every morning, it became part of my routine, and I haven’t been as frustrated with my spots. I am now able to hide them easier with concealer because they have lightened so much, and friends don’t even notice that I have melasma, when I mention it.”

MadHippie’s vitamin C serum helps reverse sun damage for all skin types. However, the inclusion of clary sage, which helps balance sebum production, makes the formula especially helpful for oily or acne-prone skin.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid, clary sage, chamomile extract, konjac root

Size: 1.02 fl. oz.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This product has become a must-have staple of my bathroom. It brightens and tightens and smells amazing. A little goes a long way.”

Like many of the other vitamin C serums on this curated list, this one from Farmacy contains L-ascorbic acid, which is known for its higher efficacy. While that particular form of vitamin C is quite unstable, the ferulic acid helps extend its lifetime of it, as so does the lack of water in this formula.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, alpha-arbutin

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Farmacy rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Farmacy reviewer says: “I love the way this feels on my skin! It’s not overly drying. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and so smooth.”

We all know that supporting the skin barrier is one of the best—if not the best—thing you can do for your skin, and this serum contains probiotics in order to do just that. Of course, it also contains plenty of antioxidants that brighten, help minimize free radical damage, and encourage collagen production.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, ferulic acid, probiotics

Size: 1.01 oz.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I have been using Pixi Vitamin C serum for 2 years…it is my favorite! After consistent use, your skin will glow! It is really great for acne scars left behind. Looks great under makeup and blends into the skin very smoothly.”

Dr. Marisa Garshick is an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Dermatology and the founder of AziMD Skincare.

You can apply it in the morning and evenings, but if we had to choose, we’d suggest the former, since it helps bolster protection against UV rays. “I suggest applying it after cleansing and before moisturizing,” says Dr. Shirazi.

She also warns against trying another powerful active (like a retinoid) at the same time. “The combination can cause irritation, particularly with higher concentrations of L-ascorbic acid, the active form of Vitamin C. Allow your skin to become acclimated to one or the other,” she explains.