From the FDA Drug Label
Directions: Once In the morning after cleansing and toning, apply 4-5 drops to a dry face, neck, and chest before other anti- aging skincare products. Follow with a moisturizer and sunblock. Daily application of this Ferulic CE serum, along with the use of a sunblock offers ultimate protection from UV light and associated skin damage. ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION FERULIC ACID SERUM WITH VITAMINS C&E 1 oz/30 ml Distributed By: Skin Beauty Solutions Elk Grove CA 95759
The provided drug labels 1 and 1 mention the use of ferulic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E in anti-aging skin care formulations, specifically for antioxidant protection and UV protection. However, there is no direct clinical data provided in the labels for Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE).
- The labels suggest that ferulic acid and vitamins C and E can offer ultimate protection from UV light and associated skin damage when used daily along with a sunblock.
- The presence of these ingredients in anti-aging skincare products implies their potential role in protecting the skin from damage, but the labels do not provide explicit clinical data on their effectiveness for anti-aging.
From the Research
Clinical data supports the use of vitamin C, vitamin E, Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA), ferulic acid, and Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) in anti-aging skin care formulations, with vitamin C having the strongest clinical support. Vitamin C (typically as L-ascorbic acid at 5-20% concentration) has demonstrated improved collagen synthesis, photoprotection, and reduction in hyperpigmentation with daily application 2. Vitamin E (tocopherol at 0.5-1%) works synergistically with vitamin C, enhancing photoprotection and reducing inflammation when used together. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (0.5-5%) shows promise for reducing fine lines through its antioxidant properties, though fewer clinical trials exist compared to vitamins C and E. Ferulic acid (0.5-1%) primarily functions as a stabilizer for vitamin C and E formulations, enhancing their effectiveness and longevity rather than acting as a standalone anti-aging ingredient, as shown in a study where it doubled photoprotection of skin when combined with vitamins C and E 3. DMAE (3-5%) has shown some clinical evidence for improving skin firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines with regular use over 4-16 weeks, though its mechanism remains less understood than the other ingredients 4.
Some key points to consider when using these ingredients in anti-aging skin care formulations include:
- Formulating with proper pH levels, such as 3.5 for vitamin C, to ensure stability and effectiveness
- Using stable delivery systems that protect against oxidation
- Consistent use as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen that includes sun protection
- Combining ingredients for synergistic effects, such as vitamin C and E with ferulic acid, as seen in a study where a topical solution of 15% L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha-tocopherol with ferulic acid improved chemical stability and doubled photoprotection of skin 3
- Considering consumer preferences, such as smell, feel, and application, as shown in a split-face study where subjects preferred the smell and feel of one vitamin C product combination over another 5
Overall, while the evidence varies, the combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid appears to be a well-supported and effective anti-aging formulation, with DMAE and Alpha-Lipoic Acid showing promise as additional ingredients.