Should We Add Ferulic Acid to our Vitamin C Serum?

So... our 15% Vitamin C Serum is pretty popular, with many folks noting:
  • a reduction in dark spots and fine lines,
  • increased brightness, overall smoothness,
  • and even marked improvements for skin conditions like psoriasis.

If you've been with us a while, you'll know I (Steve) am a little skeptical with skincare claims, but Vitamin C serums with 10 - 20% L-Ascorbic acid seem to be a pretty safe bet in gaining the above mentioned benefits and in some cases this:


But here's the thing.  In my own use, I've noticed that I have be really careful to ensure it doesn't go bad (like storing it in the fridge before use). 

You'll know that it goes bad when it turns dark brown.



To offset the volatility, we've added Vitamin E (Tocopherol is the chemical name) & store it in black - opaque - bottles, but we're also considering the addition of ferulic acid, which is supposed to be the gold standard in preservation.

But Ferulic acid SMELLS BAD.  Like hotdog water.  And we don't think it's a good idea to add fragrances to 'mask' the odor.

So here's my question to you:

Has your etee serum gone bad and if so, how quickly?  NOTE: it's fine if it turns yellow to orange, but once it gets dark orange or brown, that means it's not effective.

Would you be willing to accept a hotdog water smell if it meant the serum lasted longer and absorbed better?

Let me know in the comments below...

And CLICK HERE if you'd like to learn more about our 15% V-C Serum.


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Comments


  • I am on my second bottle. I use it once a day or every other day and have not had it go bad. I think I would prefer the dark bottle and vitamin E and pass on the stinky preservative.

    Angela Modelski on
  • Stay with Vit E and the black glass.

    Sue on
  • If it stinks, I would look for another product! Sorry!

    Frances on
  • I vote for the dark bottles. Its shelf life is pretty good.

    Marg Rowan on
  • I’ve been using the same serum bottle over a couple months and have had no issue with the L-Absorbic acid changing to dark orange or brown. I think the opaque bottle is the way to go!

    Sarah K on
  • My serum has gone dark orange/ brown, so I guess it’s “bad” :( but it’s almost done. I’m okay with black bottles and Vit E, but would be completely open to trying the ferulic acid option if it meant that it lasted longer! ‘Cause now I’ve got stuff I paid good money for, that isn’t doing any good!

    Lisa Freed on
  • Don’t change it. I probably wouldn’t use it if it smelled bad.

    Patti Gee on
  • Don’t change it. I probably wouldn’t use it if it smelled bad.

    Patti Gee on
  • I think I would have trouble with the smell. How significantly would it adjust the product timeline?

    Jess Reed on
  • I think I would have trouble with the smell. How significantly would it adjust the product timeline?

    Jess Reed on


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