If you’re invested in the beauty space at all, chances are you’ve heard of SkinCeuticals’ widely beloved C E Ferulic serum. It’s commonly lauded as the absolute best vitamin C serum that you can buy, with plenty of clinical studies and articles out there to prove it. I’ve gone through two vials of it myself, and considering how many products I’m constantly trying, that says something. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid are all powerful skincare ingredients that work well together. Let’s break down why they’re so good to add to your routine:

Vitamin C: Topical vitamin C is by far one of the most dermatologist recommended ingredients for skin health. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin against free radical damage, boosts collagen production and improve hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist. “It is commonly paired with vitamin E to help stabilize the vitamin C, as vitamin C is traditionally unstable and the combination also offers a synergistic antioxidant benefit.” The most common form in skincare is L-absorbic acid.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps hydrate skin and maintain moisture, and it may even help with wound healing and curbing extreme dryness. Vitamin E is often used in tandem with vitamin C because it helps keep vitamin C more stable, boosting its efficacy. If you’re not sure if a product contains vitamin E, look for tocopherol on the ingredient list. 

Ferulic Acid: Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that helps other antioxidants work as well as possible. Similarly to vitamin C, it can also aid in diminishing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and dullness.