Aox Ferulic

The classic trio

Ascorbic acid sits second in the ingredient list, an unambiguously high-commitment vitamin C, stabilised by ferulic acid and vitamin E, the pairing that landmark antioxidant research showed both steadies L-ascorbic acid and multiplies its photoprotective effect.

The reinforcements

Glutathione, the thiol the body uses as its own master antioxidant, and astaxanthin, a microalgal carotenoid that quenches the singlet oxygen UV generates, extend the network. Antioxidants work as a relay team: each one regenerates the next after it takes the hit.

The modern addition

Bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxybenzylmalonate, a photostable antioxidant developed for pollution and UV-stressed skin, rounds out the defence.

What it is for

Oxidative stress is a driver of visible ageing and uneven tone. An antioxidant serum worn under morning SPF blunts that load, it complements sunscreen, never replaces it.

Skin focused on visible ageing, dullness or uneven tone that wants a serious morning antioxidant, and anyone running an evening retinoid who wants the daytime half of that routine done properly.

Worth knowing

Strong L-ascorbic acid serums can tingle on first uses, especially on freshly exfoliated skin, this settles as skin adjusts. Contains a fragrance-type component (citronellyl methylcrotonate); patch test with a known fragrance allergy.

Morning, on clean dry skin: a few drops over face and neck, then moisturiser and SPF. Daily use is the point, antioxidant protection only works on the days it is worn.

Store away from heat and light and keep the cap tight; vitamin C at this strength deepens in colour as it ages.

Use alongside

Morning antioxidant, evening retinoid is the backbone pairing, Aox Ferulic by day with Exfol A Plus, Refine or Serum 16 at night. Keep it apart from leave-on exfoliating acids in the same routine; over it, any moisturiser in the range and always SPF. It plays the same morning role as Extreme C 20 or Intensive C, choose one vitamin C serum, not several.