Cas number 1135-24-6
INCI name 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
Ferulic Acid is a powerful antioxidant widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. Naturally sourced from plants like rice bran and oats, it appears as a colorless to pale yellow crystalline powder. Known for its protective properties, Ferulic Acid helps neutralize free radical damage from UV exposure and environmental pollutants. When applied to the skin, it works to prevent premature aging, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance overall radiance. Commonly found in serums, creams, and sunscreens, it acts as a natural defense against external stressors. Its chemical formula is C10H10O4.
Purpose
Ferulic Acid serves as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals that contribute to skin aging and damage. It protects against oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, pollution, and environmental aggressors, helping to prevent premature wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, it enhances the stability and effectiveness of other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, making it a key ingredient in anti-aging and skin-protective formulations.
Origin
Ferulic Acid is mainly derived from plant sources such as rice bran, oats, and various fruits and vegetables. The extraction process involves grinding the raw plant material, followed by chemical extraction and purification techniques. This allows for the isolation of Ferulic Acid, making it suitable for use in cosmetic and skincare formulations.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Ferulic acid |
| Type | Antioxidant, Phenolic Compound |
| Source | Found in plants like rice bran, wheat, oats, oranges, apples, and coffee |
| PH | 3-4 |
| Color | Pale yellow to light brown |
| Odor | Mild, slightly sweet scent |
| Physical state | Fine crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water |
| Concentration | 0.5%–1% |
| Boiling point | 372.3 °C |
Potent Antioxidant Power
Ferulic Acid is a highly effective antioxidant that combats oxidative stress caused by UV rays, pollution, blue light, and environmental toxins. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, it helps prevent premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin firmness. Its strong antioxidative properties make it a staple in anti-aging skincare.
Photoprotective Properties
Unlike many antioxidants, Ferulic Acid absorbs and disperses harmful UV radiation, reducing its impact on the skin. This helps protect against sun-induced damage, photoaging, and oxidative DNA damage, making it a valuable ingredient in sunscreens and daily skincare. It is often combined with other UV-fighting ingredients to enhance their efficacy.
Enhances Stability and Effectiveness of Other Antioxidants
One of the most unique benefits of Ferulic Acid is its ability to stabilize and amplify the effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Both vitamins degrade quickly when exposed to light and air, but Ferulic Acid extends their potency, improving their ability to protect the skin from environmental damage. Studies show that a combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid can increase UV protection by up to 8 times.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Ferulic Acid helps soothe skin irritation, reduce redness, and calm inflammation caused by environmental stressors, acne, or skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways helps improve skin resilience and recovery, making it a great addition to sensitive skin formulations.
Skin Brightening & Hyperpigmentation Reduction
Ferulic Acid plays a role in inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. By reducing excess melanin synthesis, it helps fade dark spots, sun spots, and discoloration, leading to a more even skin tone and enhanced radiance. It is often used in brightening treatments for hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Collagen Protection & Anti-Aging Effects
Collagen is essential for skin elasticity, firmness, and youthful appearance, but it naturally breaks down due to oxidative stress and aging. Ferulic Acid helps protect collagen fibers from degradation while stimulating collagen synthesis, leading to firmer, plumper skin and a reduction in fine lines and sagging.
Naturally Sourced from Plant-Based Ingredients
Ferulic Acid is derived from natural plant sources such as rice bran, oats, wheat, apples, oranges, coffee, and certain vegetables. Since it comes from botanical sources, it is often included in clean beauty and natural skincare formulations.
Greater Heat and Oxidation Stability
Compared to other antioxidants like Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid is more stable under heat, light, and oxidative conditions. This makes it less prone to degradation, allowing it to remain effective for longer periods in skincare products. Its enhanced stability contributes to better product shelf life and sustained skin benefits.
Unique Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivative Structure
Ferulic Acid is classified as a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, which contributes to its strong antioxidative, UV-absorbing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This unique chemical structure enables it to neutralize multiple types of free radicals, including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide, offering broad-spectrum protection against environmental damage.
Applications of Ferulic Acid
Skincare & Cosmetics
Anti-Aging Serums – Used in high-performance serums to combat wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Often combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin E for enhanced antioxidant protection.
Brightening Creams & Treatments – Helps reduce hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, making it a key ingredient in brightening formulations.
Sunscreens & UV Protection Products – Enhances sun protection by neutralizing UV-induced free radicals and boosting the effectiveness of UV filters.
Moisturizers & Anti-Pollution Skincare – Helps fortify the skin barrier against pollution, oxidative stress, and environmental damage.
Sensitive Skin Formulations – Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, it is used in rosacea, eczema, and redness-reducing skincare products.
Haircare Products
Anti-Aging Hair Serums & Conditioners – Helps protect hair follicles and scalp from oxidative stress and UV damage, reducing signs of premature graying.
Heat Protection Sprays – Due to its heat stability, Ferulic Acid is included in thermal protection sprays to prevent damage from styling tools and sun exposure.
Phytocosmetics & Natural Skincare
Organic & Botanical Formulations – Included in clean beauty products due to its plant-derived origin and skin-friendly properties.
Ayurvedic & Herbal Medicine – Used in traditional medicine for its healing, anti-aging, and protective qualities.
