Ferulic Acid Key Facts
Rating: Best.
(Best / Excellent / Good / Average / Not Recommended)
Origin: can be natural or synthetic.
(Natural / Synthetic)
Vegan: Yes.
(Yes / No)
Functions: antioxidant, skin regeneration booster, skin collagen and elastin protector, anti-photoageing, anti-microbial and anti-fungal.
Suitability: all skin types.
What is Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-cancer properties. In term of chemical structure, ferulic acid consists of cinnamic acid and benzoic acid. Cinnamic acid is an effective UV absorber, particularly UVB. Benzoic acid is a substance known for its anti-microbial and anti-fungal activities.
Ferulic acid in skincare
Due to its anti-free radical activities, ferulic acid is used in various skincare products to help prevent environmental damage and slow down skin ageing.
The Skin Benefits of Ferulic Acid
1. Ferulic acid protects collagen, elastin and other skin components from degradation
A study by Medical University of Łódź in Poland suggested that ferulic acid accelerates skin regeneration and protects collagen, elastin, fibroblasts and other skin components from degradation.
2. Ferulic acid neutralises free radicals and prevents skin damage
Ferulic acid is a free radical scavenger and even better, it is also capable of inhibiting free radical generation. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage in the skin and trigger the signs of ageing to appear.
3. Ferulic acid helps prevent photoageing
Due to its ability to protect skin cells from UVB-induced skin damage, ferulic acid is one of the ideal antioxidants for a daytime skincare product.
4. Ferulic acid strengthens skin's defense against harmful microorganisms
Ferulic acid is known to have antimicrobial and anti-fungal activities which help protect the skin from harmful microorganisms.
Can all skin types benefit from ferulic acid?
Yes, all skin types can benefit from using ferulic acid skincare products. Choose ferulic acid skincare products which suit your skin type. If you have an oily skin, choose ferulic acid skincare products with a light, oil-free formula. If you have dry skin, choose ferulic acid skincare products with a rich, nourishing formula.
Can you use ferulic acid skincare products on sensitive skin?
Yes. Ferulic acid can work effectively in the formulas with ph level close to your skin's natural ph, which helps reduce the risk of skin irritation. However, always perform a patch test before using a new product on sensitive skin and avoid any product with ph lower than 4 or higher than 8. Ideally for sensitive skin, look for a product with ph level between 4 and 6. Previous studies suggest that skin's natural ph is between 5 and 6; while latest studies suggest that it is around 4.7.
Can you use ferulic acid skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes, ferulic acid skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always check and make sure that the other ingredients in the products are also safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is known to support and help stabilise other antioxidants, therefore look for skincare products which contain ferulic acid and other antioxidants such as resveratrol, 24 karat gold, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for even better results.
When is the best time to use ferulic acid skincare products?
Ferulic acid is not phototoxic; in fact, it helps protect skin from photoageing. You can use ferulic acid skincare products at anytime during the day and night as long as the other ingredients in the products are also not phototoxic.
Skincare Product With Ferulic Acid
Rose Royale Supreme Anti-Ageing Eye Cream with ferulic acid, 24 karat gold, resveratrol and vitamin E to help prevent and reduce all signs of ageing, dark circles, puffiness learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 84, 2004, Pages 1261–1269: Ferulic acid: pharmaceutical functions, preparation and applications in foods. Shiyi Ou (Department of Food Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China) and Kin-Chor Kwok (Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China). (2) Biotechnology Reports (Elsevier), Volume 4, December 2014, Pages 86-93: Potential applications of ferulic acid from natural sources. Naresh Kumar, Vikas Pruthi (Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India). (3) Food Chemistry (Elsevier), Volume 109, Issue 4, 15 August 2008, Pages 691-702: Chemistry, natural sources, dietary intake and pharmacokinetic properties of ferulic acid: A review. Zhaohui Zhao, Mohammed H. Moghadasian (4) Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2006 Oct;28(5):359-70.