Ferulic Acid
A plant-derived antioxidant found in rice bran, oats, and coffee beans that dramatically enhances the stability and photoprotective effects of vitamins C and E. The landmark 2005 study by Pinnell et al. showed that adding 0.5% ferulic acid to a vitamin C + E formulation doubled the photoprotection from SPF 4 to SPF 8 equivalent and improved the stability of vitamin C by 8x. This is why the 'CEF' combination is the most popular antioxidant serum format.
Concentration & Usage
Typically used at 0.5-1% in combination with vitamin C (15-20%) and vitamin E (1%). The Pinnell formulation (15% L-AA + 1% alpha-tocopherol + 0.5% ferulic acid at pH 3.0-3.5) is the standard. Apply in the morning under sunscreen.
Application
Topical (serum, usually in combination with vitamins C and E). Apply in the morning.
Shop Ferulic Acid
99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid that scavenges free radicals (superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl) through its phenolic ring structure and conjugated double-bond system. When combined with vitamins C and E, it creates a synergistic antioxidant network: ferulic acid stabilizes L-ascorbic acid by preventing oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid, while the three compounds regenerate each other via redox cycling after neutralizing free radicals—extending the antioxidant capacity of the formulation. Ferulic acid absorbs UV light in the 290–330 nm range, providing direct photoprotection and reducing UV-induced DNA damage. It inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1, interstitial collagenase) expression, preventing UV-triggered collagen degradation. It also downregulates AP-1 and NF-κB signaling, reducing inflammatory mediators and UV-induced erythema. The landmark Pinnell formulation (15% L-AA + 1% alpha-tocopherol + 0.5% ferulic acid at pH 3.0–3.5) demonstrates these synergistic effects clinically.
Ingredient Interactions
Ferulic acid stabilizes L-ascorbic acid and doubles the photoprotective effect of C+E. The landmark 2005 Duke study showed this trio reduces UV-induced damage by ~8x versus unprotected skin.
Ferulic acid boosts the stability and efficacy of vitamin E. Best used together with vitamin C for the complete antioxidant network.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. The SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic formulation is patented.
Risks & Safety
Common
May contribute to slight stinging when combined with low-pH vitamin C serums.
Serious
None.
Rare
Contact allergy.
Compare Ferulic Acid With
Research Papers
10Published: May 20, 2021
AI Summary
It has proven antioxidant and anti- inflammatory activities, among others, which are mainly ascribed to its molecular structure. The main factor that can lead to serious skin damages like inflammation, dryness, wrinkles, and cancer is the exposure to UV radiation that is responsible for an increased level of radical oxygen species.
Published: July 8, 2022
AI Summary
The objective evaluation showed statistically significant improvement in all measured skin parameters p < 0.05). At the control, untreated point none of the probes showed statistically significant changes.
Published: October 27, 2005
AI Summary
Inhibition of apoptosis was associated with reduced induction of caspase-3 and caspase-7. This antioxidant formulation efficiently reduced thymine dimer formation.
Published: July 22, 2020
AI Summary
DSC and XRD results indicated that ferulic acid was completely dissolved in the lipid matrix of the nanocapsules and remained in amorphous form. Furthermore, the permeation result suggests that ferulic acid may penetrate into deep skin layers and at the same time avoid systemic circulation.
Published: July 11, 2023
AI Summary
Our results, as demonstrated through Franz-cell experiments, indicate that the LBNs produced with poloxamer 188 in their composition create a multilamellar system. Analyses suggest that treatment with TFs composed of poloxamer 188 and MAD formulations might protect against structural skin damage (as observed in hematoxylin/eosin staining) and th...
Published: November 24, 2024
AI Summary
IL-10 levels significantly increased compared to the diseased group, and MMP-9 levels were remarkably decreased compared to the diseased group. Conclusions: Thus, these findings indicate that FA-loaded nanoemulgel greatly accelerates the healing of wounds in diabetic rats.
Published: March 22, 2025
AI Summary
Among the air pollutants, UV radiation and particulate matter (PM) have been found among the most aggressive in terms of skin damage, inducing oxinflammatory responses, promoting degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and compromising the cutaneous defensive barrier.
Published: January 19, 2024
AI Summary
The emulsions had high thermal, ionic and oxidative stability. With the aid of moisturizing polysaccharides and DAG oil, the emulsions had a good sustained-release ability for FA with deeper penetration and retention into the dermis of the skin.
Published: April 4, 2020
AI Summary
Solubility and stability studies have revealed higher solubility of the cocrystals with NA and INA than the parent active and greater stability of FA in formulations that contained the cocrystals with INA and urea than the corresponding formulations containing physical mixtures or parent active.
Published: September 13, 2015
AI Summary
The polymers' chemical structures and physical properties were shown to influence ferulic acid release rates and antioxidant activity. In all polymers, ferulic acid release was achieved with no bioactive decomposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ferulic Acid used for?
A plant-derived antioxidant found in rice bran, oats, and coffee beans that dramatically enhances the stability and photoprotective effects of vitamins C and E. The landmark 2005 study by Pinnell et al. showed that adding 0.5% ferulic acid to a vitamin C + E formulation doubled the photoprotection from SPF 4 to SPF 8 equivalent and improved the stability of vitamin C by 8x. This is why the 'CEF' combination is the most popular antioxidant serum format.
What are the side effects of Ferulic Acid?
Common: May contribute to slight stinging when combined with low-pH vitamin C serums. Serious: None. Rare: Contact allergy.
How is Ferulic Acid administered?
Ferulic Acid is administered via topical (serum, usually in combination with vitamins c and e). apply in the morning..
Related Nootropics
Adapalene
A third-generation synthetic retinoid originally developed for acne that has significant anti-aging benefits. Adapalene is more stable than tretinoin (resistant to light and oxygen degradation) and better tolerated because it selectively binds to RAR-beta and RAR-gamma receptors rather than all three subtypes. The 0.1% concentration became available OTC in 2016 (Differin), making it the most accessible prescription-strength retinoid.
Adapalene
A third-generation synthetic retinoid specifically designed for acne treatment. Unlike tretinoin, adapalene selectively binds RAR-beta and RAR-gamma receptors in the skin, providing potent comedolytic and anti-inflammatory effects with significantly less irritation. It is also more stable in light and with benzoyl peroxide. Differin (0.1%) became OTC in 2016 — the first retinoid available without prescription in the US.
Argan Oil
A luxury oil from the Argania spinosa tree native to Morocco, rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and squalene. Argan oil provides excellent moisturization, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has a favorable comedogenic rating for an oil and is absorbed relatively quickly. Used for face, hair, and body. Cold-pressed, unrefined oil retains the most bioactives.
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3)
Known as 'topical Botox,' Argireline is a peptide that reduces the appearance of expression lines by partially inhibiting the SNARE complex — the same mechanism targeted by botulinum toxin, but through topical application rather than injection. The effect is much milder than Botox (roughly 30% wrinkle reduction vs 80%+) but provides a non-invasive option for forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia seeds that provides retinol-like benefits without retinoid chemistry. Bakuchiol does not bind to retinoic acid receptors — it achieves similar gene expression changes through a completely different mechanism, making it safe during pregnancy and for skin too sensitive for any retinoid. Clinical studies show comparable improvements in wrinkles and pigmentation to 0.5% retinol.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia seeds that has been clinically shown to provide retinol-like anti-aging effects without retinoid side effects. A 2019 British Journal of Dermatology study directly compared bakuchiol to retinol and found comparable improvement in fine lines, pigmentation, and photodamage — but with significantly less scaling and stinging. It is the most evidence-backed 'retinol alternative' for those who cannot tolerate retinoids.