Plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid. Standalone antioxidant that enhances and stabilizes vitamins C and E in cosmetic formulas.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Main data from in vitro and animal models. Clinically relevant role is stabilizing L-ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol: the C+E+ferulic acid combination doubles photoprotective properties compared to C+E alone. Standalone clinical trials of ferulic acid are scarce.
Ferulic acid is a plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid. Obtained from rice and oat bran, pineapple pomace. In plants it protects tissues from UV damage and pathogens. Mechanism. Standalone antioxidant – scavenges hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. Combined with vitamins C and E it amplifies their action and stabilizes them from oxidation: the classic SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic blend (Lin 2005) – 15% L-ascorbic acid + 1% alpha-tocopherol + 0.5% ferulic acid increases photoprotection 8-fold versus each ingredient alone. Where applied. Antioxidant serums and creams (0.5-1%), brightening products, vitamin C formulas. In Spain – SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, Mesoestetic AOX Ferulic, Sesderma C-Vit Ferulic. Evidence base. Lin 2005 (J Invest Dermatol) showed the C+E+ferulic combination reduces thymine dimer formation and pigmentation after UV by 96%. Murray 2008 in 10 patients: 2-fold increase in antiradical defense with daily 12-week use. Safety. CIR/SCCS confirm safety. Irritation is rare. Non-comedogenic. Some sensitive-skin patients may experience contact reactions (MEDIUM allergic risk on our scale – more often at concentrations above 1% and in ethanol formulas). Pregnancy – data are scarce (UNKNOWN). Lactation – safe. Use in pregnancy at cosmetic concentrations is considered acceptable, but no direct SEGO consensus. Pregnancy-safe alternatives: niacinamide, adenosine, ascorbyl glucoside.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
UnknownSuitable for
Works well with
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)L-Аскорбиновая кислота (витамин C)
Ferulic acid stabilizes vitamin C and doubles the formula's photoprotective properties. They work as a single antioxidant network.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Токоферол (витамин E)
In the C + E + ferulic trio, ferulic acid traps free radicals that C and E don't catch alone. This triad is the gold standard of daytime antioxidant care.
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Safety data for Ferulic Acid during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
Ferulic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, sensitive.
Plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid.
The INCI name is Ferulic Acid. It may also appear as: Феруловая кислота, феруловая кислота, ферулорая кислота.
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