What is Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid organic compound found abundantly in plant cell walls including bran, oats, apple seeds and rice. Ferulic acid has gained tremendous attention in the skincare industry due to its powerful antioxidant ability to neutralize free radicals. It is also a great partner active chemical as it helps boost the effects of vitamin A,C and E.

What are the skincare benefits of Ferulic Acid?

- Ferulic Acid offers UV Radiation Protection

Ferulic acid interrupts UV-induced (sun) peroxidative chain reactions in phospholipid membranes. This has a remarkable impact on protecting the integrity of your skin cells thereby maintaining skin cell structures and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

- Ferulic Acid Decreases Dark Marks, Acne Spots and Hyper Pigmentation

The structure of ferulic acid is similar to tyrosine which is known to inhibit melanin formation through competitive inhibition with tyrosine. This inhibitory function on the production of melanin is the key skin brightening property of ferulic acid.

- Ferulic Acid Improves wound Healing

Ferulic acid accelerates the regeneration and healing of wounds through its anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessel) properties. In skincare ferulic acid can aid in faster healing of surface level fresh acne scars and marks. It has a preventative effect were it stops a dark mark from forming or getting darker.

- Ferulic Acid Reduces oxidative damage

Oxidative damage caused by uv light from the sun and environmental pollutants can cause inflammation in the skin, which leads to inflammation, uneven skin tones and breakouts. The super powerful antioxidant properties of ferulic acid work as a scavenger and hunts down free radicals that cause serious damage to your skin.

- Vitamin Boosting Effect of Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid works synergistically to boost the effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Ferulic acid provide a protective and stabilizing function that increases the potency of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The combination of vitamin C and Ferulic acid has an almost 100% increased potency on fading and preventing dark marks and pigmentation.

What are the side effects of Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is naturally found in most cereal grains and has very low to no side effects. It is well tolerated on a topical level however any antioxidant can cause mild irritation. Always patch test your skincare products before use.

How to use Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is found in day and night creams. It is best use in water soluble products that allow for deep penetration of the skin.  Use ferulic acid products at least 15 minutues before going out in the sun for maximum protection.

Ferulic Acid Products available in South Africa

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic

Lamelle Correctives Brighter Serum

The Ordinary Resveratrol and Ferulic

Vitamin CEF 20 Serum by Skinhype