What is Ferulic Acid & What Does It Do For Your Skin?

Anyone who focuses on their skincare routine is aware that antioxidants are man’s best friend for our skin. Antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, and E are well-known to prevent aging signs. Meanwhile, a lesser-known antioxidant, ferulic acid, has been found in recent years to work along these other antioxidants and further prevent aging and loss of skin elasticity.

Just when you thought you knew everything there is to know about skincare, another key ingredient is found to assist in your routine. With the skincare industry evolving by the day, it’s difficult to keep up and maintain the best routine possible. So, what exactly is this ingredient and why is it so important if few know about its benefits?

What is Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid belongs to a group of chemicals called hydroxycinnamic acids. These compounds are highly abundant in foods and provide numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, and anti-carcinogenic.

A versatile antioxidant, ferulic acid is often found in several different foods, such as:

• Bran
• Oats
• Peanuts
• Apples
• Citrus
• Eggplants
• Rice

Not only is this antioxidant a staple in different food groups, but it is also found in food and sports supplements. When taken as a sport supplement, ferulic acid is meant to help alleviate muscle fatigue after workouts and strenuous activities.

Even today, the benefits of ferulic acid on our health and skincare routines are still being discovered. From food preservation to pharmaceutical medications, the possibilities seem endless. Researchers are also examining ferulic acid's potential benefits for treating cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disorders.

It is key to note that when taken in supplement form, they don’t tend to have the same potency towards skin health when compared to applying serums that contain ferulic acid. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve with this helpful antioxidant, there are multiple advantages that will leave no one feeling left out or disappointed.

Now that you’ve received the intro crash course on ferulic acid, how does it fit into the skincare industry and what role does it play?

Benefits of Ferulic Acid in Skincare

Found in the cell wall of plants, ferulic acid’s primary purpose in skincare is to work against free radicals that attack our skin cells and work to rejuvenate the skin. By working alongside other antioxidants and supporting them to boost their effects, skin stabilization and strengthening is more likely to occur than not using products containing ferulic acid.

Ferulic acid is commonly found in facial serums and creams. When it is combined with other antioxidants such as Vitamin A and E, it forces the ingredients to last longer, its effects increasing in duration to combat free radicals that damage our skin.

Aside from the well-known effects ferulic acid has in combatting free agents and preventing future creation of enzymes, it has also been found to increase the effectiveness of micro-needling products, which have gotten more popular in skincare in recent years. This cosmetic procedure, which can be done at home or professionally in the office, involves tiny, sterilized needles being injected into the skin, stimulating collagen and elastic production in the skin. Our at-home micro dart patches are a simple step to avoid leaving the comfort of your home and experiencing this solution for yourself.

The compatibility of ferulic acid in skincare is perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the antioxidant. When mixed with Vitamin B and niacinamide, this results in smoother skin. When applied with retinol products, your skin will appear brighter and have a more even tone.

An antioxidant that works particularly well with ferulic acid is Vitamin C. Ferluc acid helps to promote the increase of photoprotection from Vitamin C’s ability to minimize skin damage. Vitamin C, while highly recommended and found in a majority of anti-aging skincare products, doesn’t work well by itself as opposed to when combined with ferulic acid.

When applied solo, it can degrade quickly when exposed to direct sunlight. This is often times why you will find Vitamin C products in opaque or amber-colored bottles rather than transparent ones.

As this ingredient is no stranger to adaptability, it can be incorporated into an AM or PM skincare routine. When used in the AM, it will allow antioxidants in the skin to have an even greater advantage to combat environmental factors throughout your daily activities. If applied in the PM before you go to bed, the remnants of topical antioxidant products will help to kickstart your AM routine even further, leaving you more prepared to take on external agents.

Side Effects of Ferulic Acid on the Skin 

While ferulic acid remains compatible in many areas, each user should still take precautions when applying products with this ingredient. This is typically recommended when trying any new types of products or ingredients, as everyone’s skin may react differently.

For some users, applying ferulic acid products to the skin may not benefit those with overly sensitive skin, at least in the beginning. Similar to retinol products, your skin may need to get used to the product before you keep using it regularly and consistently in your skincare routine.

Some negative effects found from using ferulic acid in topical serums/creams are:

• Allergic reactions (to oats, bran, etc.)
• Redness
• Rashes
• Hives
• Itchiness
• Skin peeling

conclusion : What does ferulic acid do?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant that increases the effectiveness of other antioxidants.
It helps to maintain overall skin integrity by minimizing the formation of fine lines, spots, and wrinkles when utilized in skin care products.

Despite some of these concerns, you should always use caution when sampling new products and the benefits outweigh the negative effects of ferulic acid. As we go about our skincare routines, researchers are constantly searching for new ingredients that work well on their own as well as with others so that our skin only keeps getting the best products available in the skincare industry to not only keep our skin safe and healthy, but to keep fighting against those pesky free radicals.