Loved

Ferulic Acid

Explained

Ferulic Acid is a plant based antioxidant that can be naturally found in the cell walls of grains like rice, oats, and corn. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and has the ability to boost the performance of other antioxidants as well.

A well-known study found that adding Ferulic Acid to a solution of Vitamins C and E doubled the photoprotection of skin. This is why you'll often see it paired with Vitamin C or Vitamin E serums rather than sold on its own.

A 2025 review of 18 human studies found that using Ferulic Acid (0.5-1%) daily for one to three months showed improvements in:

  • Redness
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Hydration
  • Elasticity
  • Skin texture

As far as allergies go, Ferulic acid is generally well-tolerated but can cause an allergic reaction in very rare cases. It's also worth noting that Ferulic acid is often extracted from plant sources like rice bran or wheat bran, so be sure to path test if you have known grain allergies.

Outside of skincare, researchers are also looking into Ferulic Acid for its potential benefits in areas like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart health.

See all 948 products with Ferulic Acid

Users who like it
97%
Users who avoid it
3%

What it does

Antimicrobial Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms
Antioxidant A substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one, such as vitamin e, vitamin c, or beta carotene, that protects cellsfrom the sometimes damaging effects of oxidation.

Prevalence

Less common Percentage of products that contain it
0.7%
Top categories
Treatments
Moisturizers
Cleansers
Position Predominant list placement
Top 50%
Concentration Concentrations we've seen
0% to 2%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 33935
INCI Name FERULIC ACID
EC #  214-490-0
All Functions Antimicrobial, Antioxidant