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Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

Antioxidant booster from rice bran — ferulic acid itself protects against UV and free radicals, but its main superpower is to double the effectiveness of vitamins C and E. The standard for antioxidant formulas C+E+F.

AntioxidantC+E boosterPhotoprotectionPhenolic
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) — a hydroxycinnamic acid, naturally found in rice bran, oats, wheat bran, and apples. Its main role in plants is to protect cell walls from UV. In the skin: a powerful donor of H-atoms for neutralizing free radicals and photoprotection. Especially effective in combination with L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) — the classic SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic formula.

Antioxidant serums with vitamin C. Without FA, vitamin C is unstable in air and light; FA stabilizes and enhances its effect. Concentration of 0.5–1% in combination with 10–20% ascorbic acid.

Key Benefits

✦
Doubling the effectiveness of vitamins C and E
Landmark study by Pinnell et al. (2005): adding 0.5% ferulic acid to 15% ascorbic acid + 1% α-tocopherol doubles the photoprotective effect (from 4x to 8x). FA stabilizes ascorbic acid, preventing its oxidation. This synergy is the basis of the cult CE Ferulic SkinCeuticals.
◈
Own UV protection and antioxidant action
Ferulic acid absorbs UV radiation (λmax ~325 nm) — direct photoprotection. Neutralizes ROS (reactive oxygen species) and NO• — free radicals formed under UV exposure. Reduces levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 after UV irradiation, protecting collagen.
✧
Protection against carbonylation and glycation of collagen
Blocks the Maillard reaction (glycation) of collagen — one of the key mechanisms of age-related yellowing and skin stiffness. Reduces the accumulation of AGE (advanced glycation end products) in the dermis. The effect is complemented by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

Suitable for

Mature skinNormal skinSkin after sun exposure

Main Actions

✓ Enhancement of vitamins C and E✓ UV protection✓ Antioxidant protection
Why does FA stabilize vitamin C?

L-ascorbic acid is unstable — it oxidizes in air, forming dehydroascorbic acid (ineffective) and peroxides (irritating). Ferulic acid as a donor of H-atoms "captures" oxidized radicals, restoring ascorbate. Result: the C+E+F formula is several times more stable and effective than C or C+E without FA.

CategoryAntioxidants
Found in these products
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
From our blog
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ferulic Acid do for skin?
Antioxidant serums with vitamin C. Without FA, vitamin C is unstable in air and light; FA stabilizes and enhances its effect. Concentration of 0.5–1% in combination with 10–20% ascorbic acid.
Who should use Ferulic Acid?
Ferulic Acid is suitable for: Mature skin, Normal skin, Skin after sun exposure.
Are there any warnings about Ferulic Acid?
L-ascorbic acid is unstable — it oxidizes in air, forming dehydroascorbic acid (ineffective) and peroxides (irritating). Ferulic acid as a donor of H-atoms "captures" oxidized radicals, restoring ascorbate. Result: the C+E+F formula is several times more stable and effective than

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