From Protection to Perfection: The Many Benefits of Ferulic Acid

There are many buzzy ingredients in skincare, however, few have the scientific research to back up their claims. But one triumphant ingredient that is clinically proven to support your skin in numerous ways? Ferulic acid, a well-studied antioxidant that has impressive and notable benefits for your skin and body. Keep reading as we dive into the properties of ferulic acid, what it can do for your skin, and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What Is Ferulic Acid?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant naturally found in the leaves and seeds of many foods, including apples, artichokes, tomatoes, and pineapples (but also bran, which is interesting). Antioxidants are so beloved in skincare products because they fight free radicals, which sound fun — but are quite the opposite. Free radicals are unstable molecules, which are triggered by external factors, like excessive UV exposure and sunburn, pollution, cigarettes, and ultra-processed foods. When free radicals enter our skin, they begin cellular damage, which results in inflammation, rapid aging, sun spots, and more. Antioxidants are beneficial because they stop free radicals from cellular damage and death, preventing the chain reaction before the damage begins. (See? Little heroes.) And ferulic acid is a very documented and notable antioxidant. In one study, ferulic acid was called a “free radical scavenger” due to its ability to seek out and neutralize these dangerous atoms.

Not only is our dear friend ferulic acid a notable antioxidant, it also enhances the effectiveness and stability of other antioxidants it’s paired with, like vitamin C. Basically, it helps other ingredients work even better, boosting their efficacy. Think of it as the ultimate best friend for any other antioxidant it’s formulated with. 

What Does Ferulic Acid Do for Your Skin?

We know ferulic acid is a very good antioxidant, but what does that mean for your skin? Here are ferulic acid’s benefits for your skin. 

Improves Efficacy of Other Antioxidants

As mentioned above, ferulic acid boosts the effects and stability of other antioxidants. That means your skincare products work better and provide you with more impressive results. 

Shields Skin from Sun Damage 

In a 2018 study, ferulic acid was shown to shield skin from dangerous UV rays. When used with or before sunscreen (here’s the ideal time to apply sunscreen), ferulic acid actually raised the SPF level and inhibited photoaging and inflammation caused from these damaging rays.  

Reduces Inflammation (Aka Aging, Redness, and Acne)

A reduction of inflammation is mentioned a lot with ferulic acid — but what does that inflammation look like on the skin? Inflammation can mean acne, accelerated aging, redness, irritation, itchiness, hyperpigmentation, clogged pores, and sensitized skin. In the 2018 study mentioned above, ferulic acid was shown to reduce inflammation, meaning it can calm and potentially reduce the appearance of many of these skin issues and conditions.

Evens Skin Tone 

Ferulic acid is often found in brightening serums and for good reason. The antioxidant can brighten and even the skin by inhibiting melanin production, which is great because hyperpigmentation and dark spots are caused from an overproduction of melanin.

Best Ferulic Acid Products 

Ferulic acid can be found in many skincare products, but you’re likely to find it most often in brightening serums. This is because it can be paired with other antioxidants easily and in a more stable format, providing you with unparalleled results. Here is our favorite way to incorporate ferulic acid into our daily skincare routines. 

The Brightening Serum

A serum that addresses dullness, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, post acne marks, uneven skin, texture, and tone? Your skincare dreams are a reality thanks to The Brightening Serum. Skin is brighter and firmer in just a single week*, and elasticity is boosted with this clever formula, featuring 12-hour time-release vitamin C, Japanese plum, glutathione, and, of course, ferulic acid. 

Why time-release vitamin C? The continuously released antioxidant brightens and visibly evens tone while reducing the potential for irritation, which can occur easily with other formulas due to the sudden flood of active ingredients. The addition of the pro-glutathione antioxidant booster provides a superdose of antioxidants (13 times more antioxidant power than pure ascorbic acid*), while also supporting skin’s health with a unique and soothing blend of amino acids. And finally, vitamin C and glutathione’s best friend ferulic acid helps to support the antioxidant, while also addressing hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and sun damage. Immediately, skin feels more hydrated and radiant. After just one week, post-acne marks look less noticeable and skin feels softer and more supple.**

With so many skin-bettering benefits, ferulic acid is a worthy ingredient to incorporate into your daily routine. It certainly fits our goal of putting ‘care’ back into ‘skincare’ — and we hope you agree. 

**Based on in vitro testing of Ascorbic Acid vs. Pro-Glutathione Antioxidant Booster on oxidative stress.

**Based on a clinical study of 18 panelists.