Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in the cell walls of plants such as rice bran, oats, apples, and coffee. It is widely used in skincare for its ability to neutralize free radicals, protect against environmental damage, and enhance the effectiveness of other antioxidants.

One of ferulic acid’s key benefits is its ability to stabilize and boost the potency of vitamins C and E, making it a common ingredient in antioxidant serums. By preventing oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and pollution, it helps reduce signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Ferulic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe the skin and reduce redness.

Due to its photoprotective qualities, ferulic acid is often included in daytime skincare formulations to provide an added layer of defense against sun damage. It is commonly found in serums, creams, and anti-aging treatments, particularly those focused on brightening and skin repair.

Gentle yet highly effective, ferulic acid is suitable for most skin types and works well in combination with other antioxidants to promote a healthier, more radiant complexion. With consistent use, it helps improve skin tone, texture, and overall resilience against environmental stressors.

Ferulic acid (Wikipedia)

Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative and a phenolic compound. It is an organic compound with the formula (CH₃O)HOC₆H₃CH=CHCO₂H. The name is derived from the genus Ferula, referring to the giant fennel (Ferula communis). Classified as a phenolic phytochemical, ferulic acid is an amber colored solid. Esters of ferulic acid are found in plant cell walls, covalently bonded to hemicellulose such as arabinoxylans. Salts and esters derived from ferulic acid are called ferulates.

Ferulic acid

Names
Preferred IUPAC name (2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Other names 2-propenoic acid, 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)- ferulic acid 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid 3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid (2E)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid Coniferic acid trans-ferulic acid (E)-ferulic acid
Identifiers
CAS Number	537-98-4 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChEBI	CHEBI:17620 Y
ChEMBL	ChEMBL32749 Y
ChemSpider	393368 Y
DrugBank	DB07767 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.007.892
PubChem CID	445858
UNII	AVM951ZWST Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID70892035 DTXSID5040673, DTXSID70892035
InChI InChI=1S/C10H10O4/c1-14-9-6-7(2-4-8(9)11)3-5-10(12)13/h2-6,11H,1H3,(H,12,13)/b5-3+ Y Key: KSEBMYQBYZTDHS-HWKANZROSA-N Y InChI=1/C10H10O4/c1-14-9-6-7(2-4-8(9)11)3-5-10(12)13/h2-6,11H,1H3,(H,12,13)/b5-3+ Key: KSEBMYQBYZTDHS-HWKANZROBE
SMILES COc1cc(ccc1O)/C=C/C(=O)O
Properties
Chemical formula	C10H10O4
Molar mass	194.186 g·mol−1
Appearance	Crystalline powder
Melting point	168 to 172 °C (334 to 342 °F; 441 to 445 K)
Solubility in water	0.78 g/L
Acidity (pKa)	4.61
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	2 1 0
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references