SKINLUMIS
← Skinlumis Library

Ferulic Acid

INCI: Ferulic Acid
Also known as: 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic Acid
AntioxidantsantioxidantbotanicalStrong evidencePregnancy safe
88
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
1/5
Best applied
AM
Effective range
0.5%–1%
How It Works

A plant-derived phenolic acid that stabilises and amplifies Vitamin C and E, the third leg of the famous C+E+F antioxidant stack.

Donates phenolic hydrogen to quench ROS; lowers the redox potential of LAA, preventing its oxidation and doubling photoprotection.

pH Range
3.0–4.0
Benefits
  • Stabilises antioxidants
  • Doubles photoprotection
  • Brightens
  • Anti-glycation
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingPigmentationOxidative stress
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
3/10

Apply early in routine, toner/essence step.

Max Safe Concentration
1%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round; non-negotiable in summer.

Nutrition Connection

Bran, rice bran, citrus peels, coffee.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Pairs only with LAA at low pH, incompatible with derivatives in neutral pH formulas.

Notable Research
  • Lin et al. 2005, adding ferulic to 15% C + 1% E doubled UV photoprotection
Clinical Evidence

The research behind Ferulic Acid.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial
Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.
Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Vitamin C showed comparable efficacy to hydroquinone for melasma treatment.
Espinal-Perez LE, Moncada B, Castanedo-Cazares JP
International Journal of Dermatology, 2004
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 35%.
Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Azelaic acid comparable to hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation with superior safety across all Fitzpatrick types.
Balina LM, Graupe K
International Journal of Dermatology, 1991
View Study →
Pairs Well With
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)Vitamin E (Tocopherol)Resveratrol
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

Sign up to see how Ferulic Acid fits your skin archetype and personalised protocol.

The science behind Ferulic Acid

1 study from the Intelligence Vault that discuss Ferulic Acid.

Browse the Vault →