Science & Skincare

Ferulic Acid was at the height of its popularity back in 2020 (i.e the year that no one will talk about again). However, many people missed that boat, and it has all the promise of making a comeback this year.

So, lets find out some fast facts and determine whether it’s worth your investment.

I’ve decided, based on your feedback, to change up some of the variables that I will look at for each ingredient. The new format will include; Type of Ingredient, Benefits, Side Effects and How Often Can You Use It.

Let me know if you like this format better!

What type of ingredient is Ferulic acid?

It’s an antioxidant.

Another name for Ferulic acid is hydroxycinnamic acid, and like many skincare ingredients its a powerful antioxidant.

They are so beloved in skincare because they act as a sort of brake for the ageing process. This because it neutralises free-radical damage from pollution, ultraviolet light, or infrared radiation. All of these are key factors in accelerating the ageing process.

Benefits of Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid’s benefits in skincare are very much centred on it’s antioxidant properties. So, this will include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Reducing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles
• Decreasing the formation of brown spots

Another interesting benefit of this acid, is that it is thought to stop melanin formation through competitive inhibition with tyrosine. This means it can be used to treat melasma, potential reducing pigmentation.

Side effects

There doesn’t seem to be very many side effects for Ferulic acid. However, if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema, you may experience some irritation.

In these instances, you may want to do a patch test behind your ear.

How often can you use it?

This is really dependant on the concentration of the product and your skin’s sensitivity.

As a general rule, apply two to three drops of a ferulic acid serum or cream to clean, dry skin every morning. Try to separate its use from exfoliating acids. Follow with a moisturiser and sunscreen.

Product recommendations

Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% The Ordinary

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• fragrance-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• oil-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream Dr Dennis Gross

• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• oil-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum Alpha H

• fragrance-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe

360 Protective Eye Serum Ernest Supplies

• silicon-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

Vitamin B Alpha H

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• fragrance-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• oil-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

References

Kumar, N., & Pruthi, V. (2014). Potential applications of ferulic acid from natural sources. Biotechnology Reports, 4, 86-93.

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