Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

INCI name Ferulic Acid
Function Antioxidant
Pregnancy Suitable
UV sensitivity Not photosensitising

A plant antioxidant found in rice bran, oats and many seeds — best known in skincare as the third ingredient in the classic vitamin C–E–ferulic pairing.

How it works

Ferulic acid neutralises several radical species itself, and research associates it with stabilising vitamins C and E — extending both their shelf life in the bottle and their working life on skin. Studies of the trio together associate it with roughly doubled photoprotection compared to vitamin C alone.

Tolerability

Well tolerated at cosmetic levels, with no photosensitising effect.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

No established concerns at topical cosmetic levels; conventionally considered suitable.