Ferulic acid benefits in skincare

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Antioxidant and Photoprotective Benefits of Ferulic Acid in Skincare

Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant widely used in skincare for its ability to neutralize free radicals and protect skin from oxidative stress, especially that caused by UV radiation. It acts as a free radical scavenger, inhibits enzymes that generate free radicals, and enhances the activity of the skin’s own antioxidant enzymes. These properties help protect key skin structures such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin, which are essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Ferulic acid is also recognized for its role in delaying skin photoaging and providing photoprotection, making it a valuable ingredient in sunscreens and anti-aging products 12348.

Synergistic Effects with Other Antioxidants and Enhanced Stability

When combined with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, ferulic acid not only improves the stability of these vitamins but also significantly increases the skin’s protection against UV-induced damage. This combination has been shown to double the photoprotective effect, reducing sunburn, erythema, and DNA damage in the skin. The synergistic action of these antioxidants provides stronger defense against oxidative stress, photoaging, and potentially skin cancer 236.

Skin Brightening, Anti-Melanogenic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ferulic acid inhibits melanogenesis, the process responsible for melanin production, which leads to skin brightening and reduction of hyperpigmentation. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-erythema effects, helping to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. Studies have shown that ferulic acid peels and topical formulations can significantly improve skin hydration, reduce melanin levels, and decrease erythema, with effects that persist over time 1567.

Moisturizing and Skin Barrier Support

Ferulic acid supports the skin barrier by enhancing hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss. Both topical application and oral supplementation have been shown to improve skin moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, making it beneficial for maintaining healthy, resilient skin 510.

Technological Advances: Stability and Delivery in Skincare Formulations

One challenge with ferulic acid is its tendency to oxidize quickly, which can limit its effectiveness in skincare products. Recent advances, such as nanoencapsulation and pH optimization, have improved its stability and bioavailability in topical formulations. These technologies help maintain the potency of ferulic acid, ensure controlled release, and enhance its penetration into deeper skin layers, maximizing its skincare benefits 39.

Conclusion

Ferulic acid offers multiple benefits in skincare, including strong antioxidant protection, photoprotection, skin brightening, anti-inflammatory effects, and support for the skin barrier. Its effectiveness is further enhanced when combined with other antioxidants and stabilized using advanced formulation technologies. These properties make ferulic acid a valuable ingredient for protecting the skin from environmental damage, reducing signs of aging, and improving overall skin health 12345678+2 MORE.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application

Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties and is widely used in skin care formulations as a photoprotective agent, delayer of skin photoaging processes, and brightening component, but its use is limited by its tendency to rapidly oxidize.

Highly Cited

2018·

607citations

·Kamila Zduńska et al.

Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin.

Ferulic acid improves the stability of vitamins C and E and doubles their photoprotection, providing synergistic protection against oxidative stress in skin, potentially protecting against photoaging and skin cancer.

Highly Cited

2005·

291citations

·Fu-Hsiung Lin et al.

Ferulic Acid Activity in Topical Formulations: Technological and Scientific Prospecting.

Ferulic acid shows potential in topical formulations for treating skin disorders, with improved stability and bioavailability when combined with new technologies and methods.

Literature Review

2020·

23citations

·G. Cavalcanti et al.

Theoretical Study of Radical Inactivation, LOX Inhibition, and Iron Chelation: The Role of Ferulic Acid in Skin Protection against UVA Induced Oxidative Stress

Ferulic acid protects skin against UVA-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the lipoxygenase enzyme, a more relevant mechanism than iron chelation and direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2021·

20citations

·Ana D. Amic et al.

Ferulic acid – A novel topical agent in reducing signs of photoaging

A series of 14% ferulic acid peel treatments significantly improves skin hydration, melanin levels, and reduces erythema severity in people with skin photoaging symptoms.

Non-RCT

2022·

16citations

·Zduńska-Pęciak Kamila et al.

Effectiveness of a Complex Antioxidant Product Applied by Sonophoresis and Micro-Needle Mesotherapy

A combination of L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and phloretin applied by micro-needle mesotherapy and sonophoresis significantly reduced erythema and improved skin hydration, with visible anti-aging effects.

2024·

0citations

·Anna Jaros-Sajda et al.

Ferulic Acid, A Component of Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract Induces Anti‐Melanogenic and Anti‐Oxidative Effects

Ferulic acid from Angelica tenuissima root extract has anti-melanogenic and anti-oxidative properties, suggesting potential use in cosmeceutical skincare products.

2019·

0citations

·H. Koo et al.

Antioxidant potential of ferulic acid.

Ferulic acid, found in seeds and leaves, has potent antioxidant potential, preserving cell integrity and protecting against inflammatory diseases, as well as serving in various industrial applications.

Highly Cited

1992·

1028citations

·E. Graf

Stabilization of ferulic acid in topical gel formulation via nanoencapsulation and pH optimization

Nanoencapsulation and low pH in hydrogel formulations with ferulic acid improve product appearance and chemical stability, making it a promising commercialization option for skin care products.

Rigorous Journal

2020·

59citations

·Surajit Das et al.

Beneficial effects of oral supplementation with ferulic acid, a plant phenolic compound, on the human skin barrier in healthy men.

Ferulic acid supplementation reduces sympathetic nervous activity and strengthens the skin barrier function in healthy men.

RCT

2021·

5citations

·A. Suzuki et al.

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