Illuminated complexion, reduced pigment spots, plumped wrinkles… All thanks to a single active ingredient: ferulic acid. Focus on this powerful antioxidant for the health and beauty of our skin. Ferulic acid is an organic acid of plant origin taking its name from “ferula”, a group of herbaceous plants from the Apiaceae family. This active ingredient, derived from cinnamic acid, is particularly known for its powerful antioxidant properties. If the body does not produce it naturally – unlike hyaluronic acid – this polyphenol is found in many cereals such as oats or rye, in the bark of certain trees such as pine, in coffee, nuts or even in certain fruits. Prized for its health benefits, ferulic acid is increasingly used in the cosmetic sector. And it is alongside Prudvi Kaka, Scientific Director of DECIEM (The Ordinary) that we take stock of this ingredient with certain virtues for the skin. What are the benefits of ferulic acid? Still little recognized for its topical use in beauty, ferulic acid nevertheless works for the youthfulness of the skin and is on the way to becoming the star active ingredient in anti-aging creams and serums. Focus on its virtues. Antioxidant Ferulic acid helps fight against oxidative stress caused by external aggressions such as pollution for example. Thus, it prevents premature aging of epidermis cells and reduces the appearance of signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, thanks in particular to its plumping action. Ultimately, the quality of the skin is visibly improved. Photoprotector Ferulic acid, “as a protoprotective agent, also has the advantage of slowing down the process of skin photoaging,” indicates the expert. In other words, it opposes premature aging of the skin caused by overexposure to UV rays. Be careful though, it does not replace sunscreen. Lightening As a lightening agent, ferulic acid helps regulate the production and distribution of melanin at the origin of pigmentary irregularities. In addition, it helps to reduce pigmentation spots. Furthermore, the complexion is more radiant. Read also: I have a spot on my skin, what should I do? How to introduce ferulic acid into your facial care routine? How to choose your treatment? First of all, you should know that the antioxidant ferulic acid is rarely found alone in cosmetics. Indeed, “it is often mixed with other active ingredients in order to reinforce their effectiveness,” explains the pro. It is then necessary to choose your treatment carefully “taking into account the skin problem that you wish to target”, indicates the expert. And for good reason: “if you are looking for a lightening effect for the skin, a product combining ferulic acid with vitamin C may be suitable for you,” he adds. On the other hand, if you want a product to stimulate antioxidant activity as a whole in order to obtain longer-term skin benefits, you can opt for a treatment combining ferulic acid and resveratrol (like at The Ordinary)”, another natural antioxidant found particularly in grapes. For who ? If it is recommended for mature skin, “ferulic acid, thanks to its antioxidant support, can be used by everyone in the skincare routine,” indicates the expert. How to use it ? Before introducing new ingredients into your skincare routine, it is important to perform a skin test to ensure there are no adverse effects. It is therefore the same with ferulic acid. Once this step has been validated, it is possible to integrate your treatment – serum or cream – into your daily life, whether in the morning or evening. “There is no conflict between the application of this ingredient and exposure to the sun,” specifies the pro. However, we must pay attention to the active ingredients with which it is associated: if vitamin C does not represent any known danger, it becomes unstable and loses its virtues when exposed to the sun. Moreover, the expert takes the opportunity to remind “the need to apply sun protection daily in any skincare routine in order to protect the skin from harmful UV rays”. If in doubt, always refer to the product label or ask your dermatologist. Read also: Day cream with sun protection, the minimum to save your skin Does ferulic acid have any adverse effects? Ferulic acid has no contraindications strictly speaking. However, “it's important to be aware of ingredient conflicts in your skincare routine,” says the expert. Yes, there are cosmetic active ingredients that should never be mixed. For example, “The Ordinary Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% treatment and peptides should not be used together. This conflict is not due to any sensitivity but comes from the fact that ferulic acid can impact the integrity of the peptides, making them ineffective for the skin,” explains the expert. Furthermore, “ferulic acid should also not be used with direct acids in the same routine, as the acids can render the antioxidant support of ferulic acid ineffective, due to pH variations.” The best treatments with ferulic acid
Ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant for the skin
