Ferulic Acid is a high-performance plant-derived phenolic antioxidant widely used in advanced cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is valued for its antioxidant properties and its ability to complement other antioxidant ingredients in modern skincare systems.

Ferulic Acid is particularly popular in Vitamin C and Vitamin E formulations, where it can be incorporated into antioxidant serums and other premium skincare products. It is also used in formulations focused on radiance, environmental-stress protection and maintaining a healthy-looking complexion.

With its versatile antioxidant profile, Ferulic Acid is a valuable cosmetic raw material for formulators developing facial serums, brightening products, antioxidant creams, lotions, masks and advanced daily skincare products.

INCI Name

Ferulic Acid

Chemical Name

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid

CAS Number

1135-24-6

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₀O₄

Molecular Weight

194.18 g/mol

Ingredient Type

Antioxidant / Skin-Conditioning Active / Cosmetic Active Ingredient

Physical Form

White to off-white crystalline powder
Appearance may vary slightly according to grade and supplier specifications.

Key Benefits

• Provides strong antioxidant functionality
• Helps protect cosmetic formulations from oxidative stress
• Supports healthier-looking and more radiant skin
• Helps improve the appearance of dull-looking skin
• Suitable for advanced brightening formulations
• Excellent ingredient for antioxidant skincare systems
• Commonly combined with Vitamin C and Vitamin E
• Supports premium anti-pollution and environmental-stress skincare concepts
• Suitable for facial serums, creams, lotions and masks
• Useful for modern daily skincare formulations
• Can contribute to formulation stability when appropriately formulated
• Suitable for professional cosmetic formulation development

Why Ferulic Acid Is Popular in Skincare

Ferulic Acid is especially valued by cosmetic formulators because it can work as part of a multi-antioxidant system.

It is frequently incorporated into formulations containing Vitamin C derivatives, L-Ascorbic Acid and Vitamin E, allowing formulators to create sophisticated antioxidant skincare products.

It is therefore commonly found in premium:

• Vitamin C Serums
• Antioxidant Serums
• Brightening Serums
• Facial Treatments
• Anti-Dullness Products
• Daily Protective Skincare
• Advanced Skin-Care Formulations

Cosmetic Applications

Facial Care

• Vitamin C Serums
• Antioxidant Serums
• Brightening Serums
• Facial Creams
• Face Lotions
• Gel Creams
• Facial Gels
• Skin Treatment Products
• Daily Moisturizers
• Facial Masks

Advanced Skincare

Ferulic Acid can be used in formulations designed around:

• Antioxidant protection
• Skin radiance
• Bright-looking skin
• Even-looking complexion
• Environmental-stress skincare
• Vitamin C-based skincare
• Premium daily facial care

Body Care

• Body Lotions
• Body Creams
• Hand Creams
• Antioxidant Body Products
• Radiance-Focused Body Care

Suitable Product Types

• Vitamin C Serum
• Ferulic Acid Serum
• Antioxidant Serum
• Brightening Serum
• Facial Serum
• Face Cream
• Moisturizing Cream
• Brightening Cream
• Facial Lotion
• Gel Cream
• Face Mask
• Eye-Care Products
• Body Lotion
• Hand Cream
• Advanced Cosmetic Treatments

Antioxidant Formulation Benefits

1. Antioxidant Support

Ferulic Acid provides antioxidant functionality and can be incorporated into formulations designed to help combat oxidative processes affecting cosmetic formulations and skin appearance.

2. Vitamin C Formulation Support

Ferulic Acid is widely used alongside Vitamin C ingredients in advanced antioxidant skincare systems.

It can be paired with:

• L-Ascorbic Acid
• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
• Other Vitamin C Derivatives

Compatibility and stability must always be assessed for the specific formulation.

3. Vitamin E Combination

Ferulic Acid is also commonly combined with Vitamin E / Tocopherol to create multi-antioxidant skincare systems.

4. Radiance & Brightening Formulations

It is frequently selected for products targeting the appearance of:

• Dull Skin
• Uneven-Looking Skin
• Lack of Radiance
• Tired-Looking Complexion

Recommended Usage

A commonly used cosmetic formulation range is approximately:

0.1% – 1.0%

The exact concentration should be determined according to the supplier’s technical documentation, formulation type, solubility, processing method and desired performance.

Solubility & Formulation Considerations

Ferulic Acid has limited water solubility, so appropriate formulation techniques may be required to incorporate it effectively.

Depending on the formulation system, formulators may consider:

• Suitable solvents
• Co-solvents
• Solubilizers
• Emulsion systems
• Appropriate pH adjustment
• Controlled processing temperature
• Combination with compatible antioxidant systems

The final formulation should be evaluated for:

• Solubility
• Crystal formation
• Colour
• pH
• Stability
• Compatibility
• Long-term appearance

How to Use

1. Accurately weigh the required amount of Ferulic Acid.
2. Pre-dissolve it in a suitable solvent or formulation phase according to the formulation design.
3. Use controlled heating only when appropriate for the complete formulation.
4. Mix until uniform incorporation is achieved.
5. Add the prepared solution to the appropriate formulation phase.
6. Check final pH and appearance.
7. Evaluate for precipitation or crystallization.
8. Conduct accelerated and long-term stability testing before commercial production.

Formulation Compatibility

Ferulic Acid can be considered for use alongside:

• Vitamin C
• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
• Vitamin E
• Tocopherol
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Panthenol
• Alpha Arbutin
• Botanical Extracts
• Glycerin
• Humectants
• Other Antioxidants

Product Information

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Ferulic Acid
INCI Name	Ferulic Acid
Chemical Name	4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
CAS No.	1135-24-6
Molecular Formula	C₁₀H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight	194.18 g/mol
Ingredient Type	Cosmetic Active / Antioxidant
Physical Form	White to Off-White Powder
Solubility	Limited Water Solubility
Main Function	Antioxidant
Application	Skin Care & Personal Care
Typical Usage	Approx. 0.1–1.0%*
Formulation Types	Serums, Creams, Lotions, Gels, Masks
Grade	Cosmetic Grade

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the container tightly sealed.
• Protect from direct sunlight.
• Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to air and humidity.
• Use clean, dry equipment during handling.
• Follow supplier-specific storage recommendations.

Handling & Safety

For professional cosmetic formulation use only.

• Handle according to the supplier’s SDS.
• Avoid inhalation of powder during handling.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with eyes and skin.
• Use suitable protective equipment during bulk handling.
• Do not ingest.
• Keep away from children.
• Perform appropriate compatibility and stability testing before commercial production.