the shield of your skin

You might have heard of ferulic acid, and perhaps you have even tried a particular cult-favourite product that contains it, but how much do you know about the skincare ingredient? There are many reasons why countless beauty editors writing about ferulic acid may tend to wax lyrical, so we did our research to find out just what makes it so beloved by those who have already used it and if it lives up to the hype. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about ferulic acid, the antioxidant that will make a significant impact on your anti-ageing regimen.

WHAT IS FERULIC ACID?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant naturally found in the cell wall of plants like bran, oats, rice, and eggplant, and the seeds of apples and oranges where its primary role is to preserve and protect. In the world of skincare, it has earned a lot of interest due to its ability to fight free radicals, boost the effectiveness of other antioxidants, reduce signs of ageing and help with skin rejuvenation.

This powerful antioxidant is botanically derived though it can be created in a lab for quality control, consistency, and consumer safety. We can find it in serums, creams and even in supplements whereas the latter don’t appear to have the same potency for skin health as serums or creams containing ferulic acid do.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

When applied to the skin, Ferulic acid works as a potent antioxidant, defending skin from environmental aggressors. It works well with other antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E and Resveratrol. As research has shown, Ferulic acid can stabilize and promote the strengthening qualities of vitamins C and E, allowing them to work better and for longer period of time thus further protect skin against the harmful effects of free radicals. (Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology).  Also, it can be found alongside vitamin B and niacinamide to keep skin looking smooth or phloretin to reduce oxidative stress. It is often paired with retinol for skin brightening and evening of tone.

Ferulic Acid serums have a bright orange colour which over time turns to a muddy brown, a sign of their oxidization and low effectiveness. Better prefer a serum packaged in dark or opaqued bottles that protect the liquid from the light and store it in a cool area.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Ferulic Acid can be beneficial for and used by all skin types and all ages as it is known for its safety. However, if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema, try a small amount of the product behind your ear and wait 24 hours to see how your skin responds.  If you notice any irritation, you should avoid the use of the product. The same applies if you have any grain allergies because sometimes it’s possible to develop a reaction to the ingredient is derived from (e.g. the bran).

HOW TO USE FERULIC ACID

For best results, apply 2-3 drops of a ferulic acid serum or cream to clean, dry skin every morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen (ferulic acid can help protect skin against the damage UVB light exposure causes, but it does not replace what a sunscreen can do).  We would recommend using a few drops to the neck and chest to protect this area too. Although ferulic acid can be used twice a day, it’s better to stick with a once-a-day routine in the morning.  During the day, antioxidants protect your skin from the environmental factors that damage it.
If you use exfoliating acids, do so at night. Certain acids, like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, can change the pH of your skin and thus affect the effectiveness of the antioxidant used.