Meta Information

ID:ferulic-acid

Name:Ferulic Acid

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid

Active Compound

ferulic_acid

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

topical_skin

Scope:

• local

Is Skin Health

True

Regulatory Status

• us:cosmetic_ingredient
• eu:cosmetic_ingredient

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Targets photoaging and oxidative stress in the skin to improve skin healthspan and appearance.

Typical Protocol

• Applied daily as a serum, often in concentrations of 0.5% to 1.0%.
• Frequently formulated with Vitamin C (10-15%) and Vitamin E (0.5-1.0%) for enhanced stability and efficacy.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

20

High Cost:

150

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost of over-the-counter serums containing ferulic acid, often with vitamins C and E.

Summary

Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by UV radiation and pollution. When applied topically, it helps protect skin structures like collagen and elastin from damage, thereby mitigating signs of premature aging. It also stabilizes and enhances the antioxidant effects of vitamins C and E, making combination formulas particularly effective for skin healthspan.

Purpose

A topical antioxidant that protects skin from photoaging.

Card Summary

A plant-derived antioxidant applied to the skin to neutralize UV-induced free radicals, prevent collagen degradation, and reduce signs of photoaging. Often combined with vitamins C and E for synergistic effects.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

4.2

Justification:

Effective for skin healthspan and photoaging, but has no systemic healthspan impact.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

8.5

Justification:

Multiple human RCTs demonstrate significant photoprotective effects, especially when combined with vitamins C+E.

Safety

Score:

2.5

Justification:

Very low risk of systemic effects; potential for minor, localized skin irritation.

Flags

• May cause mild stinging, redness, or irritation, particularly on sensitive skin.
• Product efficacy is highly dependent on formulation stability, pH, and packaging.
• Often combined with L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which can be irritating for some users.

Verdict

A well-evidenced topical agent for improving skin healthspan and appearance.

Qualifier

route: Topical, scope: local, focused on healthspan

Created

2026-05-14T17:54:35.302171Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)