Everything you need to know about ferulic acid.

Ferulic acid, with the chemical formula C10H10O4, is a phenolic acid derived from cinnamic acid. It takes its name from the genus Ferula (giant fennel), a group of herbaceous plants belonging to the large Apiaceae family. Ferulic acid is found in certain fruits and vegetables such as spinach and rhubarb, as well as in cereals (oats, rye, corn) and tree barks (fir and pine).

One of the most striking features of ferulic acid is its antioxidant power, that is, its ability to neutralise free radicals. To remind, these are highly reactive molecules because they are extremely unstable due to their unpaired electron. Free radicals degrade the body's healthy cells and proteins and accelerate the ageing process. The hydroxy and phenoxy groups of ferulic acid donate electrons to deactivate free radicals by making them more stable and therefore less reactive.

In cosmetics, ferulic acid is used in serums, creams, lotions, and cleansers to make the skin brighter, firmer, and smoother.

Free radicals are the cause of oxidative stress, a phenomenon that accelerates the ageing of the body's cells. These highly reactive molecules are naturally generated by our metabolism during energy production but can also be overproduced due to various factors such as smoking, stress, pollution or poor diet.

Thanks to its comprehensive antioxidant activity, ferulic acid neutralises free radicals, thereby combating premature skin ageing. It provides numerous benefits to the epidermis, among which we can mention:

• The prevention of the onset of wrinkles and skin sagging;

• The reduction of inflammation and redness;

• Skin tone lightening;

• The prevention of the appearance of pigmented spots.