Used topically (on the skin), ferulic acid is often used to protect the skin from aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. As a supplement, it’s had some attention from researchers as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
However, all research on ferulic acid is in its early stages. It will take much more study before its safety and effectiveness—for any use—can be assured.
This article looks at the purported benefits of ferulic acid, its side effects, and precautions you should consider before using it. It also covers proper dosages, possible interactions with medications or other supplements, how to store ferulic acid, and what to look for when buying it.
Ferulic Acid Uses
Ferulic acid is believed to have multiple effects that could be beneficial to your health. It’s considered to be an:
Active ingredient(s): Ferulic acidAlternate Name(s): Ferulate, propanoic acid, coniferic acid, trans ferulic acidSuggested Dose: Not enough data to provide a proper dosage recommendationSafety Considerations: Generally considered safe used topically; not enough safety data when used orally
AntioxidantAnti-inflammatoryAntimicrobial
In skincare products, it’s commonly used to:
Minimize or reverse signs of agingProtect the skin from sun damagePrevent skin cancer
As a supplement, it may have benefits for some medical conditions.
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Ferulic acid is best known for its purported anti-aging properties. As an antioxidant, it fights free radicals and may slow the aging process at the cellular level.
Free radicals are suspected of playing a role in wrinkles, age spots, and other visible signs of aging in your skin. It’s believed to do this by protecting important structures such as collagen and elastin.
Ferulic acid has its own antioxidant properties and has also been shown to make other antioxidants more effective. For that reason, it’s often used alongside common antioxidants like:
Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E
Ferulic acid may lighten age spots because it inhibits your cells’ ability to produce melanin (pigment).
Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer
Most studies of ferulic acid and sun damage have used it along with vitamins C and E, not by itself. Even so, it’s believed to have protective properties on its own along with boosting the effects of other skin protectants.
Studies suggest that the antioxidant activity of ferulic acid protects your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. However, to get this benefit, you need to use it before sun exposure.
Researchers have demonstrated that prior use of ferulic acid blocks the changes caused by UV radiation exposure. It doesn’t appear to reverse damage once it’s occurred.
Sun damage is known to contribute to skin cancer’s development. Because ferulic acid and vitamins C and E can reduce the damage, they may help prevent skin cancer.
While these are small, preliminary studies, researchers have suggested that if the results are proven by further research, it may be beneficial to add these ingredients to sunscreens.
Other Uses
As a dietary supplement, ferulic acid has been studied for possible benefits in:
Alzheimer’s disease High cholesterol Hypertension (high blood pressure) Diabetes
However, current research support for oral supplementation with ferulic acid is weak and most studies were done on animals.
Ferulic Acid Side Effects
Ferulic acid serums and creams are generally safe for most skin types. However, it’s not safe for everyone.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you may not tolerate products containing ferulic acid. This can cause:
Mild rednessIrritation
When trying a ferulic acid product (or any skincare product) for the first time, test it on a small patch of skin to see if you have a reaction.
Allergic Reactions
If you’re allergic to bran or oatmeal, you may also have an allergy to ferulic acid serums derived from bran or oats. Symptoms tend to be mild and may include:
RednessSwellingItchingRashPeeling
Stop using the product right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Precautions
Ferulic acid skincare products should never be taken internally (eaten).
Little is known about the long-term safety of ferulic acid supplements. Since it’s derived from food, ferulic acid is presumed safe. Still, the amount it takes to overdose isn’t established.
The safety of ferulic acid in children and pregnant or nursing people is unknown.
Given the lack of research, talk to your healthcare provider before taking it. They may want to monitor you for side effects or drug interactions.
Dosage: How Much Ferulic Acid Should I Take?
For ferulic acid skincare products, follow the instructions on the label or those given to you by a dermatologist.
No guidelines are in place for the dosage of ferulic acid supplements. Most are sold as 250-milligram (mg) tablets intended to be taken once daily with or without food.
As a rule of thumb, never exceed the recommended dose on the product label. There’s no evidence that higher doses lead to better results.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Ferulic Acid?
Very little data is available on dosing ferulic acid; therefore, it is uncertain what will happen in cases of an overdose or at what point an overdose can occur. Generally, if you are using ferulic acid cream or oral supplements, you should follow the instructions on the packing,
Interactions
Very little is known about drug interactions with ferulic acid. Studies have shown that ferulic acid combined with the anticoagulant Plavix (clopidogrel) can increase the absorption of ferulic acid in rats.
How to Store Ferulic Acid
Follow manufacturer suggestions on how to best store ferulic acid serums, creams, or supplements. Always keep supplements out of reach of children and pets.
Sources of Ferulic Acid & What to Look For
Ferulic acid is found in several plant-based foods. It comes from the cell walls of:
RiceWheatOatsPineappleGrassesGrainsVegetables
Commercial ferulic acid is generally derived from cereal grains.
Ferulic acid skin care products are found online as well as at many drugstores and higher-end cosmetic counters. Some are sold as luxury skincare products at a hefty price despite the lack firm evidence that it’s effective.
Food Sources of Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is found in some grains, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Cooking can often increase the amount of ferulic acid in foods by breaking down the cellular compartments where it is stored; this is particularly true of grains.
Some ferulic acid-rich foods are:
Apple seedsBarleyBranCitrus fruitsCornEggplantFlaxseed breadNavy beansOatmealPopcornRiceRice bran oilRye bread
Ferulic Acid Supplements
Ferulic acid supplements can be found online and in certain drugstores and shops specializing in dietary supplements.
You can also get high concentrations of ferulic acid in some herbal products used in traditional Chinese medicine, including dong quai (Angelica sinesis), sheng ma (Cimicifuga heracleifolia), and chuan xiong (Ligusticum chuangxiong).
Because dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States, the quality can vary from one brand to the next. Opt for brands independently tested by a recognized certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International to ensure quality.
Ferulic acid may come as its own supplement or in a combination product that contains several other ingredients. Always read the product label to check for additional ingredients you may be allergic to or don’t need.
Summary
Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties. It is often used in skincare products to prevent or reverse signs of aging and to prevent sun damage and skin cancer. More recently, it has garnered interest as an oral supplement for various conditions, but there’s not enough research to support its use.
Discuss health concerns and treatment plans for medical conditions with your healthcare provider. Be sure to review the risks of benefits of supplements in addition to traditional therapies with your healthcare provider is suggested.
Since ferulic acid is found in plant-based foods, it would be prudent to incorporate whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet as a way to improve your overall health.
