Ferulic Acid

Found in bran, oats, rice, pineapple, eggplant, citrus, apple seeds, and more, ferulic acid received its name from the plant it was first isolated from, Ferula foedita. A phenolic phytochemical found in seeds and leaves in its free form and covalently conjugated to plant cell walls, ferulic acid has been developed as an antioxidant for antiaging skin care products. By fighting free radicals, ferulic acid can protect structures like collagen and elastin to prevent wrinkles and lighten age spots by inhibiting melanin production. 

Ferulic acid is made up of a phenolic nucleus and an extended side chain conjugation. When ultraviolet rays are absorbed by ferulic acid, it forms a stable phenoxy radical that stops free radical chain reactions. Therefore, by scavenging radicals and suppressing radiation-induced oxidative reactions, ferulic acid preserves the physiological integrity of skin exposed to air and ultraviolet radiation, leading to its photoprotective ability in skin care products. 

References

1. Kumar, N., & Pruthi, V. (2014). Potential applications of ferulic acid from natural sources. Biotechnology Reports, 4, 86–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2014.09.002 

1. Graf, E. (1992). Antioxidant potential of ferulic acid. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 13(4), 435–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-5849(92)90184-i