Ferulic Acid (Cosmetic Standard)
Product Name: Ferulic Acid (trans-4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic Acid)
INCI Name: Ferulic Acid
CAS Number: 1135-24-6 (trans-active form); 537-98-4 (cis)
EINECS Number: 214-490-0
Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or very faint characteristic
Solubility: Soluble in propylene glycol, ethanol, DMI, ethoxydiglycol; dispersible in hot water; insoluble in cold water, oils
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 100 g (Sample), 1 kg (Bulk)
Packaging: 100 g / 1 kg foil bags, 25 kg fiber drum
Recommended Usage Level: 0.2% - 1.0% (industry standard: 0.5%)
Optimal Formulation pH: 3.0 - 5.0
Primary Applications: Antioxidant serums, Vitamin C stabilizer, CEF triad, photoprotection, anti-aging
Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage conditions
Ferulic Acid, CAS 1135-24-6, Vitamin C stabilizer, antioxidant booster, photoprotection
Ferulic Acid（CAS 1135-24-6）
Ferulic Acid is a plant-derived hydroxycinnamic acid widely present in rice bran, wheat bran, and plant cell walls. While a potent antioxidant in its own right, its legendary status in dermatology comes from its unique ability to stabilize and AMPLIFY the efficacy of Vitamins C and E - creating the famous CEF (C+E+Ferulic) triad, the most researched antioxidant combination in skincare.
Clinically proven by Duke University and SkinCeuticals research, the 15% Vitamin C + 1% Vitamin E + 0.5% Ferulic Acid combination remains the gold standard antioxidant formulation.
Key Benefits
✅ Stabilizes Vitamin C - extends shelf life 2-3x
✅ Regenerates oxidized Vitamin E - recycles antioxidant network
✅ Hydroxyl radical scavenger - neutralizes most destructive ROS
✅ Metal chelator - blocks Fenton reaction oxidation
✅ Inhibits tyrosinase - brightening and anti-pigmentation
✅ Anti-inflammatory - reduces UV-induced erythema
✅ Inhibits MMPs - prevents collagen degradation
✅ Anti-glycation - protects against AGEs formation
✅ Works synergistically with all major antioxidants
Applications
Antioxidant Serums (Primary):• CEF Triad Gold Standard: 15% VC + 1% VE + 0.5% Ferulic
• Vitamin C serum stabilizer: 0.3-0.5% (any VC formulation)
• Antioxidant booster: 0.2-0.5% in all anti-aging serums
Photoprotection:
• Daytime serums: 0.3-0.5% - environmental defense
• Sunscreen boosters: 0.2-0.5% - enhances SPF efficacy
• Post-sun repair: 0.5-1.0% - reduces UV damage
Brightening & Anti-Aging:
• Dark spot correctors: 0.5-1.0% - tyrosinase inhibition
• Collagen protection: 0.3-0.5% - MMP inhibition
• Anti-glycation formulations: 0.5-1.0%
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Specification | Result |
Product Information | ||
Product Name | trans-Ferulic Acid | Ferulic Acid USP Grade |
CAS Number | 1135-24-6 | 1135-24-6 |
Grade | 99% Pure Cosmetic Grade | 99% Pure Grade |
Source | Synthetic / Natural Rice Bran | Synthetic |
Physical & Chemical | ||
Appearance | White to pale yellow powder | White crystalline powder |
Odor | Odorless | Odorless |
Assay (HPLC, trans) | ≥99.0% | 99.4% |
Melting Point | 168-172°C | 170°C |
UV Absorbance (310nm) | ≥550 E1% | 572 E1% |
pH (1% in PG) | 3.0-4.0 | 3.5 |
Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% | 0.18% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | 0.04% |
Purity & Safety | ||
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | <0.05 ppm |
Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
Microbiological | ||
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
E. coli, Salmonella | Negative | Negative |
Conclusion | —— | PASSED |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q1: How does Ferulic Acid stabilize Vitamin C?
A: Three complementary mechanisms:
1. pH buffer: Maintains optimal 3.0-3.5 pH range
2. Metal chelation: Binds Fe²⁺/Cu²⁺ ions that catalyze VC oxidation
3. Sacrificial antioxidant: Oxidizes FIRST, protecting VC molecules
Without Ferulic Acid, a typical 15% VC serum loses 50% activity in 3 months. With Ferulic Acid, >90% activity is retained for 18+ months.
Q2: What is the optimal concentration and ratio?
A: 0.5% is the scientifically proven sweet spot:
• <0.3%: Insufficient stabilization and synergy
• 0.5%: ✅ PERFECT - maximum stabilization, maximum synergy
• >1.0%: No additional benefit, solubility issues, potential irritation
Golden Ratio (industry standard): For every 15% Vitamin C, use 1% Vitamin E and 0.5% Ferulic Acid. This exact ratio is used in every premium CEF serum on the market.
Q3: Can Ferulic Acid be used without Vitamin C?
A: Yes, but it's a waste of its superpower:
• Alone: Mild antioxidant, UV absorber, mild brightening - good but not exceptional
• With VC/VE: Legendary synergist, 8x photoprotection, VC stabilizer - this is why it's famous
Ferulic Acid is a "force multiplier" - its true value is in making other antioxidants work MUCH better. Always pair it with Vitamin C for maximum ROI.
Q4: How do I properly dissolve Ferulic Acid in formulations?
A: Solubility is the #1 formulating challenge:
1. NEVER add directly to water - it will not dissolve, forms crystals
2. ALWAYS dissolve first in glycols: Propylene glycol, butylene glycol, DMI, or ethanol
3. Heat to 40-50°C while stirring to fully dissolve
4. Add to oil phase or cool water phase after complete dissolution
5. pH 3.0-5.0 only - precipitation occurs above pH 6.0
Properly dissolved Ferulic Acid creates a clear, golden solution - no cloudiness.
Q5: Is Ferulic Acid a sunscreen? Can it replace SPF?
A: NO - it is a photoprotector, NOT a sunscreen:
• Ferulic Acid: Absorbs ~290-330nm UV, neutralizes free radicals INSIDE skin, PREVENTS damage
• Sunscreen: Blocks UV BEFORE it enters skin, physical/chemical filters
They work TOGETHER, not as replacements. Ferulic Acid neutralizes the UV that gets past sunscreen. ALWAYS use both. CEF + SPF = complete daytime protection.
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