From the Guidelines
Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant that can be effective for anti-aging skincare due to its ability to inhibit AGE formation and provide photoprotection against UV damage. This is supported by a study that found ferulic acid to have anti-glycative properties in a bovine serum albumin (BSA) assay 1. The anti-AGE activity of ferulic acid is thought to be due to its ability to bind to human serum albumin, forming complexes that provide protective effects against protein oxidation and reducing the formation of CML and fluorescent AGE in vitro 1.
Some key points to consider when using ferulic acid for anti-aging skincare include:
- Concentration: Ferulic acid is most effective when formulated at concentrations of 0.5-1%
- Combination therapy: Ferulic acid works best when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E
- Application: Apply a ferulic acid serum in the morning after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen
- Storage: Store the product in an opaque, airtight container to maintain potency
It's also important to note that ferulic acid can be found in various plant-based sources, including Achillea millefolium and Chamaemelum nobile, which have been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties 1. Additionally, ferulic acid has been shown to have anti-glycative properties, which can help reduce the formation of AGEs and improve skin elasticity 1.
Overall, ferulic acid can be a useful addition to an anti-aging skincare routine, particularly when used in combination with other antioxidants and as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen.
From the FDA Drug Label
Daily application of this Ferulic CE serum, along with the use of a sunblock offers ultimate protection from UV light and associated skin damage. Directions: Once In the morning after cleansing and toning, apply 4-5 drops to a dry face, neck, and chest before other anti- aging skincare products.
The use of ferulic acid in skincare is associated with protection from UV light and skin damage. This suggests that ferulic acid may be effective for anti-aging skincare by preventing further skin damage. However, the provided drug labels do not directly state its effectiveness for anti-aging skincare, only its role in protecting against UV light and associated skin damage 2 2.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Ferulic Acid in Anti-Aging Skincare
- Ferulic acid has been shown to be effective in anti-aging skincare due to its potent antioxidant properties 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E, doubling its photoprotection of skin and providing meaningful synergistic protection against oxidative stress in skin 3.
- A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid has been found to provide significant and meaningful photoprotection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation 4.
- Ferulic acid has a protective role for the main skin structures, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin, and inhibits melanogenesis, enhances angiogenesis, and accelerates wound healing 5.
Mechanism of Action
- Ferulic acid's complex antioxidant effect depends on the "sweeping" away of free radicals as well as the suppression of the synthesis of ROS or nitrogen 6.
- It is a free radical scavenger as well as an enzyme inhibitor, increasing the activity of enzymes that scavenge free radicals while decreasing the activity of enzymes that speed up the creation of free radicals 6.
- Ferulic acid has been found to inhibit the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway, reduce the production of procollagen, and decrease the levels of TNF and matrix metalloproteinase production (MMPs) 6.
Clinical Applications
- Topical application of a combination formulation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid has been found to be effective as an adjuvant option in Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers treatment for individuals with lentigines and melasma 7.
- Ferulic acid is widely applied in skin care formulations as a photoprotective agent, delayer of skin photoaging processes, and brightening component 5.