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Ferulic acid
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about ferulic acid. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant from rice bran and other grains. In ORY® products, it helps stabilize vitamins C and E and adds antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. We found no Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment of ferulic acid. In a lab and animal study, adding 0.5% ferulic acid to a solution of 15% vitamin C and 1% vitamin E made the solution more stable.
Citations:
- Lin, F.-H., Lin, J.-Y., Gupta, R. D., et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(4), 826–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x
- What it shows: Lab and animal study of a vitamin C–E–ferulic solution.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Review of ferulic acid.
- Lin, F.-H., Lin, J.-Y., Gupta, R. D., et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(4), 826–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Ferulic acid is obtained from rice bran or made from vanillin and supplied as a 99% powder. It dissolves poorly in water and is dissolved in glycols or alcohol; it works best at pH 3–5.5 and is light-sensitive. |
Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in reviews.
Citations:
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Describes chemistry.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Ferulic acid suits most skin types. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Low-pH vitamin C–E–ferulic serums can sting sensitive skin; ORY® uses higher-pH creams for sensitive skin. Allergy is rare.
Citations:
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Review.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, ferulic acid adds antioxidant support to scalp serums and leave-ins. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical study of ferulic acid on hair. ORY® does not make hair-growth or color-protection claims for it.
Citations:
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Review.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
5. Benefits
Claim: Ferulic acid helps protect vitamin C and E formulas from breaking down and adds antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a human study, a vitamin C–E–ferulic solution reduced markers of UV damage in skin under test conditions. That is research on a specific formula; antioxidants do not replace sunscreen, and ORY® does not make sun-protection claims for this ingredient; SPF claims are drug claims under FDA rules.
Citations:
- Murray, J. C., Burch, J. A., Streilein, R. D., Iannacchione, M. A., Hall, R. P., & Pinnell, S. R. (2008). A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 59(3), 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.05.004
- What it shows: Human UV study of a vitamin C–E–ferulic solution.
- Lin, F.-H., Lin, J.-Y., Gupta, R. D., et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(4), 826–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x
- What it shows: Lab and animal study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019, February 26). Sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use (proposed rule), 84 FR 6204. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use
- What it shows: FDA sunscreen rules.
- Murray, J. C., Burch, J. A., Streilein, R. D., Iannacchione, M. A., Hall, R. P., & Pinnell, S. R. (2008). A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 59(3), 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.05.004
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Ferulic acid is used in ORY® Skincare and Cosmetics and in some scalp serums. It is not used in soap. |
Verification: Supported. It breaks down at the high pH of soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–1% | Vitamin C–E–ferulic serums, antioxidant day creams, and brightening serums. |
| Haircare | 0.2–0.5% | Scalp serums and leave-ins. |
| Handmade Soap | Not used | Unstable at soap pH. |
| Cosmetics | 0.2–0.5% | Foundations and primers (no SPF claims). |
Citations:
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Stability.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
7. Pros
Claim: A plant-derived antioxidant that helps stabilize vitamin C and E. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by lab, animal, and human UV studies of a specific formula.
Citations:
- Lin, F.-H., Lin, J.-Y., Gupta, R. D., et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(4), 826–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x
- What it shows: Stabilization study.
- Murray, J. C., Burch, J. A., Streilein, R. D., Iannacchione, M. A., Hall, R. P., & Pinnell, S. R. (2008). A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 59(3), 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.05.004
- What it shows: Human study.
- Lin, F.-H., Lin, J.-Y., Gupta, R. D., et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(4), 826–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x
8. Cons
Claim: Ferulic acid is hard to dissolve, light-sensitive, and lacks a CIR review. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Poor water solubility. Needs glycol or alcohol.
- Light-sensitive. Opaque packaging.
- Low-pH sting in C–E–ferulic serums.
- No CIR review.
Citations:
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Properties.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Use sunscreen daily; antioxidants do not replace it.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
- What it shows: Review.
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Ferulic acid is not used in ORY® soap.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Lin, F.-H., Lin, J.-Y., Gupta, R. D., et al. (2005). Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 125(4), 826–832. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-202X.2005.23768.x
- Murray, J. C., Burch, J. A., Streilein, R. D., Iannacchione, M. A., Hall, R. P., & Pinnell, S. R. (2008). A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 59(3), 418–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.05.004
- Zduńska, K., Dana, A., Kolodziejczak, A., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Antioxidant properties of ferulic acid and its possible application. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 31(6), 332–336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antioxidant%20properties%20of%20ferulic%20acid%20and%20its%20possible%20application
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019, February 26). Sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use (proposed rule), 84 FR 6204. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
