ACTIVE
Ferulic Acid
A plant antioxidant found naturally in rice bran, often paired with vitamin C and studied for a less dull, more even-looking tone.
Source
Plant antioxidant found in rice bran, also made synthetically
Used for
Dull-looking skin, antioxidant support
How it works
Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant found naturally in rice bran, valued in skincare for helping skin stand up to everyday environmental stress.
A study on skin has looked at a cream containing ferulic acid derived from rice bran, and participants reported that their skin looked less dull and sallow, with a more even-looking tone.
Ferulic acid works best as part of a broader routine: it pairs well with other antioxidant actives like vitamin C or niacinamide, alongside a daily SPF.
A study on skin has looked at a cream containing ferulic acid derived from rice bran, and participants reported that their skin looked less dull and sallow, with a more even-looking tone.
Ferulic acid works best as part of a broader routine: it pairs well with other antioxidant actives like vitamin C or niacinamide, alongside a daily SPF.
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A plant antioxidant found naturally in rice bran
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Studied on skin for a less dull, more even-looking tone
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Pairs well with vitamin C, other antioxidants and daily sun protection
Questions
What is ferulic acid?
Ferulic acid is a plant phenolic compound with antioxidant activity. In cosmetics it is listed with antioxidant and antimicrobial functions, helping protect a formula from oxidation and from the growth of micro-organisms. (PubChem; COSMILE Europe)
Where does ferulic acid come from?
Rice bran is a notable natural source, where some of its ferulic acid is present as gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil. Cosmetic ferulic acid can also be made synthetically, so the same molecule can reach a formula by either route. (Xu and Godber, 1999; COSMILE Europe)
Is there research on ferulic acid and dull-looking skin?
Yes. In a study on skin, women applied a cream containing ferulic acid from rice bran to one side of the face, and that side looked less dull, with less visible pigment, than the other. (Zhou et al., 2026)
Where it comes from
Ferulic acid is a plant phenolic compound with antioxidant activity, and rice bran is a notable natural source. (PubChem; Xu and Godber, 1999)
The ferulic acid used in skincare can be derived from rice bran or made synthetically: it is the same molecule either way. (COSMILE Europe; Zhou et al., 2026)
The ferulic acid used in skincare can be derived from rice bran or made synthetically: it is the same molecule either way. (COSMILE Europe; Zhou et al., 2026)
The research
- Zhou J, Kobayashi M, Kimura H, et al. Exploratory study on the effect of ferulic acid derived from rice bran on dull skin. Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics. 2026;20(3):245-253. doi:10.5582/ddt.2026.01024. (opens in a new tab)
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe) cosmetic ingredient database: Ferulic Acid (functions: antimicrobial, antioxidant; origin: synthetic) (opens in a new tab)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 445858, Ferulic Acid (opens in a new tab)
- Xu Z, Godber JS. Purification and identification of components of gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 1999;47(7):2724-2728. PMID: 10552553. (opens in a new tab)
Found In
Type: Face Care
Vitamin C Ferulic Antioxidant Serum
30mlRegular price £38.00Sale price Regular price
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