Is Ferulic Acid Vegan? What Is Ferulic Acid Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through the links in this post. Learn more.

Ferulic acid is vegan. It is a plant-based antioxidant. It is found in the cells of rice, oats, apples, and oranges. Therefore, ferulic acid is vegan and does not contain any animal-based ingredients.

In skincare, ferulic acid protects against oxidative stress. A metabolic imbalance in the skin by neutralizing free radicals. Now let’s read more about the effects of that skincare ingredient.

What Is Ferulic Acid And How Is Ferulic Acid Made?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant widespread in the plant kingdom. It is a natural compound that many plants produce.

Cereals, rice, corn, soy, oranges, bananas, roasted coffee, cabbage, asparagus, tomatoes, and olives are rich in ferulic acid. As well as herbs such as dill, fennel, or ferula. Ferulic acid is produced by hydrolysis.

Ferulic acid is part of a complex metabolic process in plants. In the process, the plants form polyphenols. These substances are involved in building the cell wall of plants.

Ferulic acid is also known as a hydroxycinnamic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid.

Why Is Ferulic Acid Used In Skincare?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant used in skincare because it has antimicrobial, antioxidative, anti-aging, and protective features

The antioxidant also interrupts chemical chain reactions that could otherwise damage the cells. The triggers for the responses are oxidative stress, UV rays, pathogens, or mental stress.

Ferulic acid inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Such as bacteria or fungi and therefore has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

As known, antioxidants are the first choice to fight free radicals. Therefore, ferulic acid can also soothe irritated skin and repair skin damage.

The active ingredient stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis. In this way, the skin’s elasticity increases. And the complexion becomes more radiant, fresh, and even. So, ferulic acid helps with fine lines and wrinkles.

Oxidative stress is one of the main reasons why we age. But ferulic acid makes cells more resilient to oxidative stress. Which also slows down the aging process. As a powerful antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals. Therefore, counteracts premature skin aging.

Ferulic acid also protects the skin from sunburn. It provides the best sun protection when the product has a slightly alkaline pH of 7.2. Also, the active ingredient effectively helps with pigment spots.

To penetrate the skin better, ferulic acid usually comes in serum form. Which is a little more potent than creams.

Since we are more likely to come into contact with harmful environmental influences during the day, it is recommended to use ferulic acid in the morning. After cleanser and toner but before sunscreen. 

For ferulic acid to work at its best, it is suggested to use it in conjunction with other antioxidants. Like vitamins C and E. Ferulic acid can be combined with vegan vitamin C skincare for better results.

FAQ About Ferulic Acid

What is ferulic acid?

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant widespread in the plant kingdom. It is a natural compound that many plants produce. 

What is ferulic acid made of?

Ferulic acid is produced by hydrolysis. You can find ferulic acid in rice, corn, soy, oranges, bananas, roasted coffee, cabbage, asparagus, tomatoes, and olives are rich in ferulic acid. As well as herbs such as dill, fennel, or ferula.

Is ferulic acid vegan?

Yes. Ferulic acid is vegan.

Summary

Ferulic acid regenerates and strengthens the skin. It can soothe irritated skin, plump up dry lines and restore a healthy glow.

The powerful vegan antioxidant reduces signs of aging. Such as small wrinkles and pigment spots. It also tightens the skin and makes a more balanced complexion.

It is known that ferulic acid works best with vitamin C. We recommend combining it with vitamin c products, for example, vitamin C serum.

To make sure your skincare products are always completely vegan friendly, we have put together a list of 100% vegan skincare brands.

See also: Vegan Skincare Products

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.