Compound Monograph
Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid abundant in plant cell walls and grains, widely used as a dietary and topical antioxidant.
Classification
Ferulic Acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid (phenolic), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (12)
Ferulic Acid is a naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid (phenolic), found in Whole grains and cereal brans, Angelica, California poppy and 9 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Ferulic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid found very widely in the plant kingdom, where it is bound into cell walls and especially abundant in cereal brans. It is one of the most common dietary phenolic acids and a well-studied antioxidant. In addition to its dietary occurrence, it is used as an active ingredient in topical skincare formulations, often alongside vitamins C and E, where it helps stabilise the formula and provides antioxidant protection.
Toxicity & Safety
As a ubiquitous dietary phenolic acid consumed routinely from grains and plant foods, ferulic acid is regarded as low risk; it is also generally well tolerated in topical use.