Ferulic acid is a natural compound found in a variety of plants such as Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, horsetail and traditional Chinese medicine, and has gained attention for its beneficial properties. It is also found in rice husk, pandan beans, wheat bran and rice bran. This weakly acidic organic acid has a phenolic acid structure and acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor. When combined with powerful antioxidants like resveratrol and vitamin C, ferulic acid has multiple benefits such as skin whitening, antioxidant protection, sunburn prevention, and anti-inflammatory effects.
One of the remarkable abilities of ferulic acid is its antioxidant properties. Its phenolic hydroxyl structure makes it effective against free radicals, including superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals. By capturing the lone pair of electrons from free radicals, ferulic acid stabilizes the molecule and blocks electron transfer, protecting the body from oxidative damage. In addition, ferulic acid has a strong affinity for Fe2+, which will trigger a redox reaction and reduce Fe2+, playing an important role in antioxidant function. Interestingly, its ability to reduce Fe3+ compounds exceeds that of vitamin C.
In addition to its antioxidant benefits, ferulic acid also has whitening properties. The compound not only inhibits melanocyte B16V activity but also inhibits tyrosinase activity, providing a dual approach to achieving whiter skin. A solution containing 5 mmol/L ferulic acid inhibited tyrosinase activity by an impressive 86%. Even at a lower concentration of 0.5mmol/L, ferulic acid still showed a significant inhibition rate of about 35% on tyrosinase activity.
In addition, ferulic acid also has sun protection properties. It protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays, providing an extra layer of defense against sun damage. This makes it an ideal ingredient in sunscreen products and other skin care formulas designed to minimize UV-related skin problems.
Finally, ferulic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, it can help relieve skin conditions such as redness, irritation, and swelling. Therefore, adding ferulic acid to skin care products contributes to overall skin health and well-being.
In summary, ferulic acid is found in abundance in a variety of plants and natural sources and has many benefits for the skin. From powerful antioxidant capabilities to whitening, sun protection and anti-inflammatory properties, ferulic acid is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the effectiveness of skin care products and promote healthier skin.
Post time: Oct-30-2023
