Ferulic acid

Excellent topical skin antioxidant with strong data (SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic studies). Oral supplementation for systemic benefits is much less supported.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Topical: doubles the photoprotection of vitamins C+E (Pinnell et al.). Oral: modest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. Human oral supplementation trials are scarce. Well-absorbed from rice bran.

• Potent topical photoprotective antioxidant
• Synergises with vitamins C and E on skin
• Free radical scavenger in preclinical models

Oral: 250–500 mg/day (limited guidance). Topical: 0.5–1% in serum formulations.

• Mild GI upset (oral)
• Contact dermatitis (topical, rare)

Oral supplements are a different proposition from topical use. Most ferulic acid research fame comes from skincare.

Topical evidence should not be extrapolated to oral supplement benefits. Bioavailability after oral ingestion needs more study.

• Longevity28