Ferulic Acid Use for Skin Applications: A Systematic Review

Ferulic acid (FA) is gaining popularity in skincare products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effectiveness and optimal use in humans require critical evaluation. This study aims to review the use of topical FA in skincare.

A search of PubMed and Cochrane using keywords related to skin effects and ferulic acid was conducted. Studies involving human subjects from January 1983 to June 2023 were included.

Eighteen human studies have investigated the efficacy of FA in various cutaneous conditions, demonstrating effectiveness in enhancing one or more aspects such as skin erythema, pigmentation, hydration, elasticity, and texture. FA proved effective both alone and in combination with other active ingredients, and in subjects with and without dermatologic diagnoses.

The main limitations of this review include small sample sizes, limited diversity in study populations (Fitzpatrick skin types), a lack of robust randomized controlled trials, and varying compositions of formulations across studies which make it challenging to isolate FA's specific contributions.

Existing literature supports the effectiveness of FA-containing formulations in reducing skin erythema, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging in adults. Further studies are warranted to better understand and characterize FA's efficacy and mechanisms in treating skin conditions.