Ferulactive

Ferulactive at a glance

Ferulactive is ferulic acid made easy. Ferulic acid is a plant antioxidant found in rice bran, oats, coffee and many grains. In its pure form it is a powder that dissolves poorly in water and needs solvents and care to bring into a formula. Ferulactive is a ready liquid in which the acid is already dissolved in ethoxydiglycol and glycerin, with PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil as a solubilizer and rice extract. The INCI is Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Ferulic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract. The liquid is yellowish, water-soluble, has a pH of 4.0 to 6.0 and is used at 2 to 5%. It comes from the USA.

Why ferulic acid

Ferulic acid is one of the best known antioxidants in skin care. It neutralizes free radicals that form under UV light and pollution, helping protect the skin surface and the formula itself. It is famous as a partner of vitamins C and E, where it supports the stability of the whole antioxidant system. For formulators building consumer-facing cosmetics, ferulic acid stands for advanced antioxidant care and a brighter, more even and more youthful looking complexion.

Use levels

The supplier gives 2 to 5% across product types: skin care products and creams, lipsticks, hair care and after-sun care products. A daily antioxidant cream works well at 2 to 3%. A concentrated antioxidant serum can use up to 5%.

How to formulate

Addition

Add the liquid to the water phase or to an emulsion at cool-down, below 40 °C. The ethoxydiglycol and solubilizer keep the acid in solution, so clear serums stay clear. Stir until uniform.

pH and partners

Ferulic acid works best on the acidic side. Antioxidant serums usually finish at pH 4 to 5. A classic combination adds a vitamin C derivative such as 3-glyceryl ascorbate and vitamin E. For a rice themed line, fermented rice extract adds a glow and hydration message. Find more antioxidants in the cosmetic actives section.

In after-sun care

The supplier lists after-sun care products.

Product ideas

Antioxidant serums, day creams, eye creams, toners, sheet masks, lipsticks and lip balms with a water phase, conditioners and shampoos with an antioxidant message, after-sun lotions and body lotions are the main uses.

Sample recipe: ferulic antioxidant serum, 100 g

Distilled water 84.70 g, Ferulactive 4.00 g, 3-glyceryl ascorbate 2.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, propanediol 3.00 g, hydroxyethylcellulose 0.80 g, tocopherol 0.20 g, polysorbate 20 0.80 g, preservative 1.00 g, sodium hydroxide solution 0.50 g. Disperse the cellulose in water, add glycerin and propanediol, premix tocopherol with polysorbate 20, then add Ferulactive, the ascorbate, the tocopherol premix and the preservative below 40 °C and adjust to about pH 4.5.

Labeling and stability

On the label the product appears under its five INCI parts. Ferulic acid can turn slightly yellow over time, especially in light, so use opaque or amber packaging and run a stability test at 40 °C. A light yellow tint is normal for ferulic formulas.

Hair and lip care uses

In shampoos, conditioners and hair masks, ferulic acid adds an antioxidant message that helps protect hair color and fiber from environmental stress. In lipsticks and lip care with a water phase, it protects the oils from going rancid and adds a care claim. Keep the level at 2 to 5% as the supplier recommends.

Why a liquid saves time

Dissolving ferulic acid powder usually requires warming in glycols or ethanol and careful pH control to prevent recrystallization. With a ready liquid these steps disappear, which shortens production and reduces the risk of crystals in the finished product.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.