4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
[CAS# 1135-24-6]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Nervous system medication >> Brain metabolism regulating drug
• Name: 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid
• Synonyms: Ferulic acid; 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid; 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₀O₄
• Molecular Weight: 194.19
• CAS Registry Number: 1135-24-6
• EC Number: 214-490-0
• SMILES: COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)/C=C/C(=O)O)O

Properties

• Solubility: 5970 mg/L (25 °C water)
• Density: 1.3±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.627, Calc.^*
• Melting point: 126.07 °C
• Boiling Point: 372.3±27.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*, 354.20 °C
• Flash Point: 150.5±17.2 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: Xi
• Risk Statements: R36/37/38
• Safety Statements: S26;S37/39

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

Discovery and Applications

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, also known as ferulic acid, was first discovered in plants, particularly in the seeds and leaves of various species. Its isolation and characterization date back to the mid-20th century, when researchers identified it as a component of extracts from the plant Ferula foetida. Subsequent research showed that it is widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, grains and other plant foods, highlighting its importance in the plant kingdom.

Ferulic acid is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its antioxidant and photoprotective properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, including UV radiation, pollution and oxidative damage, thereby preventing premature aging and skin diseases. Ferulic acid is often added to skin care products such as serums, creams, and sunscreens to enhance their ability to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin. Ferulic acid is used to treat various skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and melasma. Its depigmenting and anti-inflammatory effects help fade dark spots, reduce acne lesions, and improve overall skin tone and texture. Ferrulic acid is added to hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks because it helps strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage, and increase hair elasticity and toughness, resulting in healthier, healthier hair. Shiny. Ferulic acid is a key ingredient in anti-aging treatments such as anti-wrinkle creams, serums and masks because of its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin firmness and elasticity. Ferulic acid is often included in sunscreen formulas because of its photoprotective properties and ability to enhance the effectiveness of UV filters. It acts as a natural sun protection enhancer, increasing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Ferulic acid has wound healing properties and can be used in wound care products such as ointments and dressings. It accelerates wound healing, reduces inflammation, and reduces scarring, thereby enhancing the healing process and improving cosmetic results.

References

2025. Ferulic acid alleviates long-term avermectin-induced damage to the spleen of carp and restores its inflammatory response and oxidative balance. Journal of environmental sciences (China), 151.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2024.03.029

2025. Ferulic acid from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels ameliorates lipid metabolism in alcoholic liver disease via AMPK/ACC and PI3K/AKT pathways. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 336.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.119118

2025. A novel framework for uncovering the coordinative spectrum-effect correlation of the effective components of Yangyin Tongnao Granules on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 335.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118844