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Ferulic acid

Ferulic acid suppliers and sourcing guide

Ferulic acid is 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, a phenolic acid found bound in plant cell walls, especially in rice bran and other cereal brans. Commercial ferulic acid is made by hydrolyzing gamma-oryzanol from rice bran oil, by chemical synthesis from vanillin and malonic acid, or by fermentation. It is sold as a white to pale yellow powder that dissolves poorly in water but well in ethanol and glycols; the trans isomer is the usual commercial form.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid · trans-ferulic acid · CAS 1135-24-6
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of ferulic acid

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Natural-source powder

    Ferulic acid from rice bran gamma-oryzanol, usually 98% or higher; the source should be on the specification.

  • Synthetic powder

    Ferulic acid made from vanillin and malonic acid, chemically the same trans isomer.

  • Fermentation-derived grades

    Ferulic acid made by microbial processes, offered by some suppliers as a natural-labeled option.

  • Pre-dissolved solutions

    Ferulic acid dissolved in glycol or ethanol at a stated percentage for easier addition to serums.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (HPLC)
Ferulic acid content by HPLC, with cis-isomer reported where the supplier tests it.
Identity
HPLC retention time or IR spectrum against a reference standard.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Moisture and inorganic residue.
Residual solvents
Solvents from extraction or crystallization, such as ethanol or ethyl acetate, by headspace GC.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep ferulic acid in a closed, opaque container in a cool, dry place; light converts trans-ferulic acid to the cis isomer and can cause yellowing. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and older stock should be checked for color and assay.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the source (rice bran, synthetic or fermentation), assay and color for each lot, because natural-source claims depend on the source. Rotate oldest first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Ferulic acid suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking ferulic acid suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of ferulic acid can brands buy?

Common forms include natural-source powder, synthetic powder, fermentation-derived grades and pre-dissolved solutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for ferulic acid include?

Expect assay (HPLC), identity, loss on drying and residue on ignition, residual solvents and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should ferulic acid be stored?

Keep ferulic acid in a closed, opaque container in a cool, dry place; light converts trans-ferulic acid to the cis isomer and can cause yellowing. Shelf life is set by the supplier, and older stock should be checked for color and assay.

What is the regulatory status of ferulic acid?

The EU novel food catalogue entry for ferulic acid states that ferulic acid is considered not novel in food supplements.

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