Common Name(s): 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid,beta-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acrylic acid

CAS Number: 331-39-5

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides antioxidant protection with uv absorption and anti-inflammatory benefits for comprehensive skin defense.

Why It's Used: Natural antioxidant with built-in uv absorption (290–330nm) and anti-inflammatory activity for photoprotective antioxidant formulations.

How It Works: Catechol structure provides superior electron donation for radical scavenging. uv absorption via cinnamate chromophore. inhibits cox-1/cox-2 for anti-inflammatory activity. may chelate metal ions.

Typically Found In: Antioxidant serums,sunscreen boosters,anti-inflammatory products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – hydroxycinnamic antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Uv absorption,anti-inflammatory,brightening

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Extracted from coffee, green tea, herbs, or synthesized from protocatechualdehyde.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Caffeic acid's catechol ring (two adjacent hydroxyl groups) provides significantly higher radical scavenging capacity than monohydroxy phenols. the conjugated cinnamate system provides uv absorption analogous to sunscreen chemicals.

Last Verified: ##########

Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,pryor et al. caffeic acid antioxidant review