What Is Caffeic Acid?

Learn about the antioxidant and fragrance characteristics of Caffeic Acid and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Caffeic Acid? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Caffeic Acid?

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Caffeic Acid is a substance that can be found in some plants, oils, and nuts. When used in cosmetics, it can act as an antioxidant and add fragrance. It is a yellow powder that dissolves better in hot water than cold water. When taken internally, it acts as an antioxidant and prevents damage to DNA caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Caffeic Acid is also known as 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid or (e)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid. It exists in all living things with cells from yeast to humans and can potentially be used as a biomarker for certain food consumption.

What is the purpose of Caffeic Acid in personal care products? It is used for its antioxidant and fragrance characteristics. Caffeic Acid prevents oxidation and provides a good smell.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Caffeic Acid, 3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic acid, and 3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid.

What Are Antioxidant Ingredients?

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Caffeic Acid has antioxidant characteristics.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules caused by pollution, UV radiation, and stress that can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and redness. Antioxidant ingredients are also used in skincare products to keep skin healthy and youthful, extend the shelf life of food and beverages, and prevent the breakdown of active ingredients in medications.

Types of Antioxidants Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antioxidants ingredients in cosmetics and other products:

  • Vitamins: Certain vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and A (retinol), are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Botanical extracts: Many plants contain natural antioxidants that can be extracted and used in cosmetics. Examples include green tea, grape seed, pomegranate, and chamomile.

  • Peptides: Certain peptides, such as glutathione, can have antioxidant properties and may be used in cosmetics.

  • Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Some examples include lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin.

What Are Fragrance Ingredients?

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Caffeic Acid has fragrance characteristics.

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetic products create a pleasant scent and mask unpleasant odors. They are added to enhance the user's sensory experience while using the product. These ingredients can be synthetic or natural and are used in various products such as perfumes, body lotions, shampoos, and deodorants.

One of the primary functions of fragrance ingredients is to impart an odor or taste to a product, which creates a pleasing and memorable sensory experience. Depending on the intended effect, the scent can be fruity, floral, or musky. The fragrance can also be adjusted to complement the product's other ingredients, such as moisturizing or cleaning agents.

Another function of fragrance ingredients is to mask any unpleasant smells that may be present in a product. For example, shampoo may have a strong chemical smell due to the cleaning agents used, but adding a pleasant fragrance can mask that odor and make the product more appealing. In this way, fragrance ingredients can help improve a product's overall quality and increase its marketability.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.