Caffeic acid

Caffeic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid containing a catechol ring and an unsaturated carboxylic-acid side chain. The adjacent phenolic hydroxyl groups support antioxidant and radical-scavenging activity, while the carboxyl and hydroxyl functions provide reaction sites for preparation of derivatives. It is chemically distinct from caffeine despite the similar names.

The solid is generally pale yellow to yellowish and has limited direct solubility in water. Solvent selection or controlled dispersion is therefore relevant when developing cosmetic vehicles containing the free acid. Its phenolic chemistry also makes it an intermediate for ester and other caffeic-acid derivatives. Botanical origin and standardized extract composition are separate attributes and are not implied by the name of the isolated compound.

Typical Applications

• Antioxidant cosmetic development: Used as a defined phenolic ingredient in development of compatible skin-care serums and emulsions. It supplies a measurable caffeic-acid input for formulations built around antioxidant activity rather than an unspecified plant extract.
• Caffeate ester synthesis: Used as a starting material for ester derivatives of the carboxylic-acid group. Such derivatives are prepared for fine-chemical development where altered solubility or a specific caffeate structure is required.
• Phenolic antioxidant research: Used in comparative studies of antioxidant behavior and formulation stability. The isolated powder allows the contribution of caffeic acid to be studied separately from other constituents of botanical mixtures.

Specifications

Specifications describe the standard grade. Tolerance, test method and documentation package are confirmed per order.