Abstract:The sources and bioactivities of phenolic acids are briefly introduced, and the multiple skin care effects of phenolic acids as a natural compound, such as whitening and blemish reduction, anti-ageing, anti-inflammation and barrier repair through scavenging free radicals, inhibiting inflammatory responses, antibacterial, inhibiting tyrosinase activity and accelerating the breakdown of late glycation end products in the skin, are reviewed, and the safety issues of phenolic acids are presented. The practical application problems of phenolic acid compounds such as low bioavailability and low water solubility are presented, and some of the practical application problems can be improved by using bio-based nanoparticles loaded with phenolic acid compounds. Finally, the current problems of phenolic acid compounds in the cosmetic industry are described, with a view to providing a reference for the application of phenolic acid compounds in skin care.