A ferulic acid derivative represented by the general formula (1); a process for preparing a ferulic acid derivative represented by the general formula (1), comprising reacting ferulic acid or an ester thereof represented by the general formula (2) with a dihalomethane represented by the general formula CH
2
X
2
, wherein X is a halogen atom; and an ultraviolet light-absorbent composition comprising the ferulic acid derivative. Since the ultraviolet light absorbent composition is not only excellent in the ultraviolet light absorption but also very stable against heat, the ultraviolet light absorbent composition can be suitably used as cosmetics which especially require long-term stability.