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Moumoujus

CELLULOSE ACETATE PHTHALATE.

Questionable CAS - / FILM FORMING

Cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP) is a synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, recognized for its distinct pH-dependent solubility. Primarily utilized as a pharmaceutical excipient, it forms a protective film that remains stable in acidic environments and dissolves in mildly acidic to neutral conditions. In skincare, its properties could be leveraged for controlled delivery systems or targeted barrier formation.

Summary

Film-forming agent pH-dependent release agent Antiviral agent (potential)

Science

Mechanism of Action

CAP primarily functions as a film-forming agent. Its mechanism relies on precise pH-dependent solubility, rendering it insoluble and stable in acidic conditions (below pH 6.0) and soluble in environments with a pH greater than 5.6 to 6.0. In a skincare context, this could enable the creation of a durable, pH-responsive film on the skin's surface, potentially facilitating the controlled release of encapsulated active ingredients. Additionally, research indicates CAP's capacity for antiviral activity through interaction with viral envelope glycoproteins.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH ≤5.9
0 7 14

Stability

Cellulose Acetate Phthalate is practically insoluble in water, alcohols, and various hydrocarbons. It exhibits solubility in specific ketones, esters, ether alcohols, and cyclic ethers. Critically, it dissolves in buffered aqueous solutions at pH values ranging from 5.6 to 6.0 and above. For maintaining its insoluble, film-forming state, an acidic pH below 6.0 is optimal. The ingredient is prone to slow hydrolysis under prolonged exposure to high temperatures and high humidity.

Conflicts

  • ferrous sulfate
  • ferric chloride
  • silver nitrate
  • sodium citrate
  • aluminum sulfate
  • calcium chloride
  • mercuric chloride
  • barium nitrate
  • basic lead acetate
  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong alkalis
  • strong acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
9%
Sensitization risk Moderate

While the U.S. FDA has approved Cellulose Acetate Phthalate as a safe, non-toxic inactive ingredient for internal pharmaceutical use (demonstrating low oral toxicity in long-term studies), direct topical application carries notable safety concerns. It is classified as an irritant to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract, carrying GHS hazard statements H315 (Causes skin irritation) and H319 (Causes serious eye irritation). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not conducted a specific review for Cellulose Acetate Phthalate, although a related ingredient, 'Cellulose Acetate,' was deemed safe.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Cellulose Acetate Phthalate offers sophisticated pH-dependent film-forming and controlled-release capabilities, however, its documented irritancy profile in GHS classifications poses significant concerns for its suitability in direct topical skincare applications.

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