Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

FERRIC SULFATE.

Avoid CAS 10028-22-5 / HUMECTANT

Ferric Sulfate is a highly acidic inorganic salt primarily recognized for its potent astringent, hemostatic, and antimicrobial properties. It functions by constricting tissues and coagulating proteins, making it effective in controlling bleeding and reducing excess oil.

Summary

Astringent Antimicrobial Hemostatic agent Skin-conditioning agent (potentially at very low, non-irritating concentrations)

Science

Mechanism of Action

Ferric sulfate operates as an astringent by tightening pores and reducing excess oil. As a hemostatic agent, it forms a ferric ion-protein complex upon contact with blood, leading to the agglutination of blood proteins and mechanical occlusion of capillary orifices, effectively controlling bleeding and exhibiting tissue-constricting effects. It also possesses antimicrobial attributes.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 15–20%
Optimal

15%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Ferric sulfate is not suitable for 'dusting' due to its highly acidic and corrosive nature. Concentrations effective for its primary actions (15-20%) are significantly irritating and potentially damaging to soft tissues, precluding its use as a general topical application.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 1 – 2
0 7 14

Stability

This compound is inherently acidic; a 1% solution registers a pH of approximately 2, with concentrated forms having a pH below 1. It maintains stability under recommended storage conditions but degrades upon exposure to direct sunlight and heat. It is also hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air.

Conflicts

  • Magnesium
  • Aluminum
  • Copper and its alloys
  • Mild steel
  • Galvanized steel
  • Direct sun
  • Heat
  • Moisture

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

While Ferric Sulfate is affirmed by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct food substance use, a specific Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessment for its safety as a cosmetic ingredient, including defined 'safe as used' concentrations, is currently unavailable. Salts of sulfuric acid are generally known to be irritating to the skin, and given ferric sulfate's highly acidic and corrosive profile, particularly at concentrations demonstrating clinical efficacy, it presents a high potential for irritation and tissue damage.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

While ferric sulfate exhibits potent astringent and hemostatic effects, its highly corrosive nature and significant irritancy risk at effective concentrations render it unsuitable for general cosmetic application in precision skincare formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…