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Moumoujus

INDOLE ACETIC ACID.

Insufficient Data CAS 87-51-4 / SKIN CONDITIONING

Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) is a versatile ingredient that conditions the skin, contributing to a smoother, softer, and healthier appearance. It also exhibits targeted efficacy in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for specific dermatological conditions like acne vulgaris and actinic keratoses.

Summary

Skin Conditioning Antimicrobial (P. acnes, S. aureus) Sebum Regulation Follicular Occlusion Relief

Science

Mechanism of Action

Indole Acetic Acid primarily functions by enhancing skin conditioning, which helps to maintain the skin's healthy state and improve its overall texture and feel. In the context of photodynamic therapy, IAA acts as a photosensitizer. Upon irradiation with green light, it produces free radicals, leading to antimicrobial effects against *Propionibacterium acnes* and *Staphylococcus aureus*, reduced sebum secretion, and relief from follicular occlusion, beneficial for conditions such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. IAA itself is non-toxic but becomes cytotoxic when activated by visible or ultraviolet light, or by oxidative decarboxylation via horseradish peroxidase.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.015–0.015%
Optimal

0.015%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No specific data suggests Indole Acetic Acid is commonly 'dusted' in cosmetic formulations. The documented clinical efficacy is primarily within a photodynamic therapy context at a specific concentration (0.015%), which does not directly inform dusting practices for general cosmetic use.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Indole Acetic Acid is light-sensitive and unstable when exposed to UV light. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. For formulation, stock solutions can be prepared by dissolving in ethanol, followed by dilution with deionized water, and should be protected from light degradation by covering containers. The pKa of IAA is 4.75 at 25°C.

Conflicts

  • Light
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • UV light

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.015%
Sensitization risk Moderate

Indole Acetic Acid is identified as a potential irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system; ingestion should be strictly avoided. Its NFPA 704 health hazard rating is 2, indicating potential for temporary incapacitation or minor residual injury from intense or prolonged exposure. While one safety data sheet classifies it as nonhazardous under GHS, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not evaluated it. The maximum concentration of 0.015% mentioned in the data relates to efficacy in clinical studies, not a regulatory safety limit for cosmetic use. In the U.S., cosmetic ingredients do not typically require FDA pre-market approval, with manufacturers responsible for safety.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

While Indole Acetic Acid shows promising targeted efficacy in photodynamic therapy for specific dermatological conditions at 0.015%, its 'not reviewed' CIR status and moderate irritancy indicate insufficient safety data for broad, unregulated cosmetic application.

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