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Moumoujus

ISOPHTHALIC ACID.

Questionable CAS 121-91-5 / NOT REPORTED

Isophthalic Acid is primarily recognized as an industrial intermediate essential for the production of various polymers and resins. It lacks any identified direct mechanism of action on the skin as a standalone ingredient. Its presence in cosmetic formulations is typically limited to being a structural component within derivative copolymers, such as those used for optical blurring effects.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

No direct mechanism of action on the skin as a standalone active ingredient has been identified. Its primary function is as a chemical building block in the synthesis of more complex materials like polymers and resins.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Isophthalic Acid is not typically utilized as a directly applied powder or dusting ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Unknown
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Isophthalic Acid demonstrates hydrolytic stability under neutral conditions and thermal stability up to approximately 300°C; however, decarboxylation may occur above 350°C. It is sensitive to light, especially UV radiation, requiring storage in light-resistant containers to prevent degradation. With pKa values of 3.70 and 4.60 at 25°C, it will exist predominantly in its ionized form in neutral to basic solutions. Its solubility profile is nuanced: it is sparingly soluble in cold water (120 mg/L at 25°C), slightly more soluble in boiling water (3200 mg/L at 100°C), freely soluble in alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, acetone, glacial acetic acid), but practically insoluble in non-polar solvents such as petroleum ether, benzene, toluene, and ether.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong bases

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

Isophthalic Acid has not undergone direct safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) or the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) specifically for cosmetic applications. While it is not categorized as a sensitizer, it has been noted to potentially cause local irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. The U.S. FDA lists Isophthalic Acid in its Inventory of Food Contact Substances, indicating its use in materials that interact with food, rather than as a direct cosmetic ingredient. Responsibility for cosmetic product safety ultimately rests with the manufacturing companies.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Isophthalic Acid is primarily an industrial chemical with no identified direct skin benefits, potential for local irritation, and its cosmetic utility is limited to being a component of derivative copolymers rather than a standalone active ingredient, making its direct application questionable.

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