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Moumoujus

OXYQUINOLINE.

Avoid CAS 148-24-3 / ANTIMICROBIAL, CHELATING

Oxyquinoline primarily functions as a biocide by chelating essential metals required for microbial metabolism. While it possesses bacteriostatic and weakly bactericidal properties, its application in precision skincare is severely restricted due to significant safety concerns and regulatory prohibitions.

Summary

Biocidal Agent Bacteriostatic Agent Chelating Agent Stabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Oxyquinoline exerts its biocidal activity by chelating various metals, including iron, which are crucial for microbial metabolic processes. This chelation mechanism renders it bacteriostatic and weakly bactericidal against microorganisms.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 No specific clinical studies demonstrating skincare efficacy for topical skin benefits were found in the available research data.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Oxyquinoline is virtually insoluble in water or ether but readily dissolves in organic solvents such as alcohol, acetone, chloroform, benzene, and aqueous mineral acids. Its pKa values are reported as 5.017 (at 20°C) and 9.812 (at 25°C), though an optimal pH range for formulation stability is not specified.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Pregnancy
Caution
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that data are insufficient to support the safety of Oxyquinoline in leave-on cosmetic products, requiring further impurity and UV absorption data. In the European Union, Oxyquinoline is classified as a presumed human reproductive toxicant (Repr. 1B) and is largely prohibited for general cosmetic use, listed in Annex II of EC Regulation No 2017/776. Exceptions exist for its use as a stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide in rinse-off hair products (max 0.3% as base) and leave-on hair products (max 0.03% as base). While a 1% concentration in petrolatum was not an irritant or sensitizer in clinical tests, Oxyquinoline Sulfate has caused positive skin reactions above 0.01% in patch tests, and Oxyquinoline itself has been mildly irritating to rabbit skin and eyes. Current industry reports to CIR indicate no active use of Oxyquinoline in cosmetic formulations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its classification as a presumed human reproductive toxicant in the EU and insufficient safety data for leave-on cosmetic use, Oxyquinoline is highly restricted and generally unsuitable for precision skincare formulations.

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