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Moumoujus

P-HYDROXYANISOLE.

Avoid CAS 150-76-5 / ANTIOXIDANT, REDUCING

P-Hydroxyanisole is a phenolic compound primarily recognized for its antioxidant and reducing properties. While historically used in various industrial applications, its potent potential for dermal depigmentation and irritation has led to severe restrictions for cosmetic use on skin.

Summary

Antioxidant Reducing

Science

Mechanism of Action

The precise mechanism underlying P-Hydroxyanisole's depigmenting action is not fully elucidated. Current hypotheses suggest it may act by oxidizing tyrosinase into cytotoxic products within melanocytes, or through competitive inhibition of melanin precursor formation, thereby interfering with normal pigmentation processes.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Animal studies demonstrated skin depigmentation in guinea pigs at concentrations as low as 0.1% (in 1 of 6 animals), and consistently at 0.25% after 6 weeks of exposure.
  2. 02 While human studies reported minimal irritation at 2.0% (in specific vehicles) and nonirritating/nonsensitizing effects at 5.0%, several cases of skin depigmentation were documented following exposure at these concentrations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.02% (applicable only for professional nail products with no dermal exposure)%
Red flag below
0.1% (lowest observed concentration for depigmentation in animals); 0.25% (threshold cited by CIR for irritation/sensitization/depigmentation risk)%

P-Hydroxyanisole is explicitly deemed unsafe for direct skin contact in cosmetic formulations by the CIR Expert Panel due to its significant potential for depigmentation, irritation, and sensitization. Its maximum allowed concentration of 0.02% is strictly limited to professional-use-only nail products where direct dermal exposure is actively avoided, rendering it entirely unsuitable for any form of direct skin application or dusting.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As a phenol, P-Hydroxyanisole exhibits acidic properties and is prone to oxidation, undergoing various reactions. It demonstrates incompatibility with halogens and strong oxidizing agents, which should be avoided during formulation.

Conflicts

  • halogens
  • oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Unsafe for direct skin contact; safe with restrictions for specific nail product uses
Max tested
0.02%%
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that P-Hydroxyanisole is unsafe for use in all cosmetic products intended for direct skin contact due to its potential for dermal depigmentation, irritation, and sensitization, particularly at concentrations of 0.25% or greater. Its limited approval is for professional-use-only nail adhesives and artificial nail coatings as a polymerization inhibitor, at a maximum concentration of 0.02% after mixing, provided there is no dermal exposure. The SCCS also concurs with this restriction for professional artificial nail systems.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its documented potential for severe skin depigmentation, irritation, and sensitization, P-Hydroxyanisole is deemed unsafe for direct skin contact in cosmetic products and should be avoided.

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