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Ingredient directory

Pelargonic Acid

Pelargonic acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that serves as a skin-conditioning agent, imparting emollient properties to enhance skin texture. It also demonstrates mild anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, making it beneficial for soothing irritation and addressing blemish-prone skin.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

Skin-conditioning Emollient Anti-inflammatory Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antifungal

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning as a skin-conditioning agent, pelargonic acid contributes emollient benefits that result in a smoother skin texture and an improved tactile sensation. Furthermore, it exhibits mild anti-inflammatory activity capable of calming irritated skin and possesses antibacterial properties, which are valuable in formulations targeting acne.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤12%
Optimal

12%

Key findings

  1. 01 At concentrations of 12% and less in cosmetic formulations, pelargonic acid is not a dermal irritant and is not a sensitizer to human skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Pelargonic acid has a pKa of 4.94, with a 0.1 g/l aqueous solution exhibiting a pH of 4.4 at 25 °C. It is predominantly soluble in organic solvents and shows minimal solubility in water.

Conflicts

  • Keep away from excessive heat.
  • Formulators should exercise caution when combining pelargonic acid with other ingredients for which enhanced dermal absorption is a concern, as it may increase their penetration.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
12%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that pelargonic acid and its esters are safe for use as cosmetic ingredients. It is not considered genotoxic, a reproductive or developmental toxicant, or a sensitizer. At concentrations of 12% and below, it does not induce dermal irritation. However, it may increase the dermal penetration of other ingredients, a factor to consider in formulation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Pelargonic acid is a valuable ingredient, offering skin-conditioning, emollient, and mild antibacterial/anti-inflammatory benefits with a low risk of irritation or sensitization at concentrations up to 12%.

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