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Moumoujus

PHENETHYL ISOTHIOCYANATE.

Avoid CAS 2257-09-2 / PERFUMING

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in cruciferous vegetables, exhibiting potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. While demonstrating significant therapeutic potential in specific anti-cancer applications, its use in general skincare is highly constrained by documented toxicity to healthy human skin cells.

Summary

Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Antibacterial

Science

Mechanism of Action

PEITC exerts its diverse biological activities through multiple cellular pathways. Its recognized anti-cancer effects involve inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis), inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing inflammation, blocking carcinogenesis, and selectively generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells. It also modulates critical signaling pathways such as MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 and inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity. For its antibacterial action, particularly against *Staphylococcus aureus*, PEITC promotes intracellular ROS accumulation, exacerbates bacterial cell structure destruction, and inhibits biofilm formation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 0.000082–0.016%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Inhibited the growth of human oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC-3) cells and induced apoptosis in vitro.
  2. 02 Demonstrated anti-inflammatory, cell proliferation inhibition, and therapeutic effects against various tumor cells in vitro, including reduction of HeLa cancer stem cell viability and induction of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.
  3. 03 Exhibited a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against *Staphylococcus aureus*, disrupting cell membrane integrity and decreasing ATP production.
  4. 04 A topical gel formulation demonstrated efficacy against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells in culture. However, this concentration was also found to be toxic to normal keratinocytes, necessitating minimized exposure to healthy skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data is available to indicate Phenethyl Isothiocyanate is commonly 'dusted' or has a known dusting threshold in cosmetic applications.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 7 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal production and stability of PEITC from its precursor occur at mild temperatures (approx. 25°C) and a pH range between neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-9.0). Its practical insolubility in water indicates it is hydrophobic and necessitates solubilizers for effective aqueous dispersion.

Conflicts

  • Toxicity to healthy keratinocytes has been observed in topical applications, suggesting that exposure to non-diseased skin should be stringently minimized in formulations.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate (PEITC) is recognized by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for use as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food. However, it has not been reviewed by the CIR for cosmetic use. Research indicates toxicity to normal keratinocytes in topical applications. Furthermore, product listings from chemical suppliers explicitly carry a 'WARNING: This product is not for human or veterinary use', signaling significant safety concerns for general application.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, the documented toxicity to normal keratinocytes and a lack of cosmetic safety review make Phenethyl Isothiocyanate unsuitable for general skincare formulations, meriting an 'avoid' rating.

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