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Moumoujus

PHENYLACETIC ACID.

Questionable CAS 103-82-2 / PERFUMING

Phenylacetic acid is an organic acid recognized for its antimicrobial properties and its natural presence in the body as a catabolite of phenylalanine. While it offers potential as an antimicrobial agent, its application in precision skincare requires careful evaluation due to observed skin irritation.

Summary

Antimicrobial Perfuming

Science

Mechanism of Action

Phenylacetic acid primarily exerts its biological effects through antimicrobial activity. It also functions endogenously as a catabolite derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 2.66 – 4.31
0 7 14

Stability

Phenylacetic acid exhibits good chemical stability; however, it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Its pKa is 4.31, and solutions are acidic, with a 100 mM solution measuring a pH of 2.66.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Phenylacetic acid has not undergone specific safety reviews by either the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) or the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) for cosmetic applications. It is classified as a DEA List I chemical in the United States due to its use in illicit phenylacetone production. However, its sodium salt, sodium phenylacetate, is an FDA-approved pharmaceutical for urea cycle disorders, and it is also recognized as a flavoring agent by FEMA and the FDA.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Phenylacetic acid offers antimicrobial potential, but its medium irritancy and lack of dedicated cosmetic safety assessments render its suitability for precision skincare questionable without further research and careful formulation.

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