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Moumoujus

PHOSPHORIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 7664-38-2 / BUFFERING

Phosphoric Acid is a highly effective inorganic acid primarily utilized as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in precision skincare formulations. It meticulously maintains product pH within optimal ranges for skin health, thereby stabilizing active ingredients and ensuring overall formula integrity. At low, precise concentrations, it exhibits additional benefits as a sequestrant, antioxidant, and UV absorbance enhancer.

Summary

pH Adjuster Buffering Agent Sequestrant Antioxidant UV Absorbent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Phosphoric Acid's core function is pH regulation, acting as a buffering agent to stabilize cosmetic formulations and maintain an optimal pH on the skin, typically between 4.0 and 6.0. Its sequestrant properties allow it to bind to metal ions, potentially denaturing proteins, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which can aid in clearing and minimizing the appearance of clogged pores. Furthermore, it contributes antioxidant activity to protect both the product and skin from oxidative degradation, and its UV absorbance characteristics can support sunscreen efficacy by preserving fatty acids and other components.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0–0.5%
Optimal

0.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations demonstrate its efficacy as a pH control agent in face creams, maintaining an appropriate skin pH without negatively impacting the stability of other cosmetic ingredients at concentrations up to 0.5%.
  2. 02 Human health assessments confirm a lack of irritation when Phosphoric Acid is incorporated at low concentrations.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Phosphoric Acid is critical for stabilizing cosmetic product pH, often buffering formulations to approximately pH 4.5. This pH range (4-6) is recommended for maintaining skin barrier health and overall product stability. Proper pH control prevents degradation of sensitive ingredients.

Conflicts

  • Strong bases (reacts violently)
  • Metals (reacts to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas)
  • Heat (can cause decomposition, releasing toxic gases)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (CIR Panel) has deemed Phosphoric Acid and its salts safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations when formulated to be non-irritating. The FDA recognizes it as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use. While concentrated solutions are corrosive and moderate concentrations can be irritating, at low levels (e.g., up to 0.5% in face creams), it is considered non-hazardous to the skin.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Phosphoric Acid is a valuable, essential ingredient for precision skincare, primarily serving to maintain optimal product pH for stability and skin health, with a well-established safety profile at controlled, low concentrations.

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