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Moumoujus

POTASSIUM CYANATE.

Avoid CAS 590-28-3 / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Potassium cyanate is an inorganic salt primarily utilized in industrial and agricultural sectors. Despite some ambiguous inventory listings, comprehensive research indicates a complete absence of identified cosmetic benefits and significant safety hazards, rendering it unsuitable for skincare.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

No specific mechanism demonstrating cosmetic benefit on skin has been identified for potassium cyanate. Its general actions in scientific literature relate to enzyme inactivation or experimental therapeutic uses, such as preventing erythrocyte sickling, which are not relevant to skin physiology in a cosmetic context.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Potassium cyanate is classified as a toxic substance with hazardous properties, making it entirely unsuitable for cosmetic applications where 'dusting' for skin benefit would be considered.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This compound exhibits instability in the presence of moisture, undergoing slow hydrolysis to ammonia and potassium bicarbonate. It decomposes upon contact with hot water and emits highly toxic fumes when exposed to acids or acid fumes. A 50 g/L aqueous solution at 20 °C registers a pH of 10, suggesting a degree of stability under alkaline conditions.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • acids
  • hot water
  • moisture

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Potassium cyanate is universally considered a toxic substance. Oral ingestion (LD50 in rats: 567 mg/kg) is harmful, and it causes severe eye irritation. Dermal contact can lead to irritation and the formation of sores. At elevated concentrations, it is lethal due to its interference with the body's oxygen transport system, resulting in cellular asphyxiation. While an EUCOSMETICS inventory entry incongruously suggests cosmetic uses like emollient and conditioning, this directly contradicts extensive toxicology data highlighting its severe hazardous nature. No specific safety assessments by CIR or SCCS support its use in cosmetic formulations, rendering its inclusion highly questionable.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Potassium cyanate is a highly toxic substance with no identified cosmetic benefits, posing significant risks of irritation and severe systemic harm, rendering it entirely unsuitable for skincare formulations.

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