What is this ingredient?

미국 FDA 물질 등록 · UNII 0YIW783RG1 · 등록명 Formic Acid · 단일 화학물질

All ingredients

Ingredient Dictionary

FORMIC ACID

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon.

Korean limit: 0.5%

FORMIC ACID Molecular structure — Molecular structure

How much products actually contain

No product states its amount yet.

Of the products containing it, 6 list it before the 1% line and 32 after it (usually 1% or less).

Products using this ingredient

12 of 38 confirmed · likeliest to carry enough first · See all 38

Definition

US FDA substance register · UNII 0YIW783RG1 · registered name Formic Acid · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. Occurs naturally in various sources including the venom of bee and ant stings, and is a useful organic synthetic reagent. Principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Induces severe metabolic acidosis and ocular injury in human subjects. It has a role as a metabolite, an antibacterial agent, a solvent, a protic solvent and an astringent. It is a conjugate acid of a formate.

Source: PubChem

Formic Acid is an organic acid that conforms to the formula:

Cosmetic roles

Listed as a fragrance-composition material (not a claim that it adds scent)FRAGRANCESets the pHpH ADJUSTERSStops microbes growing in the productPRESERVATIVE

Safety & regulatory references

Restricted: China · South Korea
Allowed preservative: United Kingdom

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information · EU Cosmetics Regulation · Taiwan FDA cosmetic ingredients · UK cosmetics regulations (OPSS)

Argentina · Brazil

Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 0.5% (expressed as acid)

ASEAN

Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 0.5% (expressed as acid)

Taiwan

0.5%

European Union

Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation : 0.5% (as acid)

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Danger · H331 (category 3) · H302 (category 4) · H226 (category 3) · +1 more

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Restriction V/14

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

Reviewed by CIR: Safety Assessment of Formic Acid and Sodium Formate as Used in Cosmetics

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

Reviewed by CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Formic Acid

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name ギ酸: 本品は、次の化学式で表される有機酸である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

FORMIC ACIDINCI포믹애씨드Korean label name (MFDS standard)ギ酸Japanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 64-18-6
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 200-579-1
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID2024115
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID904115

IUPAC: Formic acid
Molecular formula: CH2O2
Molecular weight: 46.025 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Formic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 156 °F. Density 10.2 lb / gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue. · CBI, Dry Powder, Liquid, Other Solid
Odour: Pungent, penetrating odor
Boiling point: 213.3 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) · 101 °C
Melting point: 47.1 °F (NTP, 1992) · 8.3 °C
Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992) · 1000000 mg/L (at 25 °C)
Density: 1.22 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.220 at 20 °C/4 °C
Colour: colourless
Melting/freezing point: 8 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 101 ℃
Evaporation rate: 2.1
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: 51 / 18 %
Vapour pressure: 4.6 ㎪(20℃)
Water solubility: 680 g/ℓ(at 25°C)
Relative density: 1.22
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): -2.1 (at 23℃)
Auto-ignition temperature: 520 ℃
Viscosity: 1.02 ㎡/s(40℃)
Molecular weight: 46.0248

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 87 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

pH regulating agent30
Preservative10
Processing aids not otherwise specified9
Corrosion inhibitor4
Soil amendments4
Flavouring and nutrient3
Fragrance3
Adhesion/cohesion promoter3

14 other uses

Biocide3
Binder2
Chemical reaction regulator2
Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)2
Dye2
Surfactant (surface active agent)2
Sizing agent1
Monomers1
Surface modifier1
Tanning agents not otherwise specified1
Antioxidant1
Cleaning agent1
Chelating agent1
Intermediate1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

7 skin studies and 2 eye studies are on record.

Classed as highly irritating1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 9 studies

Skin Corr. 1A
Skin Irritation · Authoritative
Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Not classified
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA) · Screening · equivalent or similar to other guideline: Japan MAFF TG of 12 Nosan No. 8147 according to OECD Guideline 406 (Skin Sensitisation) according to EU Method B.6 (Skin Sensitisation) according to EPA OPPTS 870.2600 (Skin Sensitisation)
Category 8.2B (Category 1B)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Skin corrosion - category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 8.3A (Category 1)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Category 1
Eye Irritation · Screening