Ingredient Dictionary

SULFURIC ACID

Sulfuric acid is a sulfur oxoacid that consists of two oxo and two hydroxy groups joined covalently to a central sulfur atom.

How much products actually contain

No product states its amount yet.

Of the products containing it, 1 list it before the 1% line and 0 after it (usually 1% or less).

Products using this ingredient

1 of 1 confirmed · likeliest to carry enough first

MoroccanoilMoroccanoil Mending Infusion

Definition

Sulfuric acid is a sulfur oxoacid that consists of two oxo and two hydroxy groups joined covalently to a central sulfur atom. It has a role as a catalyst. It is a conjugate acid of a hydrogensulfate.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII O40UQP6WCF · registered name Sulfuric acid · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Keeps pH steadyBUFFERING

Safety & regulatory references

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Danger · H290 (category 1) · H330 (category 2) · H314 (category 1)

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Other restriction: ban substances that deplete the ozone layer

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

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

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name 硫酸: 本品は、次の化学式で表される無機酸である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

SULFURIC ACIDINCI설프릭애씨드Korean label name (MFDS standard)硫酸Japanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 7664-93-9
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 231-639-5
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID5029683
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID709683

IUPAC: Sulfuric acid
Molecular formula: H2O4S
Molecular weight: 98.07 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: Sulfuric acid is a colorless oily liquid. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It will char wood and most other organic matter on contact, but is unlikely to cause a fire. Density 15 lb / gal. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation. It is used to make f · Sulfuric acid, spent appears as a black oily liquid. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Density 15 lb /gal.
Odour: Odorless · odourless
Boiling point: 554 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998) · 212 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Melting point: 50.65 °F (EPA, 1998) · 51 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Solubility: Miscible (NIOSH, 2024) · Miscible with water, with generation of much heat, also with ethanol
Density: 1.841 (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.39 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink
Colour: colourless
Odour threshold: 1 ㎎/㎥
pH: 0.3
Melting/freezing point: 10.4~10.94 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 337 ℃
Flammability (solid, gas): not flammable
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: - / -
Vapour pressure: 6 hPa(20℃, 90% aqueous sulfuric acid solution)
Water solubility: ( Miscible with water, with generation of much heat, also with ethanol)
Vapour density: 1.81
Relative density: 1.8
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): -2.2
Decomposition temperature: 340 ℃
Viscosity: 21 cP
Molecular weight: 98.079

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 148 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 agent49
Cleaning agent14
No specific technical function13
Processing aids not otherwise specified11
Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not other5
Intermediate4
Ion exchange agent4
Soil amendments4

26 other uses

Catalyst3
Corrosion inhibitor3
Bleaching agent3
Degradant/impurity (EPA)3
Chemical reaction regulator3
Flavouring and nutrient2
Fuel2
Plating agent2
Leaching agent2
Surface modifier2
Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)2
Viscosity modifier2
Solvent2
Deodorizer1
Absorbent1
UV stabilizer1
Oxidizing agent1
Fragrance1
Etching agent1
Softener and conditioner1
Conductive agent1
Drier1
Swelling agent1
Preservative1
Pigment1
Dehydrating agent (desiccant)1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

8 skin studies and 4 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 12 studies

Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Not classified
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Skin Corr. 1A
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 8.2B (Category 1B)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Category 8.2C (Category 1C)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Category 6.3A (Category 2)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Category 1A-1C
Skin Irritation · Screening
Skin Corr. 1A
Skin Irritation · Authoritative
Category 8.3A (Category 1)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Category 1
Eye Irritation · Screening
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Eye Dam. 1
Eye Irritation · Screening