Formic acid
Formic acid
Formic Acid (INCI: Formic Acid) is a chemical compound obtained through synthesis. It performs three roles in cosmetic formulations: fragrance, preservative, and pH adjuster.
PerfumingPreservativeRestricted use
Ingredient
Roles & functions
Perfuming — Adds a scent to the product or masks the odour of raw materials.
Preservative — Limits the growth of micro-organisms to preserve the product.
Buffering — Adjusts and stabilises the pH of the formula.
Safety
Safety limit not to exceed
| Population | Limit / day | Type of reference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult · general population | 0.3 mg/kg bw | Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | EFSA OpenFoodTox 3.0 (ADI) |
Official reference limit, for information only, this is not personalised advice. Ask a pharmacist about your situation.
Last verified :
Regulatory framework
What the authorities say
| Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission européenne (CosIng, Règl. 1223/2009) | Autorisé sous conditions |
| CLP classification (Reg. 1272/2008) | No CMR classification |
| ECHA — endocrine disruptor (human health) | Not identified as an endocrine disruptor |
| ECHA — Candidate List (SVHC, REACH Art. 59) | Not on the Candidate List (SVHC) |
| European Commission (Reg. 1223/2009, Annex III) | No cosmetic allergen subject to mandatory labelling |
| European Commission (EU catalogue of nanomaterials, Reg. 1223/2009) | No referenced nanoform |
| European Commission — Annex V (Reg. 1223/2009) — maj Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:37:23 GMT | Authorised preservative (Annex V) — max 0.5% (as acid) |
Products
Products containing it
Statistics
In Lou’s database
3
products listed
| Most frequent categories | Bath & shower oils · Conditioner · Shower gels & soaps |
| Most frequent brands | Cicabiafine · Lazartigue |
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This information is reported factually and with attribution (authorities and publications cited). It does not constitute medical advice, for your situation, ask a pharmacist or a healthcare professional for advice.
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