3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid)

INCI: 3,4-DIHYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

CAS Number
99-50-3
Function
Antioxidant, skin conditioning
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Not restricted; recognized as a food substance (GRAS pathway) by FDA

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

GHS hazards at bulk concentrations include skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). Catechol moiety can undergo oxidation to quinone; assess pro-oxidant potential in formulation.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid) safe in cosmetics?

GHS hazards at bulk concentrations include skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). Catechol moiety can undergo oxidation to quinone; assess pro-oxidant potential in formulation. The EU classifies 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid) as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid) allowed in the EU?

3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid) do in cosmetics?

3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid) functions as: Antioxidant, skin conditioning. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 99-50-3.

What is the Margin of Safety for 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (Protocatechuic Acid)?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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