Is Boric Acid safe in cosmetics?
Boric Acid has a safety rating of "POOR" in our database. EU status: prohibited. US status: permitted. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Boric Acid
Also known as: Boric acid, crude natural, boric acid, crude natural, containing not more than 85 per cent of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight, EINECS No.: 234-343-4
INCI: BORIC ACID
Boric Acid (CAS 11113-50-1) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as crosslinker in some formulations; will hydrolyze to boric acid and carries the. Reported NOAEL =9.6 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: prohibited. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 11113-50-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Boric Acid is prohibited in EU cosmetics but has active industrial GHS classifications (H360).
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
crosslinker in some formulations; will hydrolyze to boric acid and carries the same regulatory risk
Safety Rating
POOR
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
prohibited
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
No specific restrictions
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Boric Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
2 study endpoints found for Boric Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =9.6 mg/kg bw/day | oral: feed | Rat | reproduction toxicity | EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx |
| NOAEL | =9.6 mg/kg bw/day | oral: feed | Rat | reproduction toxicity | EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
Ceased manufacture
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
Yes (since 18-Jun-2010)
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
SVHC reason: Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)
Additional Ingredient Properties
2 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
pediatric_safety
{"safe_for_newborn_0_6m": "avoid", "safe_for_infant_6_12m": "avoid", "safe_for_toddler_1_3y": "avoid", "safe_for_child_3_12y": "avoid", "safe_for_teen_12_18y": "caution", "pediatric_max_concentration_pct": "0.0", "adult_max_concentration_pct": "0.0", "pediatric_dermal_absorption_factor": "high", "immature_skin_barrier_risk": "high", "oral_ingestion_risk": "high", "eye_irritation_risk": "moderate",…
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "4.0", "optimal_ph_max": "6.0", "stable_ph_min": "3.5", "stable_ph_max": "7.0", "degrades_above_ph": "7.5", "ph_dependent_function": "Antiseptic; pH buffer", "formulation_note": "Weak acid", "source": "Formulation literature"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Biocide
Flame retardant
Stabilizing agent
pH regulating agent
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Boric Acid.
Regulatory Flags
EU Restricted
SCCS Review
CMR
endocrine_disruptor
jecfa_concern
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Boric Acid by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
71
Lowest NOAEL
9.6 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
2000 mg/kg bw/day
EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx
ECHA_REACH_reach_study_results_dossiers_23-05-2023.zip
Known Synonyms
Boric acid, crude natural
boric acid, crude natural, containing not more than 85 per cent of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight
EINECS No.: 234-343-4
Chemical Function
pH regulating agent
Biocide
Stabilizing agent
Flame retardant
Regulatory Lists
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boric Acid allowed in the EU?
Boric Acid EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Boric Acid do in cosmetics?
Boric Acid functions as: crosslinker in some formulations; will hydrolyze to boric acid and carries the same regulatory risk. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 11113-50-1.
What is the NOAEL for Boric Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Boric Acid is =9.6 mg/kg bw/day based on a reproduction toxicity study via oral: feed route in Rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx.
Is Boric Acid used outside cosmetics?
Boric Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Boric Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Boric Acid is prohibited in EU cosmetics but has active industrial GHS classifications (H360).
Compliance Tools
Check Boric Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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