Maleic Acid
INCI: MALEIC ACID
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Maleic 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOAEL | 20 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOAEL | ca.250 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOEL | 100 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOEL | 10 other | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOEL | 60 other | oral | dog | oral | REACH |
| NOEL | 60 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | oral | REACH |
| LOEL | 32 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| NOEL | 40 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| LOEL | 100 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| LOEL | 250 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Safety Opinions
Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
Expert Verdict
Safe only as pH adjuster in neutralized form; unneutralized acid causes severe irritation and vesicular dermatitis at 20% concentration.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maleic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Safe only as pH adjuster in neutralized form; unneutralized acid causes severe irritation and vesicular dermatitis at 20% concentration. The EU classifies Maleic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.
Is Maleic Acid allowed in the EU?
Maleic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Maleic Acid do in cosmetics?
Maleic Acid functions as: pH adjuster, buffering agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 110-16-7.
What is the Margin of Safety for Maleic 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.
What is the NOAEL for Maleic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Maleic Acid is 20 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.
Is Maleic Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?
Maleic Acid carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: May be osive to metals Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin Causes skin and eye irritation May cause an allergic skin reaction May cause respiratory irritation Toxic to aquatic life. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.
Compliance Tools
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