Is Maltobionic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Maltobionic Acid has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Excellent
Active Ingredient
Maltobionic Acid
INCI: MALTOBIONIC ACID
Maltobionic Acid (CAS 534-42-9) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Bionic acid (PHA subclass) with an even gentler profile than lactobionic acid. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 534-42-9 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Bionic acid (PHA subclass) with an even gentler profile than lactobionic acid. Functions as a gentle exfoliant, antioxidant, humectant, and chelating agent. Particularly suitable for post-procedure and rosacea-prone skin. Activity confined to outermost stratum corneum layers due to large molecular weight and multiple hydroxyl groups. No burning, stinging, or photosensitisation associated with AHAs.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Assessed as safe for cosmetic use. Bionic acid PHA subclass with established safety profile analogous to lactobionic acid. Not specifically listed in FDA OTC monographs.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Maltobionic Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
2 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
exfoliant
{"cas_number": "534-03-2", "ingredient_class": "PHA", "chemical_subclass": "bionic_acid/aldobionic_acid", "molecular_weight_Da": "358.3", "pKa_value": "~3.60", "pH_dependent_activity": "yes", "optimal_pH_range": "3.5-5.0", "penetration_depth": "stratum_corneum", "mechanism_of_action": "desmolysis", "target_bonds": "desmosomal", "onset_of_action": "hours", "peak_effect_timeline": "12-16 weeks", "ce…
skin_suitability
{"oily_skin": "recommended", "dry_skin": "recommended", "sensitive_skin": "recommended", "combination_skin": "recommended", "normal_skin": "recommended", "acne_prone": "acceptable", "rosacea": "recommended", "eczema": "acceptable", "hyperpigmentation": "acceptable", "aging_mature": "recommended", "dehydrated": "recommended", "skin_benefit_primary": "exfoliating", "skin_benefit_secondary": "hydrati…
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Maltobionic Acid.
Regulatory Flags
pha
bionic-acid
antioxidant
chelating
humectant
no-photosensitivity
gentlest-pha
post-procedure-safe
rosacea-safe
fitzpatrick-iv-vi-preferred
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maltobionic Acid allowed in the EU?
Maltobionic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Maltobionic Acid do in cosmetics?
Maltobionic Acid functions as: Bionic acid (PHA subclass) with an even gentler profile than lactobionic acid. Functions as a gentle exfoliant, antioxidant, humectant, and chelating agent. Particularly suitable for post-procedure and rosacea-prone skin. Activity confined to outermost stratum corneum layers due to large molecular weight and multiple hydroxyl groups. No burning, stinging, or photosensitisation associated with AHAs.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 534-42-9.
Compliance Tools
Check Maltobionic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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