Metaphosphoric Acid

INCI: METAPHOSPHORIC ACID

CAS Number
37267-86-0
Function
Buffering agent (pH stabilizer), chelating agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed - phosphoric acid and its salts reviewed by CIR and found safe when formulated to avoid irritation

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

CIR reviewed sodium metaphosphate (salt form) and concluded safe for use when formulated to avoid skin irritation. As a strong inorganic acid, undiluted metaphosphoric acid is corrosive; appropriate pH buffering in finished formulations is essential. Forms complexes with metal ions, which can influence stability and appearance of cosmetic formulations; the salts (metaphosphates) are the more commonly used forms in practice

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Concern Level: Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metaphosphoric Acid safe in cosmetics?

CIR reviewed sodium metaphosphate (salt form) and concluded safe for use when formulated to avoid skin irritation. As a strong inorganic acid, undiluted metaphosphoric acid is corrosive; appropriate pH buffering in finished formulations is essential. Forms complexes with metal ions, which can influence stability and appearance of cosmetic formulations; the salts (metaphosphates) are the more commonly used forms in practice The EU classifies Metaphosphoric Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Metaphosphoric Acid allowed in the EU?

Metaphosphoric Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Metaphosphoric Acid do in cosmetics?

Metaphosphoric Acid functions as: Buffering agent (pH stabilizer), chelating agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 37267-86-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Metaphosphoric 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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