Good Active Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Phosphoric Acid

INCI: PHOSPHORIC ACID

CAS Number

7664-38-2

Function

pH buffering agent, chelating agent

Safety Rating

GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted

EU Max Conc. 49%

🇺🇸 US Status permitted

US Notes No specific restrictions

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)

not established

Dermal Absorption

low

Sensitization

none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Phosphoric 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	1000 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Short Term Toxicity	COSMOS_DB
LOAEL	155 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	oral	REACH
NOAEL	322.88 mg/kg bw/day	oral	dog	oral	REACH
NOAEL	250 other	oral	rat	oral	REACH
NOAEL	250 other	oral	rat	oral	REACH
NOAEL	322.88 mg/kg bw/day	oral	-	oral	REACH
LOAEL	155 mg/kg bw/day	oral	-	oral	REACH
NOAEL	2436 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	oral	REACH
NOAEL	>1038.77 mg/kg bw/day	oral	dog	oral	REACH
LOAEL	172.66 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.

Signal Word

DANGER

Pictograms

corr; excl mark;warn

Hazard Statements

May be osive to metals Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation Harmful to aquatic life See Notes

Short-term Exposure Effects

The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause asthma-like reactions (RADS). Exposure could cause asphyxiation due to swelling in the throat. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause pneumonitis. See Notes.

Long-term Exposure Effects

The substance may have effects on the upper respiratory tract and lungs. This may result in chronic inflammation and reduced lung function . Mists of this strong inorganic acid are carcinogenic to humans. See Notes.

Routes of Exposure

Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

Expert Verdict

Phosphoric Acid is generally considered safe for use as a cosmetic ingredient with good safety profile and low sensitization potential.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

epa_safer_alternative fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phosphoric Acid safe in cosmetics?

Phosphoric Acid is generally considered safe for use as a cosmetic ingredient with good safety profile and low sensitization potential. The EU classifies Phosphoric Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Phosphoric Acid allowed in the EU?

Phosphoric Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 49%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Phosphoric Acid do in cosmetics?

Phosphoric Acid functions as: pH buffering agent, chelating agent. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7664-38-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Phosphoric 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 Phosphoric Acid?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Phosphoric Acid is 1000 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Phosphoric Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?

Phosphoric Acid carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: May be osive to metals Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation Harmful to aquatic life See Notes. 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

Check Phosphoric Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Substance Compliance

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MoS Calculator

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Heavy Metal Limits

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