Excellent Active Ingredient Dermal Penetration

Phytic Acid

INCI: PHYTIC ACID

CAS Number
83-86-3
Function
Inositol hexaphosphate functioning primarily as a chelating agent and antioxidant with mild keratolytic properties. One of the gentlest exfoliants available. Inhibits melanin production via chelation of metal ions required for tyrosinase activity. Frequently used in combination with other acids to enhance overall exfoliating efficacy while minimising irritation. Natural origin from grains and seeds.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Assessed as safe in cosmetics. GRAS as food additive. Natural plant-derived ingredient with well-established safety record in both food and cosmetic applications.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Phytic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
0.1-0.5%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
surface only
Molecular Weight
660.0 Da
Log P
-5.5
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
0.05-0.2%
Safety Margin Factor
minimal
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation

Source: Cosmetic Science

Expert Verdict

Phytic acid is an ideal supporting exfoliant for formulations targeting sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation. Its primary chelation mechanism provides anti-pigmentation activity without the irritation of stronger acids. Outstanding tolerability and natural origin make it a clean-label friendly brightening and exfoliating agent.

⚠️
Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

natural-origin gentle-exfoliant chelating antioxidant anti-pigmentation tyrosinase-inhibitor combination-synergist gras no-photosensitivity sensitive-skin-safe eu_children_restricted

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phytic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Phytic acid is an ideal supporting exfoliant for formulations targeting sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation. Its primary chelation mechanism provides anti-pigmentation activity without the irritation of stronger acids. Outstanding tolerability and natural origin make it a clean-label friendly brightening and exfoliating agent. The EU classifies Phytic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Phytic Acid allowed in the EU?

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

What does Phytic Acid do in cosmetics?

Phytic Acid functions as: Inositol hexaphosphate functioning primarily as a chelating agent and antioxidant with mild keratolytic properties. One of the gentlest exfoliants available. Inhibits melanin production via chelation of metal ions required for tyrosinase activity. Frequently used in combination with other acids to enhance overall exfoliating efficacy while minimising irritation. Natural origin from grains and seeds.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 83-86-3.

What is the Margin of Safety for Phytic Acid?

adequate 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.

Compliance Tools

Check Phytic 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 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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