Moderate Active Ingredient NOAEL Data

Pyruvic Acid

INCI: PYRUVIC ACID

CAS Number
127-17-3
Function
Alpha-keto acid (MW 88 Da) used as a versatile medium-depth peel agent at 40–70% concentrations. Converts to lactic acid on skin contact, providing combined alpha-keto acid and AHA activity. Penetrates deeper than glycolic acid at equivalent concentrations due to both mechanisms. Has keratoplastic and keratoreconstructive properties. Requires careful neutralisation protocols due to volatile, pungent fumes during application.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
EU Max Conc. 40–70% professional peel use only
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Professional-use chemical peel agent. Not classified as OTC cosmetic. Requires trained application under clinical supervision. Volatile fumes require appropriate ventilation and safety precautions during procedure.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Pyruvic 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 11792 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Special Toxicology Study COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 11792 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Special Toxicology Study COSMOS_DB

Expert Verdict

Pyruvic acid is a potent medium-depth peel agent with unique dual-mechanism activity. Its deeper penetration versus glycolic acid at equivalent concentrations makes it versatile but higher-risk; technique and neutralisation are critical. Volatile fume management is a distinct safety consideration not present with other acids. Strictly professional use only.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

professional-use-only chemical-peel volatile-fumes not-for-consumer-cosmetics deeper-than-glycolic neutralisation-critical pih-risk requires-clinical-supervision ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pyruvic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Pyruvic acid is a potent medium-depth peel agent with unique dual-mechanism activity. Its deeper penetration versus glycolic acid at equivalent concentrations makes it versatile but higher-risk; technique and neutralisation are critical. Volatile fume management is a distinct safety consideration not present with other acids. Strictly professional use only. The EU classifies Pyruvic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Pyruvic Acid allowed in the EU?

Pyruvic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 40–70% professional peel use only. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Pyruvic Acid do in cosmetics?

Pyruvic Acid functions as: Alpha-keto acid (MW 88 Da) used as a versatile medium-depth peel agent at 40–70% concentrations. Converts to lactic acid on skin contact, providing combined alpha-keto acid and AHA activity. Penetrates deeper than glycolic acid at equivalent concentrations due to both mechanisms. Has keratoplastic and keratoreconstructive properties. Requires careful neutralisation protocols due to volatile, pungent fumes during application.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 127-17-3.

What is the Margin of Safety for Pyruvic 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.

What is the NOAEL for Pyruvic Acid?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Pyruvic Acid is 11792 mg/kg bw/day based on a Special Toxicology Study study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Compliance Tools

Check Pyruvic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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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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