Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient Sensitization Data

Usnic Acid

INCI: USNIC ACID

CAS Number
125-46-2 (racemic); (+)-Usnic acid: 7562-61-0
Function
Antimicrobial, skin conditioning, preservative-boosting
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted in topical cosmetics; FDA issued warning letters for oral supplements containing sodium usniate due to hepatotoxicity

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Usnic Acid based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
botanical
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.3%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis

Source: IVDK; ESSCA; NACDG

Expert Verdict

HIGH ALERT: GHS classified H301 (toxic if swallowed), H400/H410 (very toxic to aquatic life) ; linked to acute liver failure and death when ingested orally; likelihood score B (highly likely cause of liver injury) per LiverTox ; ensure batch-to-batch consistency of concentration in topical formulas

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

preservative

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Usnic Acid safe in cosmetics?

HIGH ALERT: GHS classified H301 (toxic if swallowed), H400/H410 (very toxic to aquatic life) ; linked to acute liver failure and death when ingested orally; likelihood score B (highly likely cause of liver injury) per LiverTox ; ensure batch-to-batch consistency of concentration in topical formulas The EU classifies Usnic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Usnic Acid allowed in the EU?

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

What does Usnic Acid do in cosmetics?

Usnic Acid functions as: Antimicrobial, skin conditioning, preservative-boosting. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 125-46-2 (racemic); (+)-Usnic acid: 7562-61-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Usnic 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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