Hydroxacetophenone ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as an antioxidant and preservative booster, helping protect formulas from oxidation while supporting the performance of preservative systems. It can also contribute mild soothing benefits in skin-care formulas.
What does Hydroxacetophenone do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as an antioxidant and preservative booster, helping protect formulas from oxidation while supporting the performance of preservative systems. It can also contribute mild soothing benefits in skin-care formulas.
Is Hydroxacetophenone clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and is not a major restricted-list ingredient. The main watchpoint is that it is often used as part of a broader preservation strategy, so the full preservative system matters more than this material alone.
Is Hydroxacetophenone sustainable?
This material is commonly synthetically produced, often from petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based routes may exist depending on supplier. It is not known for major persistence concerns, but its renewable-feedstock profile is weaker than many plant-derived antioxidants.
Is Hydroxacetophenone COSMOS-approved?
It may be permitted under COSMOS when supplied in an approved grade and compliant manufacturing route, but it is not a simple default for every natural or organic certification. Its Green Chemistry fit is mixed, with useful low-dose performance and generally favorable tolerance, balanced by synthetic sourcing and supplier-dependent processing.
How does Hydroxacetophenone work chemically?
The molecule is a small aromatic phenolic ketone, which explains its antioxidant behavior and its ability to support microbial control without functioning as a classic standalone preservative. It is commonly used around 0.1% to 1.0%, is broadly compatible across typical cosmetic pH ranges, and is often paired with humectants, chelators, and approved preservatives to strengthen formula protection.
Last updated 2026-05-15