Hydroxycinnamic Acid ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, helping protect formulas and skin-facing lipids from oxidative change. It may also contribute mild UV-absorbing support, but it is not used as a regulated sunscreen filter.
What does Hydroxycinnamic Acid do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, helping protect formulas and skin-facing lipids from oxidative change. It may also contribute mild UV-absorbing support, but it is not used as a regulated sunscreen filter.
Is Hydroxycinnamic Acid clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally low-friction when purity and sourcing are documented. It is not a common restricted-list concern, though acidic phenolic materials can be irritating at higher levels or in low-pH formulas.
Is Hydroxycinnamic Acid sustainable?
This material occurs naturally in many plants and can be sourced through plant extraction, fermentation, or synthesis. It is expected to be readily biodegradable and does not raise the persistence concerns associated with silicone or fluorinated materials.
Is Hydroxycinnamic Acid COSMOS-approved?
It can fit COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic frameworks when sourced from approved natural or naturally derived feedstocks and processed with allowed methods. Its Green Chemistry profile is favorable when made from renewable inputs, used at low levels, and supplied without problematic solvent residues.
How does Hydroxycinnamic Acid work chemically?
The molecule is an aromatic phenolic carboxylic acid with a conjugated side chain, which supports radical-scavenging activity and UV-range absorbance. It is typically used at low antioxidant or skin-conditioning levels, often below 1%, with greater ionization and water compatibility above the carboxyl pKa around the mid-4 range.
Last updated 2026-05-13