Levulinic Acid ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is an organic acid used mainly to adjust pH and support preservation in water-based formulas. It can also contribute mild skin-conditioning and masking effects at low levels.
What does Levulinic Acid do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is an organic acid used mainly to adjust pH and support preservation in water-based formulas. It can also contribute mild skin-conditioning and masking effects at low levels.
Is Levulinic Acid clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well accepted and not a common restricted-list concern. Like many acids, comfort depends on formula pH and dose, so very low-pH products can feel stingy on sensitive skin.
Is Levulinic Acid sustainable?
This material is commonly made from plant-derived carbohydrates such as cellulose or sugars, although supply routes can vary. It is readily biodegradable and does not raise the persistence concerns associated with many long-chain or silicone-based materials.
Is Levulinic Acid COSMOS-approved?
This ingredient is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when the raw material meets the standard’s sourcing and processing requirements. It aligns well with Green Chemistry because it can come from renewable biomass, is biodegradable, and functions effectively at low concentrations.
How does Levulinic Acid work chemically?
The molecule is a small five-carbon keto acid with both carboxylic acid and ketone functionality, which explains its water compatibility, acidity, and preservation-support behavior. It is often used around 0.1% to 2%, performs best in acidic systems near or below its pKa of about 4.6, and is commonly paired with its corresponding salt for buffering and antimicrobial support.
Last updated 2026-05-13