The ingredient, explained

Acetic Acid

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

BufferingMasking

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Acetic acid

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Buffering: Helps resist changes in a formula's pH.
Masking: Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical treatment study

Acetic-acid dressings cleared Pseudomonas from chronic infected wounds faster than saline dressings.

What this does not tell us

Medical infected wounds, not healthy-skin cosmetic use. Six months describes study conduct, not individual treatment duration. No systemic antibiotics used.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 25851059 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.