The ingredient, explained
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric Acid has published research relevant to cosmetic safety assessment.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Orthophosphoric acid
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Buffering
- Helps resist changes in a formula's pH.
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
Safety assessment
The assessment reviews safety of phosphoric acid and 30 salts and makes its cosmetic conclusion conditional on nonirritating formulation.
What this does not tell us
Group cosmetic safety assessment, not evidence of skin benefits. Acid concentration, pH and formulation affect irritation.
Sources for this summary. PubMed 34259064 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Selective exact-identity review of 3 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Safety assessment
Safety Assessment of Phosphoric Acid and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics. ↗
International journal of toxicology · 2021
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Orthophosphoric acid
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- PHOSPHORIC ACID
- CAS registry number
- 7664-38-2
- EC number
- 231-633-2
Other recorded names (1)
- acidum phosphoricum
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026