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INCI name

FORMIC ACID

Formic acid

FragrancePreservativepH adjusterreviewed

A simple organic acid used as a preservative and pH adjuster.

What it is

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid. CosIng lists it as a preservative, a pH adjuster and a fragrance ingredient. In the EU it is listed in Annex V (allowed preservatives).

Where it is used

Appears in small amounts in skin and hair care formulas that need preservation or a pH adjustment.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits. The label does not show the concentration actually used.

Functions

Fragrance
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
Preservative
Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
pH adjuster
Controlling the pH of cosmetic products.

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 14Formic acid and its sodium salt
Maximum concentration
0.5% (as acid)
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Safety Gate alerts (EU)

3 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.

See all alerts →

Products with this ingredient (79)

Check a full ingredient list