An unsaturated dicarboxylic acid used as a buffering, antimicrobial and skin-conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Itaconic acid is 2-methylenebutanedioic acid (methylenesuccinic acid), an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid. CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial, buffering, emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of skin care and hair care products.
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.
The label does not show the amount used.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Buffering
- Stabilising the pH of an aqueous medium in a narrow range even if an acid or base is added. Altering and/or maintaining a cosmetic product's pH at the desired level.
- Skin conditioning – emollient
- Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.