4-Hydroxyacetophenone, also known as p-hydroxyacetophenone (CAS No.: 99-93-4), belongs to the class of substituted acetophenones. Its molecular formula is C₈H₈O₂, featuring a hydroxyl group positioned para to the acetyl group on the benzene ring. In this blog post, SACH, as high quality cosmetic raw materials manufacturing factory, will share how 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is applied in the cosmetics field, examining its chemical properties, formulation advantages, regulatory status, and real-world performance in personal care products.
Chemical Properties of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone Relevant to Cosmetics
4-Hydroxyacetophenone is a phenolic aromatic compound characterized by a hydroxyl group attached to the para position of an acetophenone structure. This molecular configuration gives it notable antioxidant activity and compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients.
From a formulation perspective, high-purity cosmetic-grade 4-Hydroxyacetophenone typically exhibits HPLC content ≥99.0%, ensuring low impurity levels and consistent reactivity. Such purity is critical in cosmetics, where trace impurities can affect color stability, odor, or skin tolerance.
Its moderate solubility profile allows it to perform effectively in both oil-in-water and water-based systems when properly dispersed, making it suitable for modern emulsions and serum formulations.
Functional Role of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone in Cosmetic Formulations
In cosmetic systems, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (CAS No.: 99-93-4) is not primarily used as a standalone preservative. Instead, it functions as a preservative enhancer and antioxidant stabilizer, supporting broader formulation goals.
When incorporated at appropriate concentrations, this compound can:
* Improve the overall antimicrobial efficiency of traditional preservative systems
* Reduce the required dosage of harsher preservatives
* Contribute to oxidative stability of sensitive ingredients
This multifunctional role aligns with current formulation strategies focused on reducing irritation while maintaining robust product safety.
4-Hydroxyacetophenone as a Preservative Booster
One of the most significant cosmetic applications of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone lies in its ability to enhance preservative performance. It works synergistically with common preservative systems, such as organic acids and phenoxyethanol-based blends.
Mechanism of Preservative Enhancement
The phenolic structure of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone interferes with microbial metabolism and cell membrane function. While its standalone antimicrobial activity is limited, its presence lowers the resistance threshold of microorganisms, allowing traditional preservatives to work more efficiently.
This synergy enables formulators to achieve microbial protection targets with reduced overall preservative load, an important advantage for products designed for sensitive or compromised skin.
Antioxidant Properties and Shelf-Life Extension
Oxidation is a major challenge in cosmetic products containing oils, botanical extracts, vitamins, or unsaturated fatty acids. 4-Hydroxyacetophenone contributes antioxidant benefits by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting oxidative chain reactions.
In practical terms, this antioxidant function helps:
* Delay rancidity in oil-containing products
* Maintain color and fragrance stability
* Protect active ingredients from degradation
As a result, cosmetic products formulated with 4-Hydroxyacetophenone often demonstrate improved shelf-life stability under accelerated aging conditions.
Applications of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
4-Hydroxyacetophenone (CAS No.: 99-93-4) is widely used across multiple cosmetic and personal care categories due to its mildness and formulation flexibility.
Creams and Lotions Containing 4-Hydroxyacetophenone
In emulsified systems such as facial creams and body lotions, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone supports preservation while minimizing irritation potential. Its compatibility with emollients, emulsifiers, and thickeners makes it suitable for both daily-use and dermatologically oriented products.
Serums and Leave-On Products
Serums often contain high concentrations of actives that are sensitive to oxidation. Incorporating 4-Hydroxyacetophenone into these formulations helps protect active efficacy while maintaining a lightweight skin feel.
Sensitive Skin and Minimalist Formulations
Because it enables lower levels of conventional preservatives, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is frequently used in products marketed for sensitive skin, post-procedure care, or infant-safe applications.
Formulation Advantages from High Purity and Stable Quality
Consistency is a critical requirement in cosmetic manufacturing. High-quality 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is produced under strict process control, ensuring excellent batch-to-batch consistency.
Key formulation advantages include:
* Predictable performance across production batches
* Reduced need for reformulation adjustments
* Improved quality control outcomes
Stable quality also supports large-scale manufacturing, where even minor raw material variability can lead to costly production deviations.
Regulatory Compliance of 4-Hydroxyacetophenone in Cosmetics
Regulatory acceptance is a decisive factor in ingredient selection. 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is widely recognized for its compliance with major cosmetic regulations.
Compliance with Global Cosmetic Standards
Cosmetic-grade 4-Hydroxyacetophenone typically meets:
* EU cosmetic ingredient regulations
* China cosmetic ingredient usage standards
* REACH compliance requirements
* RoHS directives, where applicable
This broad regulatory acceptance allows brands to use the ingredient in globally marketed products without complex regional reformulation.
Safety Profile and Skin Compatibility
From a toxicological standpoint, 4-Hydroxyacetophenone is considered a low-risk ingredient when used within recommended cosmetic concentrations. Its role as a preservative enhancer supports the reduction of more aggressive preservatives, indirectly improving overall skin tolerance.
Clinical evaluations and customer validation have shown good compatibility in both rinse-off and leave-on products, supporting its continued adoption in modern cosmetic development.
Future Trends for 4-Hydroxyacetophenone in Cosmetics
As cosmetic consumers increasingly demand gentler, safer, and more transparent formulations, the role of multifunctional ingredients continues to expand. 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (CAS No.: 99-93-4) fits well within this evolution by offering preservation support, antioxidant protection, and regulatory confidence in a single component.
Its wide application potential, proven illustrates performance, and compatibility with modern formulation philosophies suggest that 4-Hydroxyacetophenone will remain a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic industry for years to come.
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