Formic Acid
What Formic Acid is & what it does
Formic Acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, a small, naturally occurring organic acid found in ants and some plants. In cosmetics it is used in small amounts mainly as a pH adjuster and preservative-supporting agent, helping to set the acidity of a formula and discourage microbial growth. It is a formulation aid rather than a skincare active. At the low concentrations used in finished products it is generally considered safe.
What is Formic Acid?
Formic Acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, a small, naturally occurring organic acid found in ants and some plants. In cosmetics it is used only in small amounts.
What does Formic Acid do in a formula?
It is used mainly as a pH adjuster and to help support preservation, setting a formula's acidity and discouraging microbial growth. It is a formulation aid rather than a skincare active.
Is Formic Acid safe?
At the low concentrations used in finished cosmetic products it is generally considered safe. In concentrated form it is irritating, but that is not how it is used in finished skincare.
Sunscreens with Formic Acid
We rate 3 sunscreens that contain it:
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Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Blurring Suncream
92/100
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Azio Beauty Age Defy Tinted SPF Perfector
87/100
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JM Solution Baby Fresh Sun Cream 40 PA+++
78/100