Allowed in EU

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid

A cosmetic ingredient used as anti-sebum, humectant, plasticiser in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:

What does it do?

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Anti-sebum

    helps regulate or reduce excess sebum (oil) on the skin

  • Humectant

    draws moisture from the air or deeper skin layers to the surface, helping skin retain water

  • Plasticiser

    adds flexibility to film-forming polymers, e.g. in nail polish or mascara

EU regulatory status

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid?

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is the organic compound that conforms to the formula:

Is 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid do in cosmetic products?

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: anti-sebum, humectant, plasticiser.

What is the CAS number of 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid is 625-72-9.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 29/03/2019