P-Hydroxyanisole
A cosmetic ingredient used as antioxidant, reducing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
4-Methoxyphenol
What does it do?
P-Hydroxyanisole is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antioxidant
neutralises free radicals to slow oxidative damage to the formulation or skin
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Reducing
a reducing agent — donates electrons to break chemical bonds, used in perms and depilatories
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is restricted in the European Union.
P-Hydroxyanisole is listed under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 95). It is permitted only under specific conditions, concentration limits, or in particular product types.
Frequently asked questions
What is P-Hydroxyanisole?
P-Hydroxyanisole is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 4-Methoxyphenol
Is P-Hydroxyanisole allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Only with restrictions. P-Hydroxyanisole is permitted in EU cosmetics only under specific conditions defined in Annex III of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does P-Hydroxyanisole do in cosmetic products?
P-Hydroxyanisole is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antioxidant, reducing.
What is the CAS number of P-Hydroxyanisole?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for P-Hydroxyanisole is 150-76-5.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010