Folic Acid
Vitamin B9, synthetic form of folate. Antioxidant. Rare in cosmetics – unstable to light and oxygen, easily oxidizes to inactive form. Systemic role in cell division is well studied, topical activity on skin is poorly supported.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Antioxidant potential exists, but instability and low topical bioavailability make this addition largely decorative.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Folic acid (vitamin B9, pteroylglutamic acid) is the synthetic form of folate. In the body it converts to tetrahydrofolate – a coenzyme for purine, pyrimidine, and amino acid synthesis, central to cell division. Where applied. Anti-aging serums and oral capsule supplements. Topical use is rare – folic acid is unstable to light and oxygen and rapidly oxidizes to inactive forms. Evidence base. The systemic role of folate in pregnancy (neural tube defect prevention) is well studied. Topical skin activity is poorly supported: in vitro antioxidant effect and fibroblast proliferation support, but few clinical RCTs. Knott 2017: 12-week use of a folic acid + creatine cream in 60 women showed moderate skin texture improvement. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, does not photosensitize. Pregnancy – safe and even desirable in systemic form (oral, by obstetrician's prescription). No topical data in pregnancy; risks unknown (UNKNOWN). Lactation – no topical data.
Frequently asked questions
Is Folic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Folic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Folic Acid for?
Folic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Folic Acid and what does it do in cosmetics?
Vitamin B9, synthetic form of folate.
What's the INCI name for Folic Acid?
The INCI name is Folic Acid. It may also appear as: Vitamin B9, Pteroylglutamic Acid.
See Folic Acid in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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