A pH adjuster and catalyst used at low levels. It sets the formula acidity and does not affect skin in the finished product.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A technical pH adjuster. Safe at cosmetic levels.
Toluene sulfonic acid (INCI: Toluene Sulfonic Acid) is a strong organic acid used in very small amounts as a pH adjuster and catalyst during manufacturing. Its role is to bring the formula's acidity to the target value or to drive a reaction between ingredients. It is a purely functional component, not a care active. In the finished product it is neutralized and present in trace amounts, so it does not act on skin and offers no cosmetic benefit on its own. Its work ends in the lab. Topically, at these residual levels, there is no relevant systemic uptake, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance in the finished product is high: low irritation potential and low allergy risk. Worth remembering that this applies to the already formulated and neutralized material, not to the concentrated acid, which is corrosive in its pure form.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
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.
Toluene Sulfonic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Toluene Sulfonic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
A pH adjuster and catalyst used at low levels.
The INCI name is Toluene Sulfonic Acid. It may also appear as: Толуолсульфоновая кислота, p-Toluenesulfonic Acid.
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