Common Name(s): Potassium hydroxycitrate,potassium hydroxycitrate,cosmetic functional ingredient,established active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides the characteristic cosmetic function of its ingredient class through molecular chemistry at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Potassium hydroxycitrate is selected for its citrate triester ester — the c-chain length provides polar emolliency with chelating antioxidant contribution from the three carboxylate groups, which distinguishes potassium hydroxycitrate from esters of adjacent chain lengths in the same polarity tier.

How It Works: Functional groups interact with formulation components and skin through h-bonding, ionic association, surface adsorption, or receptor activity as appropriate to the molecular class.

Typically Found In: Cosmetic formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Safety documented in cosing at standard formulation concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,potassium hydroxycitrate technical review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22