Common Name(s): Pregnenolone acetate,pregnenolone acetate,pharmaceutical steroid hormone,drug not cosmetic — prohibited

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Prohibited in eu cosmetics. pregnenolone acetate is a steroid hormone (precursor) whose primary pharmacological mechanism is hormonal — the downstream androgenic and estrogenic activity from pregnenolone steroidogenesis classifies it as a pharmaceutical drug in most major markets.

Why It's Used: Eu cosmetics annex ii prohibits any substance that modifies endocrine/hormonal activity — pregnenolone acetate's role as a direct steroid hormone or precursor provides primary hormonal pharmacological activity incompatible with cosmetic classification.

How It Works: Pregnenolone acetate steroidogenic pathway: pregnenolone → progesterone → cortisol/androgens/estrogens — the master steroid hormone precursor providing all downstream steroid hormone pharmacology.

Typically Found In: Prohibited in cosmetics

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: Prohibited

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

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

Alternatives for anti-aging steroid-equivalent benefits: phytoestrogenic isoflavones (genistein, daidzein), phytoandrogenic 5-ar inhibitors (saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol), or adaptogenic triterpenoids (ginsenosides) provide steroidal anti-aging activity within cosmetic boundaries.

Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex ii,pregnenolone acetate steroid hormone prohibition review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-22