Acetic Acid

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Acetic Acid?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Acetic Acid is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, acetic acid (a form of vinegar) is usually safe in the small amounts used in skincare. The biggest problems are irritation or burns if the product is too strong or used on broken skin.

What to Do

Use products that list acetic acid at low concentration and follow the product label. Patch-test a small area of skin first if you have sensitive skin. Do not apply to cuts, open wounds, or the area around the eyes. Avoid products that smell very strong or that list concentrated or 'glacial' acetic acid. If you get strong burning, redness, or breathing difficulty, rinse and seek medical help.

⚠️Warnings

Some government agencies note risks from higher or repeated exposures (Environment Canada) and strong concentrations carry workplace hazard labels (EU GHS). The ingredient is allowed at limited levels in food (FDA). Also, some product-certification programs restrict its use unless the manufacturer provides safety information. For adults, the main things to watch for are skin irritation, eye contact, and strong fumes from concentrated forms.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: A government health agency has reviewed this chemical and lists it as expected to be toxic or harmful to body organs and gives it a medium human-health priority for organ effects. That means repeated or strong exposures could harm organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs.
Irritant: European chemical hazard labeling shows handling risks for this acid, and industry safety reviewers note limits on how it is used in products. At higher strengths it can irritate skin, cause redness or burns, and may be worse on a baby's thin, sensitive skin.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Acetic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

acetic acidACETIC ACID, PURISS., MEETS ANALYTICAL SPECIFICATION OF PH. EUR., BP, USP, FCC, 99.8-100.5%SR-01000944354-1ACETIC ACID SOLUTION, SAJ FIRST GRADE, 27.0-33.0%ACETIC ACID, >=99.7%, SUITABLE FOR AMINO ACID ANALYSISACETIC ACID, FOR LUMINESCENCE, BIOULTRA, >=99.5% (GC)ACETIC ACID, >=99.7%, SAJ SUPER SPECIAL GRADEUNII-2AY78S427U COMPONENT QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-NSR-01000944354GLACIAL ACETIC ACID, MEETS USP TESTING SPECIFICATIONSUNII-00IBG87IQW COMPONENT QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Acetic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Acetic Acid or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Acetic Acid

Is this safe for adults to use Acetic Acid?

Yes, Acetic Acid is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Acetic Acid for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the irritant risks of Acetic Acid for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What products contain Acetic Acid?

Acetic Acid is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Acetic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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