murphyFormic Acid
AKA: 64-18-6, Methanoic acid, Formylic acid, Aminic acid, Bilorin, Hydrogen carboxylic acid, Formisoton, Formira, Myrmicyl
Synthetic
Preservative
Acid
Not Clean
OriginFormic acid belongs to the carboxylic acid chemical family, produced synthetically rather than extracted from natural sources. It is synthesized through the oxidation of methanol or hydrolysis of methyl formate in industrial processes.
Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. Occurs naturally in various sources including the venom of bee and ant stings, and is a useful organic synthetic reagent. Principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Induces severe metabolic acidosis and ocular injury in human subjects. It has a role as a metabolite, an antibacterial agent, a solvent, a protic solvent and an astringent. It is a conjugate acid of a formate.
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
CH2O2
Mol. Weight
46.02
CAS #
64-18-6
Form
Liquid
State
Formic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 156 °F. Density 10.2 lb / gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Ph Adjusters
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Moisturizing
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
Adjusts product pH
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 626)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 2 irritating / 1 not irritating (CIR 626)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / plus 1 case report (CIR 626)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.2%
Rinse-off0.003–0.08%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.5%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
EU regulatory limit: 0.5%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 14.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR