levulinic acid
AKA: 4-Oxopentanoic acid, 123-76-2, Laevulinic acid, Pentanoic acid, 4-Oxovaleric acid, Levulic acid, 4-Ketovaleric acid, Gamma-Ketovaleric acid, LEVA
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Fragrance
Skin Conditioner
Acid
Clean
4-oxopentanoic acid is an oxopentanoic acid with the oxo group in the 4-position. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is an oxopentanoic acid and a straight-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-oxopentanoate.
Solubility soluble in water, alcohol, and oil
Formula
C5H8O3
Mol. Weight
116.11
CAS #
123-76-2
Form
Liquid
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A organic acid developed in the 20th century as part of modern cosmetic chemistry. Used in contemporary skincare formulations for exfoliation and pH adjustment, synthesized from cellulose-derived compounds.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dullness
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR