murphylevulinic 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
OriginNative to Can be produced from plant biomass globally, or synthesized. Derived from plant biomass sources including cornstarch, sugarcane, and cellulose through fermentation processes. Produced via catalytic dehydration and oxidation of carbohydrate-derived compounds.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dullness
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
—
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 816)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions moderate to severe (CIR 816)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating (CIR 816)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0005%
Rinse-off0.2–4.5%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2019 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR