Hydroxyacetophenone: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Hydroxyacetophenone?

Hydroxyacetophenone is a small aromatic compound formally known as ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl). It was first identified in certain plants where it plays a natural protective role, but the form used in cosmetics is almost always produced in the lab for purity and consistency. Manufacturers create it through a straightforward chemical reaction that adds an acetyl group to a hydroxy-substituted benzene ring. The result is a white crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water-based or alcohol-based solutions.

The ingredient began to gain traction in skin care in the early 2000s when formulators looked for gentler alternatives to traditional preservatives. They discovered that hydroxyacetophenone not only helped keep products stable but also offered skin-soothing antioxidant activity. Today you will spot it in a wide range of leave-on and rinse-off items such as moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, sunscreens, toners and even mild cleansers. Its versatility and skin-friendly profile make it a favorite in both mass-market and luxury lines.

Hydroxyacetophenone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is prized for one key function that serves both the formula and the skin.

Antioxidant: Hydroxyacetophenone helps neutralize unstable molecules that can break down a product over time and stress the skin once applied. By mopping up these free radicals it keeps the formula fresher for longer, supports overall skin comfort and may reduce the look of redness linked to everyday environmental exposure.

Who Can Use Hydroxyacetophenone

Hydroxyacetophenone is considered friendly for almost every skin type including dry, oily, sensitive and mature skin because it is mild and water soluble so it rarely clogs pores or leaves a heavy film. There are no known skin types that must avoid it, though anyone with a documented allergy to acetophenone derivatives should steer clear.

The ingredient is made in a laboratory from non animal sources, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians. That said, cruelty free status depends on the finished brand rather than the raw material.

Current data shows no reason for healthy pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid hydroxyacetophenone at the low levels used in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still show the full product list to a qualified doctor to be safe.

Hydroxyacetophenone does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so there is no special need to adjust your usual SPF routine when using it. It also plays well with most other skincare ingredients because it is stable across a broad pH range.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical hydroxyacetophenone can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible not probable and most users will never notice them when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.

  • Mild stinging or burning
  • Transient redness
  • Dry or tight feeling in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in people already allergic to similar aromatic compounds
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic)

Hydroxyacetophenone is a small, water-soluble molecule that lacks heavy oils or waxes so it does not block pores or create an occlusive layer on the skin. In finished formulas it is typically used at very low concentrations, further reducing any clogging potential.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Because it dissolves readily in water and stays stable across a broad pH range, formulators can add it to light, oil-free products such as gels and toners where pore clogging is already minimal.

Summary

Hydroxyacetophenone serves mainly as an antioxidant that shields both the product and the skin from free radical damage. By scavenging these unstable molecules it helps keep formulas fresher and may soothe visible redness after application. Its easy solubility, mild nature and compatibility with most actives explain why it shows up in everything from budget moisturizers to high-end serums despite not being a headline ingredient that consumers actively seek out.

Current safety assessments classify it as low risk at the tiny amounts used in cosmetics, with very few reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product containing hydroxyacetophenone on a small area first to confirm your skin agrees with it.

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