Common Name(s): Abietic acid,sylvic acid,rosin acid,abietinic acid

CAS Number: 0514-10-3

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps blend oil and water in formulas and provides a light conditioning film on skin.

Why It's Used: Abietic acid is used to stabilize emulsions and improve shelf life of products due to its natural resin-derived film-forming properties.

How It Works: The carboxylic acid group forms salts (soaps) with bases, acting as an anionic surfactant; the large hydrophobic abietane ring stabilizes oil droplets in emulsions.

Typically Found In: Mascara,eye shadow,rouge,color cosmetics,topical formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,masking,viscosity modifying

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Derived from pine tree rosin (pinus spp.) by distillation of colophony resin; natural origin.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 3/5 – moderate; known colophony allergen risk

Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate

Sensitivity Concerns: Known allergen in colophony-sensitive individuals. oxidation products are the primary sensitizers.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: No – avoid if colophony/rosin allergy present

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Ewg score: 1–3. patch test recommended for sensitive skin. restricted use advised in leave-on products for atopic individuals.

Works Well With: Fatty alcohols,natural waxes,mineral oils

Avoid Combining With: Oxidizing agents; avoid in products intended for known rosin-allergic individuals

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Abietic acid is an abietane diterpenoid (c20h30o2, mw 302.45). sensitization is mainly via hydroperoxide oxidation products. classified under colophony allergens in eu fragrance allergen screening.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety report colophony,chemicalbook 514-10-3,fisher scientific

Primary Sources: 2026-03-27