Common Name(s): Acetaminophen,acetaminophen (paracetamol),prohibited pharmaceutical active,drug not cosmetic
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Prohibited in cosmetics. acetaminophen is a pharmaceutical drug ingredient โ its presence would make the product a drug product requiring pharmaceutical licensing, not a cosmetic.
Why It's Used: Drug/cosmetic boundary: the intended use (therapeutic analgesic/antipyretic claim) and pharmacological mechanism (cox inhibition, cb1 receptor modulation) place acetaminophen firmly in the pharmaceutical category in all major regulatory frameworks.
How It Works: Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis (weak cox inhibition), modulates the endocannabinoid system (cb1/cb2), and activates descending serotonergic pain pathways โ multiple pharmacological mechanisms conferring drug status incompatible with cosmetic classification.
Typically Found In: Prohibited in cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Prohibited
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Cosmetic regulatory note: any ingredient with primary pharmacological action (not just cosmetic effect on appearance) triggers drug classification โ acetaminophen's antipyretic/analgesic mechanism provides no cosmetic rationale for inclusion.
Last Verified: Eu regulation 1223/2009,eu directive 2004/27/ec drug definition,acetaminophen pharmaceutical classification review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22