Common Name(s): Hydrocortisone acetate,hydrocortisone acetate,pharmaceutical corticosteroid,drug not cosmetic — restricted
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides potent anti-inflammatory activity through glucocorticoid receptor agonism suppressing nf-kb, ap-1, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression — the pharmacological mechanism classifying it as a pharmaceutical drug not a cosmetic in most markets.
Why It's Used: Glucocorticoid receptor agonism constitutes primary pharmacological activity — the dose-dependent suppression of inflammatory gene expression is a drug effect requiring regulatory approval as a pharmaceutical in the eu and most markets.
How It Works: Hydrocortisone → glucocorticoid receptor (gr) → nuclear translocation → gre binding → anti-inflammatory gene activation (annexin-1, mkp-1) + nf-kb/ap-1 transrepression → suppressed il-1β, tnf-α, cox-2, icam-1. the systemic glucocorticoid effects from prolonged skin absorption (hpa axis suppression, skin atrophy) define the safety assessment.
Typically Found In: Drug — verify regulatory status
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – 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: 0.5%–1% otc (us only — verify)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Eu classification: hydrocortisone is classified as a medicinal product in the eu — no cosmetic use permitted. us otc drug monograph permits hydrocortisone acetate at 0.5-1% for specific indications. verify each target market's classification before any formulation consideration.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Eu medicines directive 2004/27/ec,us otc drug monograph,hydrocortisone acetate corticosteroid classification review