Common Name(s): Vitamin k3,menaphtone,2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione

CAS Number: 58-27-5

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides vitamin k3 provitamin activity with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Why It's Used: Used at low concentrations in specialty formulations; less common in consumer cosmetics due to irritation potential.

How It Works: Naphthoquinone structure undergoes redox cycling for electron-transfer antioxidant activity. converted to mk-4 in tissues. antimicrobial activity via membrane disruption.

Typically Found In: Research formulations,specialty products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – vitamin k3 (synthetic)

Secondary Functions: Antimicrobial,vitamin k activity

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: <0.1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic or plant-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or plant/lichen-derived. requires light-protected packaging.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 3/5 – moderate; can cause irritation and sensitization

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Higher irritation and sensitization potential than k1/k2. avoid on sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution – prefer k1 or k2

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Higher irritation limits cosmetic use. ewg score: 3–4. k1 or k2 preferred for safety.

Works Well With: Retinol,caffeine,peptides,ceramides

Avoid Combining With: High concentrations; sensitive skin

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Menadione's naphthoquinone undergoes redox cycling that can generate ros (prooxidant) at high concentrations – contributing to both antimicrobial mechanism and irritation potential. dual prooxidant/antioxidant behavior limits cosmetic applicability.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment