Common Name(s): 4-methoxybenzoic acid,draconic acid
CAS Number: 0100-09-04
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides natural antifungal and antibacterial activity for clean beauty preservation.
Why It's Used: Natural clean beauty preservative โ p-anisic acid's occurrence in anise and natural plant sources provides authentic natural-origin credentials for preservation activity.
How It Works: Methoxy-modified benzoic acid provides antifungal activity (inhibits cell membrane ergosterol synthesis) and antibacterial (membrane disruption). more lipophilic than benzoic acid from methoxy group โ better membrane penetration. ph-dependent like benzoic acid (active below ph 5).
Typically Found In: Natural/clean beauty preservation systems
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ natural antimicrobial acid
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.05%โ0.5%
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 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: Not specifically listed in eu annex v preservatives โ regulatory status varies by region. verify as approved preservative for specific application markets.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
P-anisic acid's enhanced antifungal activity vs benzoic acid (its structural relative) is attributable to the para-methoxy group increasing lipophilicity (logp 1.58 vs benzoic acid 1.87 โ wait, p-anisic acid is actually more lipophilic) improving membrane partitioning and therefore antifungal membrane activity. the methoxy group also provides mild tyrosinase inhibition as a secondary activity, providing a minor brightening benefit alongside its preservative function.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment