Ph
Phytic Acid
Phytic AcidAntioxidant
Plant-derived chelator. Mild brightening; most common as a metal-chelator in formulations.
What it does
Phytic acid is a phosphorus-rich molecule found in seeds and grains. Its main cosmetic role is as a chelator — binding trace metals that would otherwise oxidize antioxidants and destabilize formulations. Some brightening activity has been reported in topical use; the evidence base is moderate. Often appears at low percentages in vitamin C serums to extend shelf life.
The evidence, graded
strongVitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid show synergistic photoprotection. The combination is more stable and doubles photoprotection compared to vitamin C alone.Lin 2005 · Journal of Investigative Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
inositol hexaphosphate
Pairs worth knowing
This page is public and indexed on purpose (unlike profiles and drops, which are unlisted) — it’s the citation behind shared ingredient cards, and it should be findable.
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