Ph
Phytic Acid
Phytic AcidAntioxidant
A plant acid that binds metals like iron. Brightening was reported only in products that also had glycolic or azelaic acid.
What it does
It’s a phosphorus-rich molecule from seeds and grains. In lab tests it binds iron, which can otherwise speed the breakdown of vitamin C. Brightening has been reported only from products that also had glycolic or azelaic acid, so its own effect is unknown.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusUS safety reviewers (2024) assessed 10 polyol phosphates, which can bind metals, care for teeth or condition skin. They judged sodium phytate, phytic acid, phytin and trisodium inositol triphosphate safe as used. For the other six they had too little data to decide.Johnson 2024 · International Journal of Toxicology ↗
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
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