Formic Acid

Formic Acid

AKA “64-18-6, Methanoic acid, Formylic acid, Aminic acid, Bilorin, Hydrogen carboxylic acid, Formisoton, Formira, Myrmicyl”

Acid

Ingredient Facts

Formic acid

AKA: 64-18-6, Methanoic acid, Formylic acid, Aminic acid, Bilorin, Hydrogen carboxylic acid, Formisoton, Formira, Myrmicyl

Acid · Preservative · EWG: 4

Synthetic

Preservative

Acid

Not Clean

Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon. Occurs naturally in various sources including the venom of bee and ant stings, and is a useful organic synthetic reagent. Principally used as a preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Induces severe metabolic acidosis and ocular injury in human subjects. It has a role as a metabolite, an antibacterial agent, a solvent, a protic solvent and an astringent. It is a conjugate acid of a formate.

Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

CH2O2

Mol. Weight

46.02

CAS #

64-18-6

Form

Liquid

State

Formic acid appears as a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 156 °F. Density 10.2 lb / gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue.

See origin →

Functions

Ph Adjusters

Preservative

Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.

Moisturizing

Prevents microbial growth

Provides scent

Adjusts product pH

Traditional Use

Historically obtained from ant venom and found in stinging nettles, formic acid was used in traditional European folk medicine for joint and skin conditions. Modern cosmetic use as a pH buffer and preservative dates to the 20th century.