Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Use of food grade ingredients in cosmetics

  • Use of food grade ingredients in cosmetics

    Posted by Joannaaa on June 5, 2025 at 3:11 am

    Hello

    I wonder if food grade ingredients can be used in cosmetics. Like sorbitol, glycerin, vegetable oil,… can be used in both. So what is the difference between them.

    If I use it in cosmetics, and want to bring the product to the market, what documents do I need to prove it?

    I have searched many places, and it seems that the information about it is very limited.

    Looking forward to receiving feedback from everyone.

    MaidenOrangeBlossom replied 2 weeks, 1 day ago 4 Members · 6 Replies
  • 6 Replies
  • fareloz

    Member
    June 5, 2025 at 3:24 am

    Difference of food-grade and skincare-grade ingredients is allowed contamination level. Food-grade ingredients are allowed to be more contaminated. This affects the long-term storage. Usually food is not stored for years like many skincare products.

    • Joannaaa

      Member
      June 5, 2025 at 4:13 am

      So as long as the amount of contamination is within the allowable limit, I can use food grade ingredients in cosmetics without needing any other technical documents, right?

      • This reply was modified 3 weeks, 1 day ago by  Joannaaa.
      • Perry44

        Professional Chemist / Formulator
        June 5, 2025 at 2:24 pm

        You have to be able to prove that your products are safe. If you do not have paperwork, how would you be able to verify safety? Even if you use food ingredients you’ll need proper documentation to prove your products are safe.

        • Joannaaa

          Member
          June 5, 2025 at 8:15 pm

          You mean COA + SDS/MSDS is still needed, and it is in the Annex’s allowed list, right?

          • Perry44

            Professional Chemist / Formulator
            June 6, 2025 at 7:04 am

            Yes

  • MaidenOrangeBlossom

    Member
    June 12, 2025 at 10:19 pm

    The biggest reason why you wont find too much information is that you should avoid it altogether. I used to do this and other things that could have actually harmed immuno compromised patients so now I stick to a stricter safety science and that will always be your best bet. Using an oil used for cooking if bought from an organic store like olive oil might not have a COA so I can’t say that its ok or not but I’ve done it.

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