Vinegar is a dilute acetic acid solution sometimes used in skincare as a mild chemical exfoliant, antimicrobial, and pH-balancing ingredient. Its low pH can help loosen dead skin cells and may have modest antibacterial effects.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation or stinging | Common | Especially when applied undiluted or to sensitive or broken skin |
Erythema (redness) | Common | Related to acidity and concentration |
Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | From over-exfoliation or frequent use |
Chemical burns | Rare | Reported with prolonged contact of high-concentration or undiluted vinegar |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization is uncommon but possible |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.