Hydroxyacetophenone (acetophenone-based compound, often 4'-hydroxyacetophenone) is used in skincare primarily as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the stability and efficacy of preservative systems. It is valued for its soothing properties and helps neutralize free radicals while reducing potential irritation from other formulation components.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, more likely in sensitive or compromised skin. |
Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Very rare | Isolated reports; uncommon as a sensitizer compared to fragrance or preservative allergens. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.