Is Galactose safe in cosmetics?
Galactose has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Galactose
INCI: GALACTOSE
Galactose (CAS 59-23-4 (D-galactose)) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Humectant, skin conditioning. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 59-23-4 (D-galactose) →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Humectant, skin conditioning
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted — naturally occurring monosaccharide; not restricted under 21 CFR
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Galactose.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Galactose, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
1-3%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
180.2 Da
Log P
-2.9
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
0.5-2%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Source: Cosmetic Science
Additional Ingredient Properties
5 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "59-23-4", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "0-5", "keratolytic_strength": "mild", "exfoliation_mechanism": "chemical", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "No", …
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "hydration-plumping", "mechanism_of_action": "Humectant, water binding, barrier support", "target_skin_layer": "stratum corneum, epidermis", "collagen_stimulation": "No", "elastin_protection": "No", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "5-10", "clinical_study_duration_weeks": "8", "sample_size": "30", "double_blind": "No", "placebo_controlled": "Yes", "published_journal": "JDD, Int J Cosm…
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "180.2", "log_p_value": "-2.9", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum", "absorption_pct": "1-3", "systemic_absorption": "minimal", "penetration_enhancer": "no", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "no", "skin_barrier_effect": "neutral", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "0.5-2", "safety_margin_factor": "low", "source": "Cosmetic …
exfoliant
{"cas_number": "59-23-4", "ingredient_class": "PHA", "chemical_subclass": "polyhydroxy_acid", "molecular_weight_Da": "180.16", "pH_dependent_activity": "minimal", "penetration_depth": "stratum_corneum", "mechanism_of_action": "enzyme_activation", "onset_of_action": "days", "peak_effect_timeline": "12-16 weeks", "cell_turnover_increase_pct": "5-10%", "TEWL_effect": "neutral", "comedolytic": "no", "…
uv_stability
{"uv_stable": "yes", "uv_degradation_rate": "stable", "photosensitizer": "no", "phototoxic": "no", "photoallergic": "no", "requires_uv_protection_packaging": "no", "color_change_uv": "no", "odor_change_uv": "no", "efficacy_loss_uv_pct": "0", "spf_contribution": "no", "uva_protection": "no", "uvb_protection": "no", "photostable_sunscreen": "no", "boost_spf_of_others": "no", "antioxidant_under_uv": …
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Galactose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galactose allowed in the EU?
Galactose EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Galactose do in cosmetics?
Galactose functions as: Humectant, skin conditioning. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 59-23-4 (D-galactose).
Compliance Tools
Check Galactose compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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