What does Chitin do in skincare?

Chitin functions as an abrasive, bulking agent in cosmetic formulas.

Is Chitin allowed in cosmetics?

Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.

What products contain Chitin?

It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially overnight masks (100% of its uses).

Chitin

Chitin is a cosmetic ingredient used as an abrasive, bulking agent. It is used in 1 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 4,109 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI name	CHITIN
Function	ABRASIVE, BULKING
CAS number	1398-61-4
EC number	215-744-3
Prevalence	1 products (0% of dataset)
Most used in	Skincare
EU status	Restricted (annex )
Scientific studies	4,109 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches	22,200

Used in

Frequently asked

What does Chitin do in skincare?: Chitin functions as an abrasive, bulking agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Chitin allowed in cosmetics?: Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Chitin?: It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially overnight masks (100% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Chitin

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.