Pyruvic Acid

Pyruvic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient used as a fragrance agent. It is used in 24 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 184 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI namePYRUVIC ACID
FunctionFRAGRANCE
CAS number127-17-3
EC number204-824-3
Prevalence24 products (0.03% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies184 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches2,900

Used in

Exfoliators 20.8%Facial Treatments 16.7%Serums 16.7%Overnight Masks 12.5%General Moisturizers 8.3%Toners 8.3%

Frequently asked

What does Pyruvic Acid do in skincare?
Pyruvic Acid functions as a fragrance agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Pyruvic Acid allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Pyruvic Acid?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially exfoliators (20.8% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Pyruvic Acid

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