BORIC ACID is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-CONCENTRATION-.
BORIC ACID
Safety grade: C
Boric acid is a mild crystalline compound that comes from boron, a naturally occurring element. It has been used for many years in personal care products for its cleansing and preservative properties.
In cosmetics, boric acid works to prevent microbial growth, help balance the pH of products to keep them stable, and can denature certain ingredients to modify their properties.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- Health Canada — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to BORIC ACID
- CITRIC ACID — Grade B. Buffering agent that stabilizes pH like boric acid does in formulations.
- ALCOHOL — Grade A**. Proven antimicrobial preservative that prevents microbial growth in cosmetics.
- CHLORPHENESIN — Grade B. Direct antimicrobial preservative alternative for preventing microbial contamination.
Other Antimicrobial ingredients
- C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE — Grade A
- BENZYL BENZOATE — Grade C
- CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A
- CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT — Grade A
- HYDROGEN PEROXIDE — Grade C**
- CETYLPYRIDINIUM CHLORIDE — Grade A