IMIDAZOLE is graded F** (Banned) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexII.
IMIDAZOLE
Safety grade: F**
Imidazole is a chemical compound that acts like a pH balancer in skincare products. It helps maintain the right level of acidity or alkalinity to keep your skin happy and the product stable.
This ingredient works as a buffer to regulate and stabilize the pH level of cosmetic formulations, ensuring the product is gentle on skin and maintains its effectiveness.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Prohibited
Last verified: June 7, 2026
Safer alternatives to IMIDAZOLE
- SODIUM CITRATE — Grade A. Sodium salt that buffers pH and chelates metals like imidazole does.
- PHOSPHORIC ACID — Grade A. Weak acid that buffers and stabilizes pH in cosmetic formulations.
- ASCORBIC ACID — Grade A. Weak acid that buffers pH while providing antioxidant skin benefits.
- GLYCINE — Grade A. Amino acid that buffers pH and conditions skin safely.
Other CMR Substance ingredients
- CYCLOMETHICONE — Grade F**
- PETROLEUM — Grade F
- FORMALDEHYDE — Grade F
- STYRENE — Grade F**
- TETRAHYDROFURFURYL ALCOHOL — Grade F**
- CHLOROACETAMIDE — Grade F**
Other Buffering ingredients
- CITRIC ACID — Grade B
- SODIUM HYDROXIDE — Grade B
- LACTIC ACID — Grade B
- TRIETHANOLAMINE — Grade C
- SODIUM LACTATE — Grade A
- POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE — Grade B**
- UREA — Grade B