Levulinic Acid
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Sodium Levulinate
Occurs in many natural and processed foods
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Levulinic Acid?
Levulinic acid occurs in many natural and processed foods, including papaya, rice, sake, and wheat bread. It can also be produced during the biorefinery process of wood, algae, and starchy crops. In cosmetics, it serves as a skin conditioning ingredient; in the medical field, levulinic acid has also been investigated for potentially enhancing the skin penetration of certain drugs and having antimicrobial properties.\n\nThe independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board is currently reviewing data on the safety of levulinic acid as used in skin care products. In its raw form it is a solid with a low melting point. It has a maximum usage of 4.5% in hair dyes and 0.0005% in leave-on formulations.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Molecules, February 2022, page 1296 Molecules, 2022
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review, September 2021, ePublication Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2021
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Polymer Chemistry, June 2020, ePublication Polymer Chemistry, 2020
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