Skip to content

Other

GOLD CHLORIDE HCL

CAS 16903-35-8
15

Safety score · 0–100

Avoid

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

An acidic gold(III) salt — corrosive and one of the most allergy-triggering forms of gold. Not a suitable ingredient for finished cosmetic products.

Gold chloride HCl (chloroauric acid, HAuCl4, CAS 16903-35-8) is the acid form of gold(III) chloride. It is corrosive, strongly acidic, and primarily used as a laboratory reagent to deposit gold or to synthesise gold nanoparticles. Gold is a recognised contact allergen — listed by the American Contact Dermatitis Society as Allergen of the Year in 2001 — and chloroauric acid is the most sensitising form used in patch test panels. There is no CIR or SCCS opinion supporting its use in cosmetics. Finished products marketing "gold" typically contain colloidal or leaf metallic gold at trace levels; chloroauric acid itself should not appear in a leave-on or rinse-off formula.

Function

COLORANTHUMECTANT

Skin benefits

  • None established for direct topical application

Known concerns

  • Corrosive acidic salt
  • Strong contact sensitizer (Allergen of the Year 2001 for gold)
  • No cosmetic-safety review
  • Inappropriate form of gold for finished products

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Related others

15
1,2-Epoxybutane
Other
 15
1-Methoxy-2,4-diaminobenzene (2,4-Diaminoanisole - CI 76050) and its salts
Other
 15
2,3-XYLENOL
Other
 15
4,4'-Bi-o-toluidine dihydrochloride
Other
 15
4-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine (Toluene-2,4-diamine) and its salts
Other
 15
AMINOPHYLLINE
Other
 15
ASARUM SIEBOLDII ROOT WATER
Other
 15
BUTYL ACRYLATE
Other

Check your shelf

Find GOLD CHLORIDE HCL in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains GOLD CHLORIDE HCL and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.