ICTASOL

Active Ingredient

42

Caution

CAS Number: 1340-06-3

About ICTASOL

A shale oil-derived antimicrobial and anti-dandruff agent with known sensitisation concerns and PAH content scrutiny.

Detailed Analysis

Ictasol is a sodium bituminosulfonate produced from the light distillate fraction of shale oil. Shale oil is obtained by pyrolysis of oil shale. The EU SCCS (Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety) has expressed concerns about shale oil derivatives due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. Ictasol is listed on some EU cosmetic databases with a restriction flag. While used in anti-seborrheic and antimicrobial products, the PAH-related concerns place this ingredient in the lower safety range. It is not listed in EU Annex II (banned substances) but its use requires careful purity assessment.

What It Does

ANTI-SEBORRHEIC ANTIMICROBIAL

Skin Benefits

  • ✓ Anti-seborrheic properties for oily skin and scalp
  • ✓ Antimicrobial activity
  • ✓ Used in acne and dandruff formulations

Known Concerns

  • ⚠ Shale oil source raises polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concerns
  • ⚠ Known sensitisation potential with prolonged use
  • ⚠ Antimicrobial activity may affect normal skin microbiota
  • ⚠ EU regulatory scrutiny due to source material

Safety Score

42

Caution

Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.

References

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EU CosIng Database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry

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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for skin concerns or allergies.