Nomination Summary for alpha/beta Hydroxy acids (N97003)

Nominated Substances: alpha/beta Hydroxy acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid), Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Salicylic acid

Nomination Date: 02/05/1997

Nominator: FDA

Rationale: The FDA is concerned about the health effects, especially the long-term health effects, from the use of skin care products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These skin care products, used by millions of consumers, are marketed as cosmetics and therefore, product manufacturers have not demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the products prior to marketing. The FDA's preliminary assessment of data reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review raised several questions about the safety of these products. There is increased evidence of altered response in skin to UVB or solar light following chemoexfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acid containing creams.

NTP Principles: 2, 6, 7