Methylglyoxal

This ingredient is not an official INCI ingredient. It is often derived from pyruvic acid.

Methylglyoxal is often found as a side-product in metabolic processes and is highly cytotoxic, meaning it is toxic to cells. Medical studies show methylglyoxal can induce DNA damage similar to oxidative damage from free-radical molecules.

This compound can be naturally found in some types of honey. In honey, it prevents the formation of three types of bacteria: E.coli, S.aureus, and P.aeruginosa.

Studies show when this ingredient is derived from honey, it does not cause DNA damage or cytotoxicity.