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Cosmetic antioxidants

Gallic acid

Also known as 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid, Benzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-, Gallic acid, tech.

CAS 149-91-7Formula C7H6O5Molar mass 170.12 g/molEC 205-749-9
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Harmful or irritant 150 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Gallic acid chemical structure, C7H6O5, CAS 149-91-7
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless or slightly yellow cyrstalline needles or prisms
Melting point
210 °C
Boiling point
SUBLIMES
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.7
Solubility
1 G DISSOLVES IN: 87 ML WATER, 3 ML BOILING WATER, 6 ML ALCOHOL, 100 ML ETHER, 10 ML GLY…
HS code
291829
Category
Cosmetic antioxidants
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals in a clear glass bottle on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Gallic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Gallic acid is a trihydroxybenzoic acid in which the hydroxy groups are at positions 3, 4, and 5. It has a role as a geroprotector, an antioxidant, an antineoplastic agent, a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, an EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, an apoptosis inducer, an astringent, a plant metabolite and a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a gallate.

Gallic acid is a 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid
CAS number
149-91-7 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 137657-43-3, 31387-49-2, 6274-40-4
EC number
205-749-9
Molecular formula
C7H6O5
UNII
632XD903SP
MDL number
MFCD00002510
INCI name
GALLIC ACID
InChIKey
LNTHITQWFMADLM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C7H6O5/c8-4-1-3(7(11)12)2-5(9)6(4)10/h1-2,8-10H,(H,11,12)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=C(C=C(C(=C1O)O)O)C(=O)O

Synonyms

  • 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid
  • Benzoic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-
  • Gallic acid, tech.
  • Pyrogallol-5-carboxylic acid
  • Kyselina gallova
  • Acid, Gallic
  • Gallic Acid 1520
  • 3,4,5-hydroxybenzoic acid
  • Gallic acid anhydrous
  • GALOP
  • Kyselina 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoova
  • Graphite oxide
  • 3,4,5-trihydroxy-Benzoic acid
  • 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid, anhydrous
  • gallic-acid
  • Gallic acid tech.
  • Gallic Acid, F
  • GDE
  • Deuterated gallic acid
  • Gallic acid (Standard)
  • 3,5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid
  • 3,4,5-trihydroxy-Benzoate
  • 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoicacid
  • 3-10-00-02070 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • DivK1c_006403
Show all 28 synonyms
  • 3,4,5-Trihydroxybenzoate, X
  • Benzoic acid,4,5-trihydroxy-
  • Gallic acid, 98% 250GR

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless or slightly yellow cyrstalline needles or prismsexp.
Melting point
210 °Cexp.
Boiling point
SUBLIMESexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.7exp.
Solubility
1 G DISSOLVES IN: 87 ML WATER, 3 ML BOILING WATER, 6 ML ALCOHOL, 100 ML ETHER, 10 ML GLYCEROL, 5 ML ACETONE, PRACTICALLY INSOL IN BENZENE, CHLOROFORM, PETROLEUM ETHER.exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
170.12 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
170.0215 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.5calc.
Topological polar surface area
97.99 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
4calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
12calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, c1ccccc1

c1ccccc1

1 ring, 6 atoms, the Benzene ring system.

485,677 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (18)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Gallic acid suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

150 suppliers in 22 countries

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Gallic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Manufac gallic acid esters, pyrogallol, inks, as photographic developer, in tanning, in dyeing, in testing for free mineral acids, dihydroxyacetone and alkaloids. Esters as antioxidants. Formerly as astringent, styptic.

Photography, writing ink, dyeing, manufacture of pyrogallol, a tanning agent and a manufacture of tannins, paper manufacture, pharmaceuticals, engraving of lithography, analytical reagent.

Used as chemical intermediate for the synthesis of bismuth subgallate, dodecyl gallate, n-octyl gallate, n-propyl gallate, pyrogallol.

Industrial uses: Cleaning agent.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name GALLIC ACID(antioxidant)

Roles

  • animal metabolite
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antioxidant
  • apoptosis inducer
  • astringent
  • cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • geroprotector
  • human metabolite
  • human xenobiotic metabolite
  • lipoxygenase inhibitor
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite
  • pharmaceutical
  • plant metabolite
  • protective agent
  • xenobiotic metabolite

Functional uses

  • Antioxidant
  • Astringent
  • Flavouring and nutrient

Cosmetic functions

  • Antioxidant

How it is made

Chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of tannins from nutgalls or tara powder

Obtained by alkaline or acid hydrolysis of the tannins from nutgalls, also by enzymatic hydrolysis using spent broths from penicillium glaucum or aspergillus niger which contain tannase.

From tannin containing materials. Synthesis from aliphatic materials.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Gallic acid is traded under.

HS 2918.29Indicative HS code

Carboxylic acids, (with phenol function but without other oxygen function), their anhydrides, halides…

World exports in 2024
$861M
+0.9% vs 2023, imports $892M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China30.5%
  2. South Korea18.3%
  3. Switzerland * partner reported13.3%
Top importers
  1. United States14.7%
  2. Germany13.3%
  3. Japan10.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Gallic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Gallic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Gallic acid?

Gallic acid is a trihydroxybenzoic acid in which the hydroxy groups are at positions 3, 4, and 5.

What is the CAS number of Gallic acid?

The CAS registry number of Gallic acid is 149-91-7. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 137657-43-3, 31387-49-2, 6274-40-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Gallic acid?

The molecular formula of Gallic acid is C7H6O5 and its molar mass is 170.12 g/mol.

What is Gallic acid used for?

Manufac gallic acid esters, pyrogallol, inks, as photographic developer, in tanning, in dyeing, in testing for free mineral acids, dihydroxyacetone and alkaloids. Esters as antioxidants. Formerly as astringent, styptic.

Is Gallic acid hazardous?

Gallic acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye damage, causes serious eye irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Gallic acid?

Gallic acid is usually classified under HS code 291829 (Carboxylic acids with phenol function but without other oxygen function, their…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Gallic acid?

CompoundList lists 150 suppliers of Gallic acid in China, United States, Germany, United Kingdom and 18 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Gallic acid in India?

5 suppliers in India list Gallic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Gallic acid?

Suppliers quote Gallic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Gallic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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