Cosmetic Active System
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
A water-soluble cosmetic active for brightening, even-tone, and pigmentation-focused formulations.
Potassium Methoxysalicylate, commonly referred to in the market as 4MSK, is an off-white crystalline powder used in brightening and even-tone skincare formulations. Our supplied material has an assay specification of at least 98% and is soluble in water and glycerol, making it suitable for serums, essences, masks, and emulsions.

INCI
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
CAS
152312-71-5
Assay
>=98%
Appearance
Off-white crystalline powder
Solubility
Soluble in water and glycerol
Product Overview
4MSK and Potassium Methoxysalicylate
4MSK is commonly used in the market to refer to Potassium Methoxysalicylate, also known chemically as potassium 4-methoxysalicylate. When sourcing this ingredient, buyers should evaluate the actual supplier specification, assay, impurity profile, solubility, batch COA, and formulation performance rather than relying only on the familiar 4MSK name.
Buyer decision path
Why Formulators Evaluate Potassium Methoxysalicylate
Potassium Methoxysalicylate, often searched as 4MSK, is the potassium salt of 4-methoxysalicylic acid. Its water-compatible profile and published ingredient-level research make it relevant for brightening products that target visible dullness, pigmentation, and uneven-looking tone.
01
Brightening & Even-Tone Positioning
Published laboratory research reports effects on melanin-related pathways, including reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity. This supports evaluation in cosmetic formulas for radiance and more even-looking skin tone.
02
Keratinization-Focused Research
Research also reports effects on keratinocyte differentiation and stratum-corneum desquamation, providing an additional formulation story for visible dullness and uneven-looking skin surface.
03
Water-Phase Formulation
Potassium Methoxysalicylate is soluble in water and glycerol according to our SDS. It can therefore be evaluated in water-rich serums, essences, masks, gel creams, and emulsions.
Formula concepts
Why Choose Noyain for Potassium Methoxysalicylate
98%+ Assay
Potassium Methoxysalicylate with an assay specification of ≥98%, supplied as an off-white crystalline powder and soluble in water and glycerol.
COA, SPEC & SDS Available
Get the current COA, product specification and SDS for quality review and supplier qualification before placing a bulk order.
Sample Available for Formula Testing
Request a sample to test solubility, compatibility and stability in your formulation before confirming MOQ, packaging and lead time.
Formulation notes
How to Use 4MSK in Formulations
4MSK refers to Potassium Methoxysalicylate. For formulation development, start with a 0.5%–2.0% evaluation range and confirm the final use level through stability, compatibility and finished-product testing.
Get Free SampleRecommended Evaluation Range
Start evaluation at 0.5%-2.0% according to our product specification. Select the final level through finished-formula stability, safety, efficacy, regulatory, and cost-in-use review.
Pre-Dissolve Before Addition
Potassium Methoxysalicylate is soluble in water and glycerol. Pre-dissolve the ingredient before adding it to the main batch and confirm that the solution is clear at the intended concentration.
Add Through the Water Phase
For serums, essences, masks, lotions and emulsions, it can be introduced through the water phase after pre-dissolution. Check for precipitation during cooling and after storage.
Check Finished-Formula pH
The raw-material specification lists a pH range of 6.5–7.5, but this should not be treated as the required pH range of the finished product. Determine the appropriate formula pH through compatibility and stability testing.
Protect from Light
Prolonged light exposure may cause color change. Protect the raw material and finished formula from unnecessary light exposure and monitor color, pH and precipitation during stability testing.
Test Compatibility with Other Actives
When combining Potassium Methoxysalicylate with acids, salts, preservatives, botanical extracts or other brightening ingredients, test the complete formula for clarity, color, pH and stability before scale-up.
Technical Specifications
Product Technical Parameters
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Trade Name | 4MSK |
INCI Name | Potassium Methoxysalicylate |
CAS No. | 152312-71-5 |
Molecular Weight | 206.24 g/mol |
Appearance | Off-white crystalline powder |
Function | Brightening and even-tone formulation support |
Storage | Keep sealed in a cool, dry place and protect from direct light |
Recommended Evaluation Range | 0.5%-2.0% |
Shelf Life | 2 years |
Document support
Supply Support for 4MSK Projects
- Potassium Methoxysalicylate sample
- Current batch COA
- Product Specification Sheet
- Latest available SDS/MSDS
- Quotation with MOQ, lead time, packaging, and batch availability
related products
Other related products
Related Documents
Technical Support Materials
COA Document
Request COATDS (Technical Data Sheet)
Request TDSSDS / MSDS
Request SDS / MSDSFormulation Guide
Get For FreeRelated Topics
Product-related articles
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Evaluate Potassium Methoxysalicylate for Your Formula
Request a sample, current COA, specification, SDS, and quotation. Tell us your product type, target market, and expected volume, and we will help you evaluate the appropriate material and sourcing route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from Formulators and Buyers
- What is 4MSK?4MSK is commonly used to refer to Potassium Methoxysalicylate, the potassium salt of 4-methoxysalicylic acid. It is a water-soluble cosmetic ingredient evaluated for brightening, radiance, and even-tone skincare formulations.
- Is 4MSK the same as Potassium Methoxysalicylate?4MSK is commonly associated with Potassium Methoxysalicylate. When sourcing the raw material, buyers should still evaluate each supplier’s specification, assay, impurity profile, batch COA, solubility, and formulation performance rather than relying only on the ingredient name.
- What is Potassium Methoxysalicylate used for?Potassium Methoxysalicylate is used in cosmetic formulas designed for visible radiance, more even-looking skin tone, pigmentation-focused care, and dullness improvement. Suitable formats include serums, essences, masks, gel creams, lotions, and emulsions.
- Is Potassium Methoxysalicylate water soluble?Our SDS describes Potassium Methoxysalicylate as soluble in water and glycerol. Pre-dissolve it and confirm clarity at the intended concentration, temperature, and formula pH. Acids, electrolytes, polymers, and other actives can change finished-formula solubility.
- What is the recommended use level?Our product specification recommends 0.5%-2.0% as a formulation evaluation range. Select the final dosage according to the target market, finished-formula stability, safety assessment, product positioning, claim-support plan, and cost-in-use target.
- Can Potassium Methoxysalicylate be combined with other brightening ingredients?It can be evaluated in multi-active formulas with ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, tranexamic acid, humectants, and soothing agents. Compatibility is formula dependent, so test the exact combination for pH, color, precipitation, active retention, and overall stability before scale-up.
- What documents are available for sourcing review?Buyers can request a sample, current batch COA, Product Specification Sheet, latest available SDS/MSDS, and quotation. MOQ, lead time, packaging, batch availability, and any additional quality or regulatory documentation should be confirmed for the intended order and target market.
