Anisic acid

p-Anisic acid is derived from the anise plant. Anisic acid has limited solubility in water. Solubility can be enhanced pH modulation where solubility is optimum around pH 6. Higher pH converts anisic acid to a salt. Other than acidity modulation, adding in glycol, a surfactant, or glycerol enhances anisic acid in water. In cosmetic applications, anisic is considered a safer preservative which is preferably used a substitute for mainstream preservatives such as parabens. It is also used in formulas as a mild odor masking agent. In manufacturing, anisic acid is used as an intermediate in the preparation of aromatics.