Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

2-Methylnaphthalene

INCI: 2-METHYLNAPHTHALENE

CAS Number
91-57-6
Function
Fragrance ingredient; solvent (rarely used directly in cosmetics)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes EPA has conducted a full toxicological review — classified with some concern; not specifically prohibited by FDA for cosmetics but subject to impurity limits

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause effects on the lungs.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivative with EPA-identified pulmonary toxicity in animal studies, bioaccumulation potential, and naphthalene impurity risk; not recommended for leave-on cosmetics without thorough safety assessment.

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

fragrance-component ifra_fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2-Methylnaphthalene safe in cosmetics?

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivative with EPA-identified pulmonary toxicity in animal studies, bioaccumulation potential, and naphthalene impurity risk; not recommended for leave-on cosmetics without thorough safety assessment. The EU classifies 2-Methylnaphthalene as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is 2-Methylnaphthalene allowed in the EU?

2-Methylnaphthalene EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does 2-Methylnaphthalene do in cosmetics?

2-Methylnaphthalene functions as: Fragrance ingredient; solvent (rarely used directly in cosmetics). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 91-57-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for 2-Methylnaphthalene?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check 2-Methylnaphthalene compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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