Poor Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Benzonitrile

INCI: BENZONITRILE

CAS Number

100-47-0

Function

Solvent, denaturant, fragrance ingredient

Safety Rating

POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted

🇺🇸 US Status permitted

US Notes No specific FDA ban for cosmetics, but acute toxicity profile raises safety concerns under general adulteration provisions

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)

adequate

Dermal Absorption

high

Sensitization

moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

3 study endpoints found for Benzonitrile. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.

Endpoint	Value	Route	Species	Study Type	Source
NOAEL	40 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	oral	REACH
NOAEL	37.5 mg/kg bw/day	oral	mouse	oral	REACH
NOAEL	37.5 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	oral	REACH

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, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the cellular respiration. This may result in cyanosis. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

Routes of Exposure

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

⚠️

Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

fragrance-component ifra_fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Benzonitrile safe in cosmetics?

HIGH RISK: Acute Tox. Cat. 3 (oral, dermal, inhalation); metabolized to cyanide (HCN); strong dermal penetrant; workplace exposure strictly controlled; not recommended for cosmetic use. If found in formula, flag for reformulation. The EU classifies Benzonitrile as "permitted". Safety rating: POOR. 3 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Benzonitrile allowed in the EU?

Benzonitrile EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Benzonitrile do in cosmetics?

Benzonitrile functions as: Solvent, denaturant, fragrance ingredient. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 100-47-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Benzonitrile?

adequate 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.

What is the NOAEL for Benzonitrile?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Benzonitrile is 40 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 3 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Compliance Tools

Check Benzonitrile compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder

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82 Allergen Checker

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Substance Compliance

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MoS Calculator

Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology

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Heavy Metal Limits

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