Moderate Active Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified Sensitization Data

Camphor

INCI: CAMPHOR

CAS Number
76-22-2
Function
Sensory modifier; cooling/warming agent; antipruritic
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 11% in non-mucous-membrane products; prohibited in products for children under 3 years
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted in cosmetics at appropriate concentrations; classified as external analgesic in OTC drug context; FDA has restrictions on camphor-containing products

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

1 study endpoint found for Camphor. 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 800 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB

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 central nervous system. This may result in convulsions and respiratory depression. Ingestion could cause death.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for Camphor based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
fragrance
EU Allergen Listed
yes
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.1%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
IFRA Restricted

Source: EU 2023/1545; SCCS/1459/11

Expert Verdict

Activates TRPV3 and TRPA1 channels providing a warm/tingly sensory profile distinct from menthol's cold sensation. EU Annex III restricts to maximum 11% and prohibits use in products for children under 3 years. Concentration-dependent toxicity potential exists, particularly for pediatric products; standard scalp use at 0.1–1% is generally safe in adults.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

eu-restricted avoid-children-under-3 trpv3-agonist trpa1-agonist concentration-dependent-toxicity ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camphor safe in cosmetics?

Activates TRPV3 and TRPA1 channels providing a warm/tingly sensory profile distinct from menthol's cold sensation. EU Annex III restricts to maximum 11% and prohibits use in products for children under 3 years. Concentration-dependent toxicity potential exists, particularly for pediatric products; standard scalp use at 0.1–1% is generally safe in adults. The EU classifies Camphor as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Camphor allowed in the EU?

Camphor EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 11% in non-mucous-membrane products; prohibited in products for children under 3 years. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Camphor do in cosmetics?

Camphor functions as: Sensory modifier; cooling/warming agent; antipruritic. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 76-22-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Camphor?

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 Camphor?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Camphor is 800 mg/kg bw/day based on a Developmental study via oral route in rat. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Compliance Tools

Check Camphor compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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