Poor Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Caprolactam

INCI: CAPROLACTAM

CAS Number
105-60-2
Function
Not a standard cosmetic active — primarily an industrial monomer (Nylon-6 precursor). If present in cosmetics, it would be as a residual monomer from Nylon-based polymers.
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Not established for cosmetic use. OECD SIDS assessment available. Would require full tox dossier if claimed as intentional ingredient.

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Caprolactam. 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 0.10000000149 % oral dog Subchronic COSMOS_DB
LOAEL 0.5 % oral dog Subchronic COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
excl mark;warn
Hazard Statements
Harmful if swallowed Causes skin and eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the nervous system and liver.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

Expert Verdict

Questionable cosmetic ingredient — primarily an industrial monomer. If present as residual from Nylon polymers, must be controlled to ppm levels. Oral LD50 ~1g/kg (rat). Irritant classification. Reproductive toxicity data should be reviewed.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caprolactam safe in cosmetics?

Questionable cosmetic ingredient — primarily an industrial monomer. If present as residual from Nylon polymers, must be controlled to ppm levels. Oral LD50 ~1g/kg (rat). Irritant classification. Reproductive toxicity data should be reviewed. The EU classifies Caprolactam as "permitted". Safety rating: POOR. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Caprolactam allowed in the EU?

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

What does Caprolactam do in cosmetics?

Caprolactam functions as: Not a standard cosmetic active — primarily an industrial monomer (Nylon-6 precursor). If present in cosmetics, it would be as a residual monomer from Nylon-based polymers.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 105-60-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Caprolactam?

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.

What is the NOAEL for Caprolactam?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Caprolactam is 0.10000000149 % based on a Subchronic study via oral route in dog. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Caprolactam classified as hazardous under GHS?

Caprolactam carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed Causes skin and eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

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