Poor Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Chloroacetic Acid

INCI: CHLOROACETIC ACID

CAS Number
79-11-8
Function
Not a functional cosmetic ingredient (chemical intermediate)
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes Not permitted for cosmetic use; classified as acutely toxic (EPA)

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.

Toxicological Studies

6 study endpoints found for Chloroacetic Acid. 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
LOAEL 30 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 60 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 120 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOAEL 100 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
LOAEL 19 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 30 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.

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
skull;toxic; corr; cancer;health haz; enviro;aqua
Hazard Statements
May be osive to metals Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation Causes damage to organs Very toxic to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. See Notes. The substance may cause effects on the metabolism. This may result in metabolic acidosis and multiple organ failure. Exposure could cause death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
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, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Acutely toxic by all routes with severe skin and eye corrosion; metabolic acidosis from dermal exposure and lethal at low doses; no safe cosmetic use level.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chloroacetic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Acutely toxic by all routes with severe skin and eye corrosion; metabolic acidosis from dermal exposure and lethal at low doses; no safe cosmetic use level. The EU classifies Chloroacetic Acid as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR. 6 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Chloroacetic Acid allowed in the EU?

Chloroacetic Acid EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Chloroacetic Acid do in cosmetics?

Chloroacetic Acid functions as: Not a functional cosmetic ingredient (chemical intermediate). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 79-11-8.

What is the Margin of Safety for Chloroacetic Acid?

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 Chloroacetic Acid?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Chloroacetic Acid is 30 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 6 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Is Chloroacetic Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?

Chloroacetic Acid carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: May be osive to metals Toxic if swallowed or in contact with skin Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation Causes damage to organs Very toxic to aquatic life. 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.

Compliance Tools

Check Chloroacetic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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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
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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