Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

DMSO

CAS Number
67-68-5
Function
Solvent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status Restricted
EU Max Conc. II/338
🇺🇸 US Status Not specifically regulated

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

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for DMSO. 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 1100 other oral dog oral REACH
NOAEL >=8910 mg/kg bw/day dermal monkey dermal REACH
LOAEL 1650 mg/kg bw/day other rabbit other REACH
NOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day 2011 rabbit other REACH
NOAEL 3300 mg/kg bw/day dermal monkey dermal REACH
NOAEL 3300 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 2970 mg/kg bw/day oral monkey oral REACH
NOAEL 0.2 other 1991 rat inhalation REACH
NOAEL 2970 mg/kg bw/day dermal code:3484 dermal REACH
NOAEL 300 mg/kg bw/day intravenous dog other REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
WARNING
Hazard Statements
Combustible liquid
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and skin. Exposure to high concentrations could cause lowering of consciousness. May accelerate skin absorption of other materials. See Notes.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

DMSO is listed in the EU CosIng database with functions: Solvent It is restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation. Restriction: II/338.

⚠️
Concern Level: Medium

Regulatory Flags

cosing-sourced eu-restricted needs-enrichment eu_banned_cosmetics ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DMSO safe in cosmetics?

DMSO is listed in the EU CosIng database with functions: Solvent It is restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation. Restriction: II/338. The EU classifies DMSO as "Restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is DMSO allowed in the EU?

DMSO EU regulatory status: Restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: II/338. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does DMSO do in cosmetics?

DMSO functions as: Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 67-68-5.

What is the NOAEL for DMSO?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for DMSO is 1100 other based on a oral study via oral route in dog. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Is DMSO classified as hazardous under GHS?

DMSO carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Combustible liquid. 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 DMSO 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
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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