DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
INCI: DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide). 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.
Expert Verdict
Transdermal carrier risk as it can deliver dissolved toxicants through skin; causes skin and serious eye irritation; prohibited in Canada for cosmetic use; any CPSR must justify use and account for all co-formulated ingredients' systemic exposure
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) safe in cosmetics?
Transdermal carrier risk as it can deliver dissolved toxicants through skin; causes skin and serious eye irritation; prohibited in Canada for cosmetic use; any CPSR must justify use and account for all co-formulated ingredients' systemic exposure The EU classifies DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) allowed in the EU?
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) do in cosmetics?
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) functions as: Solvent / penetration enhancer. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 67-68-5.
What is the Margin of Safety for DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)?
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 DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) 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 (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) classified as hazardous under GHS?
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) 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
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