Is Epichlorohydrin safe in cosmetics?
Epichlorohydrin has a safety rating of "POOR" in our database. EU status: prohibited. US status: prohibited. 3 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Epichlorohydrin
Also known as: Epichlorhydrin, Oxirane, 2-(chloromethyl)-, 2-(Chloromethyl)oxirane, BRN 0079785, Caswell No. 424 (+15 more)
INCI: EPICHLOROHYDRIN
Epichlorohydrin (CAS 106-89-8) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Cross-linking agent / industrial intermediate (not a cosmetic active; may. Reported NOAEL =1 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: prohibited; GHS signal word DANGER. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 106-89-8 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Epichlorohydrin is prohibited in EU cosmetics but has active industrial GHS classifications (H226, H301, H311, H331, H314, H317, H318, H330).
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Cross-linking agent / industrial intermediate (not a cosmetic active; may appear as a residual impurity in crosslinked polymers)
Safety Rating
POOR
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
2-(chloromethyl)oxirane
InChIKey
BRLQWZUYTZBJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
prohibited
US US Status
prohibited
US Notes
Not explicitly listed in 21 CFR 700 prohibited list, but classified IARC Group 2A (probably carcinogenic); would fail any CPSR-grade safety assessment for intentional use
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Epichlorohydrin.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
3 study endpoints found for Epichlorohydrin. 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 | =1 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | subchronic | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =25 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =50 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | reproduction developmental | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
FlamFlameSkullToxicCorrCancerHealth haz
Hazard Statements
Flammable liquid and vapour Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause an allergic skin reaction May cause genetic defects May cause cancer
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of the vapour may cause lung oedema. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. See Notes. Inhalation of the vapour may cause asthma-like reactions. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, kidneys and liver. This may result in convulsions, kidney impairment and liver impairment. Exposure at high levels could cause death.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. The substance may have effects on the kidneys, liver and lungs. This may result in impaired functions. May cause heritable genetic damage to human germ cells. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
2A
Volume
11, Sup 7, 71
Evaluation Year
1998
NB Overall evaluation upgraded to Group 2A with supporting evidence from other relevant data
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
FlammableHealth HazardAcute ToxicityCorrosive
Hazard Class and Category
Flam. Liq. 3; Carc. 1B; Acute Tox. 3 *; Acute Tox. 3 *; Acute Tox. 3 *; Skin Corr. 1B; Skin Sens. 1
Hazard Statements
- H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
- H350 May cause cancer
- H331 Toxic if inhaled
- H311 Toxic in contact with skin
- H301 Toxic if swallowed
- H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
Specific Concentration Limits / M-factors
*
Inserted via ATP: CLP00
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100,000 - 1,000,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE; GROUP
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
EU CosIng Annex Listing
European Commission CosIng database Annex references per Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Annex II — Prohibited
Ref: 657
(EC) 2009/1223
CMR: Carcinogenic Cat. 1B()
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
SA Saudi SFDA (II - Prohibited)
ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (II)
Ref: 657
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
Brazil: Prohibited
India: Prohibited (GNRAS)
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (2)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | banned | - | - |
| KR | prohibited | - | - |
PubChem Annotations
Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.
Safety (5)
Carcinogen Classification
Epichlorohydrin | Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans | Volume 11: (1976) Cadmium, Nickel, Some Epoxides, Miscellaneous Industrial Chemicals and General Considerations on Volatile Anaesthetics | Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print) | Volume 71: (1999) Re-evaluation of Some Orga
Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Evidence for Carcinogenicity
Cancer Classification: Group B2 Probable Human Carcinogen | CLASSIFICATION: B2; probable human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Human data are inadequate. Multiple studies in rats and mice administered epichlorohydrin by various routes were positive. As epichlorohydrin is a strong alkylating agent, tumors are produced at the site of application. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Endocrine Disruptors
Potential endocrine disrupting compound
Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
ICSC Safety Card
0043
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Skin Eye Respiratory Irritation
Marked nose & eye irritation occur only ... /above/ 100 ppm. | Epichlorohydrin effect on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract may be delayed for several hours. Epichlorohydrin causes dermatitis. | Inhalation of epichlorohydrin causes irritation of the eyes and throat. ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Monomers
No specific technical function
Regulatory List Membership (4)
California Proposition 65 (OEHHA)
EU Banned in Cosmetics
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Epichlorohydrin.
Regulatory Flags
endocrine_disruptor
prop65
eu_banned_cosmetics
eu_cosing_listed
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Epichlorohydrin by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
3
Lowest NOAEL
1 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
50 mg/kg bw/day
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
Known Synonyms
Epichlorhydrin
Oxirane, 2-(chloromethyl)-
2-(Chloromethyl)oxirane
BRN 0079785
Caswell No. 424
epi-Chlorohydrin
Chloromethyloxirane
EINECS 203-439-8
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 097201
alpha-Epichlorohydrin
Epichlorophydrin
Glycerol epichlorhydrin
NCI-C07001
Oxirane, 2-(chloromethyl)
RCRA waste number U041
1-Chloor-2,3-epoxy-propaan
1-Cloro-2,3-epossipropano
Epichloorhydrine
Epichlorhydrine
Epichlorohydryna
Chemical Function
Monomers
Regulatory Lists
banned; Europe; Personal care
Europe; Food contact items; Toys and children's products
drinking_water; Europe; manufacturing; plastic_additive
Cons electronics mech appliances and machinery; Europe
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
OEHHA Proposition 65 (3/2019)
children
OEHHA Proposition 65 (1/2023)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL1421613
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epichlorohydrin allowed in the EU?
Epichlorohydrin EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Epichlorohydrin do in cosmetics?
Epichlorohydrin functions as: Cross-linking agent / industrial intermediate (not a cosmetic active; may appear as a residual impurity in crosslinked polymers). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 106-89-8.
What is the NOAEL for Epichlorohydrin?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Epichlorohydrin is =1 mg/kg bw/day based on a subchronic study via oral route in Rat. A total of 3 study endpoints are available. Source: ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID.
Is Epichlorohydrin classified as hazardous under GHS?
Epichlorohydrin carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Flammable liquid and vapour Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause an allergic skin reaction May cause genetic defects May cause cancer. 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.
Is Epichlorohydrin used outside cosmetics?
Epichlorohydrin also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Epichlorohydrin have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Epichlorohydrin is prohibited in EU cosmetics but has active industrial GHS classifications (H226, H301, H311, H331, H314, H317, H318, H330).
Compliance Tools
Check Epichlorohydrin compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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