Excellent Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Ethyl Acetate

INCI: ETHYL ACETATE

CAS Number
141-78-6
Function
Solvent, volatile carrier, fast-evaporating solvent for nail polish
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes CIR assessed ethyl acetate as safe in cosmetics. FDA GRAS status as food additive (21 CFR 184.1245). OSHA nail salon VOC ventilation requirements apply. Characterized in 2025 nail formulation review as having a lower toxicity profile compared to aromatic solvents. Faster evaporation rate than butyl acetate, typically blended to control nail polish dry time and film quality.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
flam;flame; excl mark;warn
Hazard Statements
Highly flammable liquid and vapour May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.
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 of its vapour.

Expert Verdict

Excellent nail polish solvent with FDA GRAS status and CIR affirmation of safety for cosmetics. Rapidly evaporating with minimal residual exposure, non-sensitizing, and non-carcinogenic. Standard ingredient in all nail polish formulations.

⚠️
Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

nail-polish-solvent volatile-ester cir-affirmed fda-gras-food-additive lower-toxicity-vs-toluene 3-free-compatible preferred-solvent ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ethyl Acetate safe in cosmetics?

Excellent nail polish solvent with FDA GRAS status and CIR affirmation of safety for cosmetics. Rapidly evaporating with minimal residual exposure, non-sensitizing, and non-carcinogenic. Standard ingredient in all nail polish formulations. The EU classifies Ethyl Acetate as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Ethyl Acetate allowed in the EU?

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

What does Ethyl Acetate do in cosmetics?

Ethyl Acetate functions as: Solvent, volatile carrier, fast-evaporating solvent for nail polish. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 141-78-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Ethyl Acetate?

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.

Is Ethyl Acetate classified as hazardous under GHS?

Ethyl Acetate carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour 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.

Compliance Tools

Check Ethyl Acetate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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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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