Poor Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Ethylbenzene

INCI: ETHYLBENZENE

CAS Number
100-41-4
Function
Solvent / denaturant (typically a residual or fragrance solvent impurity)
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes Not specifically prohibited in cosmetics by FDA; IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic); heavily regulated under EPA TSCA

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

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; cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Highly flammable liquid and vapour Harmful if inhaled May be harmful if swallowed Causes mild skin irritation Causes eye irritation Suspected of causing cancer May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness and dizziness May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways Toxic to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.
Long-term Exposure Effects
This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. The substance may have effects on the kidneys and liver. This may result in impaired functions.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen with known ototoxic and neurotoxic effects at chronic exposure; EU CMR prohibition applies; if present as impurity in fragrance, must remain below trace detection limits

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

fragrance-component endocrine_disruptor prop65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ethylbenzene safe in cosmetics?

IARC Group 2B possible carcinogen with known ototoxic and neurotoxic effects at chronic exposure; EU CMR prohibition applies; if present as impurity in fragrance, must remain below trace detection limits The EU classifies Ethylbenzene as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR.

Is Ethylbenzene allowed in the EU?

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

What does Ethylbenzene do in cosmetics?

Ethylbenzene functions as: Solvent / denaturant (typically a residual or fragrance solvent impurity). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 100-41-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Ethylbenzene?

adequate 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 Ethylbenzene classified as hazardous under GHS?

Ethylbenzene carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour Harmful if inhaled May be harmful if swallowed Causes mild skin irritation Causes eye irritation Suspected of causing cancer May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness and dizziness May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways 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 Ethylbenzene compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
 🧮
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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