Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol)

INCI: ETHYLHEXANOL

CAS Number
104-76-7
Function
Solvent, masking agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted — no specific CFR prohibition

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.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol). 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 1525 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 2344 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1628 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 521 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 755 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 350 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Special Toxicology Study COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 140 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Special Toxicology Study COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 500 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Special Toxicology Study COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 191 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 275 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
excl mark;warn; cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Combustible liquid May be harmful if swallowed Causes skin and eye irritation May cause damage to central nervous system Harmful to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.
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, by ingestion and through the skin.

Expert Verdict

Developmental toxicity (Category 2 reproductive toxicant); developmental effects at ≥840 mg/kg dermal in rats including increased resorptions, decreased fetal weight, skeletal malformations. Also a hydrolysis product of many ethylhexyl esters — indirect exposure must be accounted for in cumulative assessment.

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) safe in cosmetics?

Developmental toxicity (Category 2 reproductive toxicant); developmental effects at ≥840 mg/kg dermal in rats including increased resorptions, decreased fetal weight, skeletal malformations. Also a hydrolysis product of many ethylhexyl esters — indirect exposure must be accounted for in cumulative assessment. The EU classifies Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) allowed in the EU?

Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) do in cosmetics?

Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) functions as: Solvent, masking agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 104-76-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol)?

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.

What is the NOAEL for Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol)?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) is 1525 mg/kg bw/day based on a Reproductive study via oral route in mouse. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) classified as hazardous under GHS?

Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Combustible liquid May be harmful if swallowed Causes skin and eye irritation May cause damage to central nervous system Harmful 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 Ethylhexanol (2-Ethyl-1-hexanol) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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