Is Furfural safe in cosmetics?
Furfural has a safety rating of "POOR" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 5 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Furfural
Also known as: 2-furaldehyde, 2-Furancarboxaldehyde, 5-17-09-00292, Ant Oil, artificial, Artificial oil of ants (+15 more)
INCI: FURFURAL
Furfural (CAS 98-01-1) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Fragrance / perfumery ingredient. Reported NOAEL 25 mg/kg bw/day in rat (COSMOS_DB); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 10 ppm; 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 98-01-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Furfural is classified GHS Danger (H301, H312, H315, H319, H330, H331, H335, H351) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 10 ppm.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status/eu_max; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Fragrance / perfumery ingredient
Safety Rating
POOR
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
furan-2-carbaldehyde
InChIKey
HYBBIBNJHNGZAN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
10 ppm
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted — not specifically listed in 21 CFR prohibited/restricted lists; RIFM safety assessment supports use at declared fragrance levels
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Furfural.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
5 study endpoints found for Furfural. 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 | 25 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | =96 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | short-term | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =100 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Mouse | chronic | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg bw/day | dermal | Rat | short-term | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =1000 mg/kg bw/day | dermal | Rat | short-term | 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
FlamFlameSkullToxicCancerHealth haz
Hazard Statements
Flammable liquid and vapour Toxic if swallowed Fatal if inhaled Causes mild skin irritation Causes eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation Suspected of causing cancer May cause damage to liver through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways Harmful to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is mildly irritating to the skin. The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. 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. The substance may have effects on the liver. Tumours have been detected in experimental animals but may not be relevant to humans.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cancer slope factor | =0.0349 (mg/kg-day)-1 | Human | oral | - | EPA OPP |
| NOAEL | =54 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | EFSA |
| NOEL | =53 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | EFSA |
| LEL | =82527.4 mg/m3 | Human | inhalation | - | DOE Protective Action Criteria |
| NOEL | =53 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | EFSA |
| NOEL | =48 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | short-term | ECOTOX |
| NOEL | =54 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | subchronic | EFSA |
| LOEL | =50 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | acute | ECOTOX |
| LOEL | =50 mg/kg-day | Mouse | oral | acute | ECOTOX |
| LOEL | =5 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | acute | ECOTOX |
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
63
Evaluation Year
1995
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
Health HazardAcute Toxicity
Hazard Class and Category
Carc. 2; Acute Tox. 3 *; Acute Tox. 4 *; Acute Tox. 3 *; STOT SE 3; Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2
Hazard Statements
- H351 Suspected of causing cancer
- H331 Toxic if inhaled
- H312 Harmful in contact with skin
- H301 Toxic if swallowed
- H335 May cause respiratory irritation
- H315 Causes skin irritation
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation
Inserted via ATP: ATP01
HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies
1 human repeat insult patch test aggregated from dermatological literature.
| Test Type | N | Sensitized | Dose µg/cm² | NESIL µg/cm² | Potency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMT | - | 0 | 1350 | - | - |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10,000 - 100,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
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 (III - Restricted)
Max: 0,001 %.
BRIN Brazil/India Cosmetics
India: Restricted · max 0,001 %
IFRA Concentration Limits (12 Product Categories)
International Fragrance Association standards per product category. Restriction: Restriction. Effective: 2021-02-10.
| Category | Max % | Category | Max % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Lip products) | 0.002% | 7a (Deodorant – not spray) | 0.004% |
| 2 (Body spray) | 0.0006% | 7b (Deodorant spray) | 0.004% |
| 3 (Body cream) | 0.002% | 8 (Face cream) | 0.00066% |
| 4 (Fine fragrance) | 0.0079% | 9 (Soap) | 0.0099% |
| 5a (Body lotion) | 0.002% | 10a (Household – non-spray) | 0.0099% |
| 5b (Face cream leave-on) | 0.002% | 10b (Household – spray) | No Restriction% |
| 5c (Hand cream) | 0.002% | 11a (Intimate – leave-on) | 0.00066% |
| 5d (Baby cream) | 0.00066% | 11b (Intimate – rinse) | 0.00066% |
| 6 (Mouthwash) | 0.002% | 12 (Not for consumer exposure) | No Restriction% |
PubChem Annotations
Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.
Safety (5)
Carcinogen Classification
Furfural | Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans | Volume 63: (1995) Dry Cleaning, Some Chlorinated Solvents and Other Industrial Chemicals
Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Carcinogen Classification
Furfural | TR-382: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Furfural (CASRN 98-01-1) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies) (1990 ) | 11/20/89 | Some Evidence | No Evidence | Clear Evidence | Some Evidence | Under the conditions of these 2-year gavage studies, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of furfural for male F344/N rats based on the occurrence of uncommon cho
Source: NTP Technical Reports
Evidence for Carcinogenicity
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of furfural. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of furfural. Overall evaluation: Furfural is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). | A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
ICSC Safety Card
0276
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Skin Eye Respiratory Irritation
Vapor may irritate eyes & respiratory system. Liquid irritates skin ... | Furfural is a skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant. Although the vapor is a potent irritant, the liquid has a relatively low volatility so that inhalation of significant quantities by workers in unlikely. Exposure of workers to air concentrations of from 2-14 ppm cause complaints of eye and throat irritation and headache.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Regulatory (2)
JECFA Number
450
Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
JECFA Evaluation
2-FURYLCARBOXALDEHYDE | 2000 | 0-0.5 mg/kg bw | No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent. A group ADI of 0-0.5 mg/kg bw was established at the fifty-fifth meeting (2000) for furfural, furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl acetate, furfuryl propionate, furfuryl pentanoate, furfuryl octanoate, furfuryl 3-methylbutanoate, methyl 2-furoate, propyl 2-furoate, amyl 2-furoate, h
Source: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
No specific technical function
Solvent
Regulatory List Membership (4)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
EU CosIng Cosmetics Ingredient Database
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Furfural.
Regulatory Flags
potential-allergen
fragrance-component
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
eu_cosing_listed
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Furfural by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
5
Lowest NOAEL
25 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
1000 mg/kg bw/day
COSMOS_DB
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
Known Synonyms
2-furaldehyde
2-Furancarboxaldehyde
5-17-09-00292
Ant Oil, artificial
Artificial oil of ants
Bran oil
BRN 0105755
Caswell No. 466
EINECS 202-627-7
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 043301
FEMA No. 2489
2-Furyl-methanal
NCI-C56177
Quakeral
RCRA waste number U125
2-Furankarbaldehyd
2-Furil-metanale
UNII-DJ1HGI319P
2-Formyl furan
2-Formylofuran
Chemical Function
Solvent
Flavouring and nutrient
No specific technical function
Fragrance
Regulatory Lists
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
artificial_saliva; detected; emissions; Europe; Toys and children's products
air; Arts and crafts/Office supplies - children's art and toys - modeling clay; detected; emissions; Europe
air; Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; emissions; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; Europe
air; Cleaning products and household care - air freshener; detected; emissions; Europe
Australia; Food and drug - smoking-related products
IFRA Transparency
Europe
food_additive; Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) (2/2019)
consumer_product
Europe; Personal care; restricted
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.
Compound
FURFURAL
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL189362
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Furfural allowed in the EU?
Furfural EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 10 ppm. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Furfural do in cosmetics?
Furfural functions as: Fragrance / perfumery ingredient. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 98-01-1.
What is the NOAEL for Furfural?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Furfural is 25 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 5 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Is Furfural classified as hazardous under GHS?
Furfural carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Flammable liquid and vapour Toxic if swallowed Fatal if inhaled Causes mild skin irritation Causes eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation Suspected of causing cancer May cause damage to liver through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways 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.
Is Furfural used outside cosmetics?
Furfural 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 Furfural have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Furfural is classified GHS Danger (H301, H312, H315, H319, H330, H331, H335, H351) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 10 ppm.
Compliance Tools
Check Furfural compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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