Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Heptanoic Acid

INCI: HEPTANOIC ACID

CAS Number
111-14-8
Function
Emulsifying / Surfactant / Fragrance
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted — GRAS for food use (21 CFR 172.515); not restricted in cosmetics

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Heptanoic Acid. 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 1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 1750 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
DANGER
Pictograms
corr; excl mark;warn
Hazard Statements
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage Harmful if inhaled May cause respiratory irritation
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. See Notes. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

Expert Verdict

Concentration-dependent safety profile: corrosive and causes skin/eye damage in neat form (H318, H332); safe at typical low cosmetic-use concentrations; EPA Safer Chemical designation at diluted levels.

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

fragrance-component epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Heptanoic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Concentration-dependent safety profile: corrosive and causes skin/eye damage in neat form (H318, H332); safe at typical low cosmetic-use concentrations; EPA Safer Chemical designation at diluted levels. The EU classifies Heptanoic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Heptanoic Acid allowed in the EU?

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

What does Heptanoic Acid do in cosmetics?

Heptanoic Acid functions as: Emulsifying / Surfactant / Fragrance. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 111-14-8.

What is the Margin of Safety for Heptanoic Acid?

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.

What is the NOAEL for Heptanoic Acid?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Heptanoic Acid is 1000 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Is Heptanoic Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?

Heptanoic Acid carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage Harmful if inhaled May cause respiratory irritation. 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 Heptanoic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
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