Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Isooctane

INCI: ISOOCTANE

CAS Number
540-84-1
Function
Solvent; viscosity decreasing agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed; CIR Expert Panel concluded safe for cosmetic use; also permitted as synthetic isoparaffinic petroleum hydrocarbon in certain food-contact applications

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
low
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.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys, liver and nervous system. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical 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 and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

CIR found not genotoxic, negative in reproductive/developmental toxicity studies, not a skin sensitizer, and no phototoxicity at cosmetic-use concentrations; male rat kidney effects deemed not relevant to humans. Volatile solvent that evaporates cleanly; part of the broader isoparaffin family used for lightweight, non-greasy formulation aesthetics

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Isooctane safe in cosmetics?

CIR found not genotoxic, negative in reproductive/developmental toxicity studies, not a skin sensitizer, and no phototoxicity at cosmetic-use concentrations; male rat kidney effects deemed not relevant to humans. Volatile solvent that evaporates cleanly; part of the broader isoparaffin family used for lightweight, non-greasy formulation aesthetics The EU classifies Isooctane as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Isooctane allowed in the EU?

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

What does Isooctane do in cosmetics?

Isooctane functions as: Solvent; viscosity decreasing agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 540-84-1.

What is the Margin of Safety for Isooctane?

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.

Compliance Tools

Check Isooctane compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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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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