Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified Dermal Penetration

Isopropyl Alcohol

INCI: ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

CAS Number
67-63-0
Function
Solvent, antimicrobial agent
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted under 21 CFR 73.1 as an indirect additive; widely used in cosmetics; CIR has not raised safety concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations; EPA lists under EPCRA 313 for manufacturing via strong acid process only

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Isopropyl Alcohol. 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 7 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 20 mg/kg bw/day oral monkey Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 466 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 625 mg/kg bw/day oral rabbit Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1200 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1280 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1200 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 800 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 601 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Special Toxicology Study COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 2000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Multigeneration Reproductive COSMOS_DB

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
Hazard Statements
Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes serious eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dryness and cracking.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Isopropyl Alcohol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
25-40%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis/dermis
Molecular Weight
60.1 Da
Log P
0.05
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
20-35%
Safety Margin Factor
very-high

Source: Int J Pharm 2000

Expert Verdict

Isopropyl alcohol is a widely permitted solvent in cosmetics with good safety profile and adequate margin of safety at typical concentrations.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Isopropyl Alcohol safe in cosmetics?

Isopropyl alcohol is a widely permitted solvent in cosmetics with good safety profile and adequate margin of safety at typical concentrations. The EU classifies Isopropyl Alcohol as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Isopropyl Alcohol allowed in the EU?

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

What does Isopropyl Alcohol do in cosmetics?

Isopropyl Alcohol functions as: Solvent, antimicrobial agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 67-63-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Isopropyl Alcohol?

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 Isopropyl Alcohol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Isopropyl Alcohol is 7 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Isopropyl Alcohol classified as hazardous under GHS?

Isopropyl Alcohol carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes serious eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness. 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 Isopropyl Alcohol 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
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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