Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
2 study endpoints found for Isovaleric 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 | 2500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 2500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
Expert Verdict
RIFM safety assessment confirms it is not genotoxic, not phototoxic/photoallergenic, and below the Dermal Sensitization Threshold for non-reactive materials (900 µg/cm²); cheesy odor limits practical use levels. Also known as 3-methylbutanoic acid; molecular formula C₅H₁₀O₂ (MW 102.13); characteristic strong rancid/cheesy odor at high concentrations but contributes complexity at trace levels; naturally occurs in valerian root, hops, and various fermented foods
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Isovaleric Acid safe in cosmetics?
RIFM safety assessment confirms it is not genotoxic, not phototoxic/photoallergenic, and below the Dermal Sensitization Threshold for non-reactive materials (900 µg/cm²); cheesy odor limits practical use levels. Also known as 3-methylbutanoic acid; molecular formula C₅H₁₀O₂ (MW 102.13); characteristic strong rancid/cheesy odor at high concentrations but contributes complexity at trace levels; naturally occurs in valerian root, hops, and various fermented foods The EU classifies Isovaleric Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is Isovaleric Acid allowed in the EU?
Isovaleric Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Isovaleric Acid do in cosmetics?
Isovaleric Acid functions as: Perfuming (fragrance ingredient). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 503-74-2.
What is the Margin of Safety for Isovaleric 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 Isovaleric Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Isovaleric Acid is 2500 mg/kg bw/day based on a Subchronic study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Compliance Tools
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Related Ingredients
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