Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

MEK

CAS Number

78-93-3

Function

Perfuming, Solvent

Safety Rating

GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status Permitted

🇺🇸 US Status Not specifically regulated

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

Toxicological Studies

5 study endpoints found for MEK. 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	490 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Short Term Toxicity	COSMOS_DB
NOAEL	981 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Short Term Toxicity	COSMOS_DB
dose_tested	490 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Short Term Toxicity	COSMOS_DB
dose_tested	981 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Short Term Toxicity	COSMOS_DB
NOEL	500 ppm	1995	rat	inhalation	REACH

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; cancer;health haz

Hazard Statements

Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes serious eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways

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 could cause unconsciousness. If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.

Long-term Exposure Effects

The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.

Routes of Exposure

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, by ingestion and through the skin.

Expert Verdict

MEK is listed in the EU CosIng database with functions: Perfuming, Solvent It is permitted in the EU without specific restrictions.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

cosing-sourced eu-permitted fragrance needs-enrichment ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MEK safe in cosmetics?

MEK is listed in the EU CosIng database with functions: Perfuming, Solvent It is permitted in the EU without specific restrictions. The EU classifies MEK as "Permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 5 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is MEK allowed in the EU?

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

What does MEK do in cosmetics?

MEK functions as: Perfuming, Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 78-93-3.

What is the NOAEL for MEK?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for MEK is 490 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 MEK classified as hazardous under GHS?

MEK carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes serious eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways. 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 MEK compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder

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82 Allergen Checker

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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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