Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane

INCI: MERCAPTOPROPYLTRIMETHOXYSILANE

CAS Number
4420-74-0
Function
Surface modifier / binding agent - a silane coupling agent that bonds organic materials to inorganic surfaces. In cosmetics, used for surface treatment of pigments and fillers to improve dispersibility and skin adhesion.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status prohibited
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed; no specific prohibition. Used as an indirect additive in cosmetic pigment coatings.

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.

Expert Verdict

Methoxy groups hydrolyze to release methanol in trace quantities; the thiol group is a potential sensitizer at high concentrations; as a surface treatment residual on pigments, exposure levels are typically negligible.. Organosilane with a reactive mercapto (-SH) group and three hydrolyzable methoxy groups; creates covalent bonds between organic polymers and mineral substrates (e.g., TiOโ‚‚, mica, iron oxides).

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane safe in cosmetics?

Methoxy groups hydrolyze to release methanol in trace quantities; the thiol group is a potential sensitizer at high concentrations; as a surface treatment residual on pigments, exposure levels are typically negligible.. Organosilane with a reactive mercapto (-SH) group and three hydrolyzable methoxy groups; creates covalent bonds between organic polymers and mineral substrates (e.g., TiOโ‚‚, mica, iron oxides). The EU classifies Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane allowed in the EU?

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

What does Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane do in cosmetics?

Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane functions as: Surface modifier / binding agent - a silane coupling agent that bonds organic materials to inorganic surfaces. In cosmetics, used for surface treatment of pigments and fillers to improve dispersibility and skin adhesion.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 4420-74-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane?

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.

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