Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Methoxyethanol

INCI: METHOXYETHANOL

CAS Number
109-86-4
Function
Solvent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes Not explicitly prohibited by FDA for cosmetics, but recognized as a reproductive toxicant by OSHA and listed under California Proposition 65; effectively avoided by responsible manufacturers

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.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Methoxyethanol. 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 100 mg/kg bw/day dermal rat dermal REACH
LOAEL 71 other oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 1000 other dermal code:3483 dermal REACH
NOAEL 295 other oral mouse oral REACH
NOAEL 100 ppm 1991 rat inhalation REACH
NOAEL 43 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 625 other dermal rat dermal REACH
NOAEL 100 ppm 1991 mouse inhalation REACH
NOAEL 50 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 50 ppm 1991 rat inhalation REACH

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 mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, blood, bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Exposure at high levels could cause unconsciousness. Medical observation is indicated.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the blood and bone marrow. This may result in anaemia and lesions of blood cells. May cause toxicity to human reproduction or development.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Reproductive toxicant (Category 1B); teratogenic; can cause bone marrow suppression, central nervous system effects, and testicular atrophy at occupational exposure levels. 2-Methoxyethanol; simplest methyl glycol ether; readily absorbed through skin; restricted to professional users in industrial settings

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

prop65 eu_banned_cosmetics eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methoxyethanol safe in cosmetics?

Reproductive toxicant (Category 1B); teratogenic; can cause bone marrow suppression, central nervous system effects, and testicular atrophy at occupational exposure levels. 2-Methoxyethanol; simplest methyl glycol ether; readily absorbed through skin; restricted to professional users in industrial settings The EU classifies Methoxyethanol as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Methoxyethanol allowed in the EU?

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

What does Methoxyethanol do in cosmetics?

Methoxyethanol functions as: Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 109-86-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methoxyethanol?

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 Methoxyethanol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Methoxyethanol is 100 mg/kg bw/day based on a dermal study via dermal route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Compliance Tools

Check Methoxyethanol 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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