Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Methoxyethanol Acetate

INCI: METHOXYETHANOL ACETATE

CAS Number
110-49-6
Function
Solvent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status prohibited
US Notes Not explicitly prohibited by FDA, but recognized reproductive toxicant; effectively avoided in cosmetic formulations

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.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The vapour is mildly irritating to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the bone marrow and central nervous system. The substance may cause effects on the blood at high levels. This may result in lesions of blood cells and kidney impairment. Exposure far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the bone marrow and blood. This may result in lesions of blood cells and kidney impairment. May cause toxicity to human reproduction or development.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Metabolizes to 2-methoxyethanol in the body, producing the same toxic metabolite (methoxyacetic acid); reproductive toxicant; embryotoxic and fetotoxic. Acetate ester of 2-methoxyethanol; acts as a prodrug - rapidly hydrolyzed in vivo to release the parent glycol ether; slightly lower acute toxicity than the parent compound but equivalent chronic toxicity profile

⚠️
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

prop65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methoxyethanol Acetate safe in cosmetics?

Metabolizes to 2-methoxyethanol in the body, producing the same toxic metabolite (methoxyacetic acid); reproductive toxicant; embryotoxic and fetotoxic. Acetate ester of 2-methoxyethanol; acts as a prodrug - rapidly hydrolyzed in vivo to release the parent glycol ether; slightly lower acute toxicity than the parent compound but equivalent chronic toxicity profile The EU classifies Methoxyethanol Acetate as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methoxyethanol Acetate allowed in the EU?

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

What does Methoxyethanol Acetate do in cosmetics?

Methoxyethanol Acetate functions as: Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 110-49-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methoxyethanol Acetate?

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.

Compliance Tools

Check Methoxyethanol Acetate 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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