Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Methyl Propionate

INCI: METHYL PROPIONATE

CAS Number
554-12-1
Function
Perfuming (fragrance)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Allowed - also approved as a direct food additive under 21 CFR 172.515 (synthetic flavoring); FEMA 2742. No restrictions for cosmetic fragrance use.

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 substance is irritating to the respiratory tract, skin and eyes.

Expert Verdict

Highly flammable (flash point 6°C / 43°F); classified GHS02/GHS05/GHS07 - causes serious eye damage (H318), harmful if inhaled (H332). LD₅₀ oral (rabbit) = 5,000 mg/kg. Must be handled with appropriate safety precautions in manufacturing.. Colourless liquid with a fresh, harsh, rum-like fruity odour (strawberry, apple notes); molecular formula C₄H₈O₂ (MW 88.11); boiling point 79°C; water solubility ~5 g/100 mL at 20°C; also used industrially as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and lacquers

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

fragrance-component ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methyl Propionate safe in cosmetics?

Highly flammable (flash point 6°C / 43°F); classified GHS02/GHS05/GHS07 - causes serious eye damage (H318), harmful if inhaled (H332). LD₅₀ oral (rabbit) = 5,000 mg/kg. Must be handled with appropriate safety precautions in manufacturing.. Colourless liquid with a fresh, harsh, rum-like fruity odour (strawberry, apple notes); molecular formula C₄H₈O₂ (MW 88.11); boiling point 79°C; water solubility ~5 g/100 mL at 20°C; also used industrially as a solvent for cellulose nitrate and lacquers The EU classifies Methyl Propionate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methyl Propionate allowed in the EU?

Methyl Propionate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methyl Propionate do in cosmetics?

Methyl Propionate functions as: Perfuming (fragrance). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 554-12-1.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methyl Propionate?

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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