Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Methylal

INCI: METHYLAL

CAS Number
109-87-5
Function
Solvent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 0.1%
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes No specific prohibition as a cosmetic ingredient; formaldehyde-releasing potential may trigger labeling requirements under MoCRA

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

1 study endpoint found for Methylal. 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
NOEL ca.2000 2285 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
Hazard Statements
Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness
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 far above the OEL could cause unconsciousness.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour.

Expert Verdict

Highly flammable; may release formaldehyde on hydrolysis; potential sensitizer via formaldehyde release. Very volatile (bp ~42 ยฐC); excellent solvent power for resins and polymers; low viscosity

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methylal safe in cosmetics?

Highly flammable; may release formaldehyde on hydrolysis; potential sensitizer via formaldehyde release. Very volatile (bp ~42 ยฐC); excellent solvent power for resins and polymers; low viscosity The EU classifies Methylal as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Methylal allowed in the EU?

Methylal EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.1%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methylal do in cosmetics?

Methylal functions as: Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 109-87-5.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methylal?

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 Methylal?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Methylal is ca.2000 2285 based on a inhalation study via 1995 route in rat. Source: REACH.

Is Methylal classified as hazardous under GHS?

Methylal carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour Causes eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness. 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 โ€” at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

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