Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient GHS Classified

Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI)

INCI: METHYLENE DIPHENYL DIISOCYANATE

CAS Number
101-68-8
Function
Not a functional cosmetic ingredient - primarily an industrial polyurethane precursor
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status prohibited
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Not intended for cosmetic use; classified as a hazardous substance by OSHA. FDA does not explicitly list it for cosmetics, but its toxicity profile effectively precludes any cosmetic application

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
Lachrymation. The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in impaired functions.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma. See Notes.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Expert Verdict

Severe - potent respiratory sensitizer (occupational asthma); suspected carcinogen (IARC Group 3 / inconclusive, but EU classifies as Carc. Cat. 2); skin and mucous membrane irritant; reacts with moisture to release CO₂ and form polyurea. 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (4,4'-MDI) is the most common isomer. Highly reactive with nucleophiles (water, amines, alcohols). Its presence in Annex II means zero tolerance in any EU cosmetic product. If detected, it would trigger immediate product r...

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) safe in cosmetics?

Severe - potent respiratory sensitizer (occupational asthma); suspected carcinogen (IARC Group 3 / inconclusive, but EU classifies as Carc. Cat. 2); skin and mucous membrane irritant; reacts with moisture to release CO₂ and form polyurea. 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (4,4'-MDI) is the most common isomer. Highly reactive with nucleophiles (water, amines, alcohols). Its presence in Annex II means zero tolerance in any EU cosmetic product. If detected, it would trigger immediate product r... The EU classifies Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) allowed in the EU?

Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) do in cosmetics?

Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) functions as: Not a functional cosmetic ingredient - primarily an industrial polyurethane precursor. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 101-68-8.

What is the Margin of Safety for Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI)?

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 Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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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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