Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL

CAS Number

71-36-3

Function

Denaturant, Perfuming, Solvent

Safety Rating

GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status Permitted

🇺🇸 US Status allowed

US Notes Allowed; CIR Expert Panel concluded it is safe in the practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, initially for nail care (1987) and later expanded to all product categories at reported use levels

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Toxicological Studies

7 study endpoints found for N-BUTYL ALCOHOL. 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	1454 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Developmental	COSMOS_DB
NOAEL	300 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	Developmental	COSMOS_DB
NOEL	500 ppm	1995	rat	inhalation	REACH
NOEL	125 mg/kg bw/day	oral	rat	oral	REACH
NOEL	500 ppm	inhalation	-	inhalation	REACH
NOEL	500 ppm	1995	rat	inhalation	REACH
LOEL	50 ppm	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; corr; excl mark;warn; cancer;health haz

Hazard Statements

Flammable liquid and vapour Harmful if swallowed Causes skin irritation Causes serious eye damage May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways

Short-term Exposure Effects

The substance is corrosive to the eyes. The substance is irritating to the skin. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness. If swallowed the substance easily enters the airways and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.

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 and by ingestion.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir

Verdict: unknown

Expert Verdict

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL is listed in the EU CosIng database with functions: Denaturant, Perfuming, Solvent It is permitted in the EU without specific restrictions.

⚠️

Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

cosing-sourced eu-permitted fragrance needs-enrichment ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive

Frequently Asked Questions

Is N-BUTYL ALCOHOL safe in cosmetics?

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL is listed in the EU CosIng database with functions: Denaturant, Perfuming, Solvent It is permitted in the EU without specific restrictions. The EU classifies N-BUTYL ALCOHOL as "Permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 7 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is N-BUTYL ALCOHOL allowed in the EU?

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL EU regulatory status: Permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does N-BUTYL ALCOHOL do in cosmetics?

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL functions as: Denaturant, Perfuming, Solvent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 71-36-3.

What is the NOAEL for N-BUTYL ALCOHOL?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for N-BUTYL ALCOHOL is 1454 mg/kg bw/day based on a Developmental study via oral route in rat. A total of 7 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is N-BUTYL ALCOHOL classified as hazardous under GHS?

N-BUTYL ALCOHOL carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Flammable liquid and vapour Harmful if swallowed Causes skin irritation Causes serious eye damage May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways. 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 — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check N-BUTYL ALCOHOL compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Substance Compliance

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MoS Calculator

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