Good Emollient GHS Classified Dermal Penetration

Oleic Acid

INCI: OLEIC ACID

CAS Number
112-80-1
Function
emollient, penetration enhancer
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes CIR reviewed and determined safe. Irritant at high concentration. One of the most-studied lipid penetration enhancers.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
high
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 mildly irritating to the eyes and skin.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Oleic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
8-15%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
282.5 Da
Log P
7.5
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
5-12%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation

Source: Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2002

Expert Verdict

Dual-function emollient and lipid penetration enhancer with CIR safety confirmation. Most-studied fatty acid enhancer that works via SC lipid insertion. Used in transdermal formulations with mild irritation potential above 5% concentration as neat enhancer, but well tolerated in typical emollient blends.

⚠️
Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

penetration-enhancer irritant-high-conc endocrine_disruptor epa_safer_alternative ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oleic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Dual-function emollient and lipid penetration enhancer with CIR safety confirmation. Most-studied fatty acid enhancer that works via SC lipid insertion. Used in transdermal formulations with mild irritation potential above 5% concentration as neat enhancer, but well tolerated in typical emollient blends. The EU classifies Oleic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Oleic Acid allowed in the EU?

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

What does Oleic Acid do in cosmetics?

Oleic Acid functions as: emollient, penetration enhancer. It is classified as a Emollient in our database. CAS number: 112-80-1.

What is the Margin of Safety for Oleic Acid?

adequate 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 Oleic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

🔬
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
 🧪
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
 ⚗️
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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Good
Squalene
Good
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