Poor Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data

Phenolphthalein

INCI: PHENOLPHTHALEIN

CAS Number
77-09-8
Function
pH indicator
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status prohibited
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status prohibited
US Notes FDA removed from OTC laxative use in 1999 due to carcinogenicity. Not explicitly banned in cosmetics but classified as a known carcinogen โ€” use would trigger adulteration concerns.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Phenolphthalein. 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 6000 ppm oral rat oral REACH
NOEL 100000 ppm oral rat oral REACH

Expert Verdict

Phenolphthalein is prohibited in EU cosmetics as a Carcinogen Category 1B and Mutagen Category 2, with associated animal toxicity data. FDA removed it from OTC laxatives in 1999. Do not formulate.

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

endocrine_disruptor prop65 eu_banned_cosmetics eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenolphthalein safe in cosmetics?

Phenolphthalein is prohibited in EU cosmetics as a Carcinogen Category 1B and Mutagen Category 2, with associated animal toxicity data. FDA removed it from OTC laxatives in 1999. Do not formulate. The EU classifies Phenolphthalein as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Phenolphthalein allowed in the EU?

Phenolphthalein EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Phenolphthalein do in cosmetics?

Phenolphthalein functions as: pH indicator. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 77-09-8.

What is the Margin of Safety for Phenolphthalein?

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.

What is the NOAEL for Phenolphthalein?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Phenolphthalein is 6000 ppm based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

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