Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Phenylacetic Acid

INCI: PHENYLACETIC ACID

CAS Number
103-82-2
Function
Perfuming (fragrance ingredient)
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status restricted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes FDA โ€” not specifically restricted in cosmetics; FEMA GRAS as flavoring. DEA List II chemical (precursor monitoring)

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

7 study endpoints found for Phenylacetic Acid. 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 45 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 450 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
LOAEL 45 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Developmental COSMOS_DB
NOEL 1000 other other mouse oral REACH
NOAEL >1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 1000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
WARNING
Hazard Statements
Causes mild skin irritation Causes eye irritation Harmful to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin.

Expert Verdict

Phenylacetic acid is a restricted fragrance ingredient with skin, eye, and respiratory irritant properties (H315, H319, H335); it is also a DEA List II monitored precursor chemical.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

fragrance-component ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phenylacetic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Phenylacetic acid is a restricted fragrance ingredient with skin, eye, and respiratory irritant properties (H315, H319, H335); it is also a DEA List II monitored precursor chemical. The EU classifies Phenylacetic Acid as "restricted". Safety rating: GOOD. 7 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Phenylacetic Acid allowed in the EU?

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

What does Phenylacetic Acid do in cosmetics?

Phenylacetic Acid functions as: Perfuming (fragrance ingredient). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 103-82-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Phenylacetic 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.

What is the NOAEL for Phenylacetic Acid?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Phenylacetic Acid is 45 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 Phenylacetic Acid classified as hazardous under GHS?

Phenylacetic Acid carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Causes mild skin irritation Causes eye irritation Harmful to aquatic life. 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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