Poor Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Phthalic Anhydride

INCI: PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE

CAS Number
85-44-9
Function
Monomer/intermediate used in copolymer synthesis; not typically a finished cosmetic ingredient
Safety Rating
POOR

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status restricted
US Notes Not specifically FDA-restricted for cosmetics; OECD SIDS flags it as a candidate for further work

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

5 study endpoints found for Phthalic Anhydride. 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 500 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 1250 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 7140 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOAEL ca.1717 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOAEL 3800 ppm 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
DANGER
Pictograms
corr; excl mark;warn; cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Harmful if swallowed Causes skin irritation May cause respiratory irritation Causes serious eye damage May cause an allergic skin reaction May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
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 of its aerosol and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Known skin and respiratory sensitizer causing serious eye damage and irritation; if present as residual monomer in copolymers, must be controlled to trace levels; occupational exposure limits apply

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phthalic Anhydride safe in cosmetics?

Known skin and respiratory sensitizer causing serious eye damage and irritation; if present as residual monomer in copolymers, must be controlled to trace levels; occupational exposure limits apply The EU classifies Phthalic Anhydride as "permitted". Safety rating: POOR. 5 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Phthalic Anhydride allowed in the EU?

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

What does Phthalic Anhydride do in cosmetics?

Phthalic Anhydride functions as: Monomer/intermediate used in copolymer synthesis; not typically a finished cosmetic ingredient. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 85-44-9.

What is the Margin of Safety for Phthalic Anhydride?

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 Phthalic Anhydride?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Phthalic Anhydride is 500 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 5 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Is Phthalic Anhydride classified as hazardous under GHS?

Phthalic Anhydride carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed Causes skin irritation May cause respiratory irritation Causes serious eye damage May cause an allergic skin reaction May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. 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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