Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Potassium Thiocyanate

INCI: POTASSIUM THIOCYANATE

CAS Number
333-20-0
Function
Reducing agent; historically used in hair waving and straightening
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Not specifically banned; limited cosmetic use

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

1 study endpoint found for Potassium Thiocyanate. 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 20 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.

Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in excitement and convulsions.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance may have effects on the thyroid and central nervous system. This may result in impaired functions and hypothyroidism.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

Systemic toxicity concern โ€” thiocyanate ion inhibits iodine uptake by the thyroid. Oral LD50 is relatively low. Anti-thyroid effects documented. Use at any significant concentration requires careful safety assessment.

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Potassium Thiocyanate safe in cosmetics?

Systemic toxicity concern โ€” thiocyanate ion inhibits iodine uptake by the thyroid. Oral LD50 is relatively low. Anti-thyroid effects documented. Use at any significant concentration requires careful safety assessment. The EU classifies Potassium Thiocyanate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Potassium Thiocyanate allowed in the EU?

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

What does Potassium Thiocyanate do in cosmetics?

Potassium Thiocyanate functions as: Reducing agent; historically used in hair waving and straightening. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 333-20-0.

What is the Margin of Safety for Potassium Thiocyanate?

not established 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 Potassium Thiocyanate?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Potassium Thiocyanate is 20 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. Source: REACH.

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