Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Sec-Butyl Alcohol

INCI: SEC-BUTYL ALCOHOL (2-BUTANOL)

CAS Number
78-92-2
Function
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling Agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Listed on TSCA; OSHA regulated; used in limited cosmetic applications

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

2 study endpoints found for Sec-Butyl Alcohol. 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 1644 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Multigeneration Reproductive COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1771 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Reproductive-developmental COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
flam;flame; excl mark;warn; cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Flammable liquid and vapour May be harmful if swallowed Causes eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.
Long-term Exposure Effects
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

⚠ Flammable (flash point 24°C); CNS depressant; eye and respiratory irritant; may cause narcotic effects at high exposure; defatting of skin on prolonged contact

⚠️
Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

ifra_fragrance fda_food_additive jecfa_concern

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sec-Butyl Alcohol safe in cosmetics?

⚠ Flammable (flash point 24°C); CNS depressant; eye and respiratory irritant; may cause narcotic effects at high exposure; defatting of skin on prolonged contact The EU classifies Sec-Butyl Alcohol as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 2 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Sec-Butyl Alcohol allowed in the EU?

Sec-Butyl Alcohol EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Sec-Butyl Alcohol do in cosmetics?

Sec-Butyl Alcohol functions as: Solvent, Viscosity Controlling Agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 78-92-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sec-Butyl Alcohol?

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 Sec-Butyl Alcohol?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Sec-Butyl Alcohol is 1644 mg/kg bw/day based on a Multigeneration Reproductive study via oral route in rat. A total of 2 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

Is Sec-Butyl Alcohol classified as hazardous under GHS?

Sec-Butyl Alcohol carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Flammable liquid and vapour May be harmful if swallowed Causes eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways. 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 — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Compliance Tools

Check Sec-Butyl Alcohol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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