Is Shellac safe in cosmetics?
Shellac has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Shellac
INCI: SHELLAC
Shellac (CAS 9000-59-3) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Film-forming agent; binding agent; coating agent. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in food safety data.
Function
Film-forming agent; binding agent; coating agent
Editorial assessment
GOOD
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
FDA GRAS status under 21 CFR 184.1715 as a direct food additive; also listed as indirect food additive under 21 CFR 175.105, 175.300, and 176.170. Permitted in cosmetics with no FDA concentration restrictions. CIR Expert Panel reviewed and reaffirmed safety conclusion (safe up to 6% in cosmetic formulations) in 2008.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Shellac.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Shellac based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
botanical
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.3%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: IVDK; ESSCA; NACDG
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Anti-caking agent
Binder
Drier
Film former
Hair fixative
Humectant
Pigment
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Softener and conditioner
Surface modifier
Regulatory List Membership (2)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Shellac — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
eu-unrestricted
cir-approved
no-sccs-opinion
gras-fda
sensitizer
fda_food_additive
Chemical Function
Softener and conditioner
Film former
Viscosity modifier
Hair fixative
Binder
Regulatory Lists
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
food_additive; Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) (2/2019)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in food safety data.
SOURCE
EFSA / FDA GRAS
food_additives
Food Safety Data
Same-CAS food additive or FDA GRAS records from the core public database.
Food Name
Shellac
E Number
E904
ADI
0.4 mg/kg bw
Food Category
preservative
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shellac allowed in the EU?
Shellac EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Shellac do in cosmetics?
Shellac functions as: Film-forming agent; binding agent; coating agent. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9000-59-3.
Is Shellac used outside cosmetics?
Shellac also appears in food safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Compliance Tools
Check Shellac compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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