Good Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Sodium Propionate

INCI: SODIUM PROPIONATE

CAS Number
137-40-6
Function
Preservative (antifungal), buffering agent; strong inhibition of molds and gram-negative bacilli in acidic media
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted; GRAS status as food additive reinforces low-toxicity profile

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

Safety Data

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

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

10 study endpoints found for Sodium Propionate. 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 1860 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 5600 mg/kg bw/day oral sheep Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 4000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 4000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1283 mg/kg bw/day oral dog Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 1025 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB
NOAEL 4250 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Subchronic COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 1860 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 5600 mg/kg bw/day oral sheep Short Term Toxicity COSMOS_DB
dose_tested 4000 mg/kg bw/day oral rat Chronic COSMOS_DB

GHS Hazard Classification

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

Hazard Statements
No hazard classification according to GHS criteria
Short-term Exposure Effects
See Notes.
Long-term Exposure Effects
See Notes.
Routes of Exposure
See Notes.

Expert Verdict

Antimicrobial efficacy is pH-dependent (works best in acidic conditions); not on EU Annex V positive preservative list โ€” if used as the primary preservative, regulatory justification may be challenged

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

preservative epa_safer_alternative fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Propionate safe in cosmetics?

Antimicrobial efficacy is pH-dependent (works best in acidic conditions); not on EU Annex V positive preservative list โ€” if used as the primary preservative, regulatory justification may be challenged The EU classifies Sodium Propionate as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Sodium Propionate allowed in the EU?

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

What does Sodium Propionate do in cosmetics?

Sodium Propionate functions as: Preservative (antifungal), buffering agent; strong inhibition of molds and gram-negative bacilli in acidic media. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 137-40-6.

What is the Margin of Safety for Sodium Propionate?

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 Sodium Propionate?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Sodium Propionate is 1860 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.

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