Moderate Cosmetic Ingredient NOAEL Data GHS Classified

Theophylline

INCI: THEOPHYLLINE

CAS Number
58-55-9
Function
Skin conditioning agent (methylxanthine; promotes microcirculation, lipolysis)
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status prohibited
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes CIR Panel concluded safe in present practices of use and concentration ; permitted in US cosmetics

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

6 study endpoints found for Theophylline. 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
LOAEL 37.5 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
LOAEL 75 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
LOAEL ca.7.5 mg/kg bw/day oral rat oral REACH
NOAEL 75 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
LOAEL 225 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse oral REACH
NOAEL ca.7.5 mg/kg bw/day oral mouse 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
skull;toxic; cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Toxic if swallowed May be harmful if inhaled May cause harm to breast-fed children Causes damage to vascular system and kidneys Causes damage to the kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance may cause effects on the heart and central nervous system. This may result in cardiac dysrhythmia and convulsions. The effects may be delayed.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body in hazardous amounts by ingestion.

Expert Verdict

CRITICAL: Classified as CMR substance in EU. Prohibited in Canada and ASEAN markets as well . Developmental toxicity concern via oral exposure identified by AICIS . Do NOT formulate for EU, ASEAN, or Canadian markets. US-only use requires strict concentration limits per CIR assessment

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Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

endocrine_disruptor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Theophylline safe in cosmetics?

CRITICAL: Classified as CMR substance in EU. Prohibited in Canada and ASEAN markets as well . Developmental toxicity concern via oral exposure identified by AICIS . Do NOT formulate for EU, ASEAN, or Canadian markets. US-only use requires strict concentration limits per CIR assessment The EU classifies Theophylline as "prohibited". Safety rating: MODERATE. 6 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.

Is Theophylline allowed in the EU?

Theophylline EU regulatory status: prohibited. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Theophylline do in cosmetics?

Theophylline functions as: Skin conditioning agent (methylxanthine; promotes microcirculation, lipolysis). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 58-55-9.

What is the Margin of Safety for Theophylline?

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 Theophylline?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Theophylline is 37.5 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 6 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.

Is Theophylline classified as hazardous under GHS?

Theophylline carries a GHS signal word of "DANGER". Hazard statements: Toxic if swallowed May be harmful if inhaled May cause harm to breast-fed children Causes damage to vascular system and kidneys Causes damage to the kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure. 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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