6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
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Flavoring Agent · Fragrance Ingredient · Solvent · Emollient
Gamma-Octalactone
Also known as: Octalactone, Gamma-caprolactone
Molecular Formula
C8H14O2
Molecular Weight
142.20 g/mol
Category
Flavoring Agent
Bottom Line: Gamma-Octalactone is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used in low concentrations in food and cosmetics
- Not applied to broken skin
- Used by individuals without known allergies to lactones
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin or allergies
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You are using other products containing similar compounds
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to gamma-octalactone
- You are using it in high concentrations
- You experience irritation or adverse reactions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H14O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 142.20 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 234.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water |
| Log P | 1.6 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetic formulations at low concentrations.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, baked goods. Used as a flavoring agent; safe in regulated amounts.
Pharmaceutical
Excipients, flavoring agents in syrups. Generally safe when used as a flavoring agent.
Supplement
Flavored supplements, nutritional bars. Safe in low concentrations; check for allergies.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Gamma-Octalactone is generally well tolerated on the skin with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Oral ingestion of Gamma-Octalactone may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Contact with eyes may cause mild irritation, but serious effects are unlikely.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Potential for increased sensitivity and effects on fetal development.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for reactions.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for various substances. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain compounds. |
| infants_children | High | Children's developing systems may react differently to substances. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have varying sensitivities. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Gamma-Octalactone has been evaluated for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity and good safety profiles.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Gamma-Octalactone has been evaluated for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity and good safety profiles.
- Generally recognized as safe in food and cosmetics.
- Low acute toxicity levels reported.
- No significant adverse effects in standard tests.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Gamma-Octalactone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Gamma-Octalactone is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Gamma-Octalactone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a flavoring substance in food.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food under specific conditions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Gamma-Octalactone is permitted for use in food and cosmetics across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
Used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in food flavoring applications.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Used in accordance with UK food safety regulations.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
Allowed in food and cosmetic products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations.
Caution is advised; perform a patch test before full application.
Some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:52:25.516114Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.