10.0
ISS Score
A+ — Excellent — very low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · flavoring agent · solvent · emollient
Gamma-Undecalactone
Also known as: Undecylic lactone, Gamma-undecalactone, 1-Undecanol, 2-oxo-
Molecular Formula
C11H20O2
Molecular Weight
184.27 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Gamma-Undecalactone is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- consumed as part of food flavoring within regulatory limits
- not applied to broken skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to similar compounds
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are using multiple products containing fragrances
- you notice any adverse reactions after use
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to Gamma-Undecalactone
- you are using it in high concentrations
- you have a history of skin irritation from fragrances
- you are consuming it in unregulated food products
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H20O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 184.27 g/mol |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 5 ml 60% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 3.3 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Use in low concentrations to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages, confectionery. Generally safe when used as a food flavoring.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Monitor for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Supplement
Dietary supplements with flavoring. Consult a healthcare provider if unsure about use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Gamma-Undecalactone is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion of Gamma-Undecalactone is typically safe in small amounts, but excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low
Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but high concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; caution is advised to avoid exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures may lead to adverse reactions.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low risk of adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe in moderation, but monitoring is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited data on long-term effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures; use with care. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Limited data available; generally considered safe in moderation. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Gamma-Undecalactone has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| 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 | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human sensitization study | No sensitization observed | EFSA Opinion (2014) |
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-Undecalactone has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in food flavoring.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Gamma-Undecalactone
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Gamma-Undecalactone
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food flavoring.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: SCCS Opinion on Gamma-Undecalactone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetic products with restrictions.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Gamma-Undecalactone is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDAPERMITTED
None
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Use in cosmetics must comply with SCCS recommendations.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Must comply with UK regulations.
CA
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally safe when used in low concentrations as per regulatory guidelines.
Yes, it is considered safe as a food flavoring within established limits.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation persists.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:55:08.054719Z | — | 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.