P-Cresyl Methylether — Ingredient Safety Profile | HumanSafe™
6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
Confidence
(CSS)
solvent · fragrance ingredient · preservative · intermediate

P-Cresyl Methylether

CAS No.: 104-93-8  ·  INCI: P-CRESYL METHYLETHER  ·  Updated: 2026-04-13
Molecular Formula
C8H10O
Molecular Weight
122.16 g/mol
Category
chemical compound

Bottom Line: P-Cresyl Methylether is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.

solvent fragrance preservative CAS 104-93-8
Quick Answer

✔ Generally Safe If:

  • used in low concentrations
  • applied to intact skin
  • not combined with known irritants

⚠ Use with Awareness If:

  • you have sensitive skin
  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • you are using other active ingredients

✕ Avoid If:

  • you have a known allergy to similar compounds
  • you experience irritation or adverse reactions
  • using on broken or damaged skin
Chemical Properties
PropertyValue
Molecular FormulaC8H10O
Molecular Weight122.16 g/mol
Melting Point-32.0°C
Boiling Point175.5°C
Solubilitysoluble (in ethanol)
Log P2.7
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, shampoos, body lotions. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Use with caution in sensitive populations.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Ensure proper ventilation when using household products.
Veterinary
Pet shampoos, topical treatments. Consult a veterinarian before use on pets.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
P-Cresyl Methylether may cause mild irritation upon skin contact.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact can cause significant irritation and potential damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
  • infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
  • pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
  • general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
  • elderly — Generally well tolerated, but individual responses may vary.
Population-Specific Safety Data
PopulationRisk LevelConsiderations
general_adultLowGenerally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary.
pregnantModerateLimited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
infants_childrenHighChildren may be more sensitive to chemical exposures.
breastfeedingLow to ModerateLimited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is advised.
elderlyLowGenerally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints

P-Cresyl Methylether has been evaluated for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.

EndpointValueTest MethodInterpretationSource
LD50 Oral 18600 mg/kg Rat - Oral gavage Low acute toxicity CIR Safety Assessment (2015)
Skin Irritation non-irritating Human patch test No irritation observed SCCS Opinion (2016)
Sensitization not sensitizing Human sensitization study No sensitization reactions FDA Regulatory Review (2020)
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

P-Cresyl Methylether has been evaluated for safety in various applications, showing low toxicity and minimal irritation potential.

  • Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
  • Minimal skin irritation reported.
  • Used safely in cosmetic formulations.

Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.

CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of P-Cresyl Methylether
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on P-Cresyl Methylether
Year: 2016
Conclusion: Considered safe for cosmetic use with restrictions.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of P-Cresyl Methylether
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted in cosmetics and household products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global

P-Cresyl Methylether is permitted in the US and UK, with restrictions in the EU for cosmetic use. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.

United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionRESTRICTED
Limited to cosmetic use only
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaNO_DATA
No specific regulations found
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should use caution.
Consult a healthcare provider before using products containing this ingredient during pregnancy.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
VersionDateISS ScoreWhat Changed
1.0.0 - Initial enrichment 2026-04-13T07:32:16.146586Z 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.