69.0
ISS Score
Moderate — Score based on regulatory approval status in 4 jurisdiction(s), route-level risk assessment across multiple routes, and 3 toxicology endpoints from safety assessments.
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Emollient · Solvent · Flavoring Agent · Surfactant
OCTANOIC ACID, ETHYL ESTER
Molecular Weight
172.24 g/mol
Category
Fatty Acid Ester
Bottom Line: Octanoic acid, ethyl ester is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- consumed as part of a balanced diet
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are taking other supplements
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to fatty acids
- you experience irritation after use
- you are under medical supervision for dietary restrictions
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 172.24 g/mol |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Moisturizers, sunscreens, hair conditioners. Generally safe for topical use; patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Considered safe in food applications within limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, capsules. Use as directed; consult a physician for concerns.
Supplement
Dietary supplements, energy boosters. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Octanoic acid, ethyl ester is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Oral ingestion is typically safe in food applications, but excessive amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Limited data exists on inhalation exposure; caution is advised in poorly ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Low
Eye contact may cause mild irritation; rinsing with water is recommended if contact occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to ingredients; use with caution.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
- breastfeeding — Generally safe for breastfeeding mothers.
- elderly — Well tolerated but should be used cautiously.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults; monitor for any allergic reactions. |
| pregnant | Low to Moderate | Limited studies on pregnant women; use with caution. |
| infants_children | Moderate | Children may be more sensitive; avoid excessive exposure. |
| breastfeeding | Low | Generally considered safe, but limited data available. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity; monitor usage. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Octanoic acid, ethyl ester has been evaluated 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 (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
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
Octanoic acid, ethyl ester has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Generally recognized as safe in food and cosmetic use.
- Low toxicity levels reported in various studies.
- No significant adverse effects noted in recommended uses.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Octanoic Acid and Its Esters
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Octanoic Acid
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in food products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food applications.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Octanoic acid, ethyl ester is permitted for use in cosmetics and food across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, it is safe for skin use, but patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.
Yes, it is considered safe for consumption in food products within established limits.
While generally safe, some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-19T20:24:44.138644Z | — | 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.