8.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent
Methylundecanal
Also known as: Undecanal, Methyl undecanal
Molecular Formula
C12H24O
Molecular Weight
184.32 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Methylundecanal is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have allergies to fragrances
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to this ingredient
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using it in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H24O |
| Molecular Weight | 184.32 g/mol |
| Solubility | soluble in fixed oils, alcohol, and propylene glycol (solution may be turbid); insoluble in glycerol |
| Log P | 4.9 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, beverages. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use in pharmaceuticals is limited; consult a healthcare provider.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Safe for household use; ensure proper ventilation.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Not commonly used in supplements; consult a professional.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methylundecanal is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of methylundecanal may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may lead to mild respiratory irritation, but significant effects are rare.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause irritation and discomfort; caution is advised.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but age-related sensitivities may exist.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated; however, individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Higher sensitivity to chemicals; potential for adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but age-related sensitivities may exist. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methylundecanal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | Not established | — | Insufficient data | — |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Sensitization | Not sensitizing | Human clinical study | Low sensitization potential | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
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
Methylundecanal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies support its use in specified applications.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Undecanal
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Undecanal
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for cosmetic use with restrictions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Flavoring
Year: 2017
Conclusion: Acceptable daily intake established; safe for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methylundecanal is generally permitted in cosmetics and food with some restrictions in the EU. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED WITH RESTRICTIONS
Limited to cosmetic use
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test before use.
Yes, it is permitted as a flavoring agent in food, but must comply with safety standards.
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 | 2026-04-13T07:03:18.668960Z | — | 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.