6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · fixative · flavoring agent
Methyl Nonyl Ketone
Molecular Formula
C11H22O
Molecular Weight
170.29 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Methyl Nonyl Ketone is generally considered safe in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in well-formulated cosmetic products
- applied in low concentrations
- not used on broken skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using in a poorly ventilated area
- applying to children or infants
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you have a known allergy to ketones
- using in high concentrations
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 170.29 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 15.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 231.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 1 ml 95% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.1 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents. Use in food is limited; check regulations.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Ensure good ventilation when using.
Supplement
None identified. Not typically used in dietary supplements.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Methyl Nonyl Ketone is generally well tolerated on skin, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Methyl Nonyl Ketone may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and should be avoided.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation; use in well-ventilated areas.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation; avoid direct exposure.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposures.
- pregnant — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
- sensitive_skin — Increased risk of irritation.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Generally well tolerated with minimal risk.
- elderly — Typically well tolerated but monitor for reactions.
- breastfeeding — Use cautiously with limited data.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally healthy adults can tolerate Methyl Nonyl Ketone with minimal risk. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; use cautiously. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to irritants. |
| sensitive_skin | High | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Methyl Nonyl Ketone is used for its fragrance properties, with varying safety assessments across jurisdictions.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 5000 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Rabbit - Dermal application | Not irritating | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Guinea Pig - Maximization 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
Methyl Nonyl Ketone is used for its fragrance properties, with varying safety assessments across jurisdictions.
- Used primarily in cosmetics and household products.
- Safety assessments indicate moderate concern in high concentrations.
- Regulatory status varies by region.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Methyl Nonyl Ketone
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Methyl Nonyl Ketone
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe in cosmetics with restrictions on concentration.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: No established safe levels for food use.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Methyl Nonyl Ketone is permitted in cosmetics in the EU and UK, with restrictions in the US for food use. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
US
FDARESTRICTED
Limited use in food products.
EU
European CommissionPERMITTED
Allowed in cosmetics with concentration limits.
UK
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
Similar to EU regulations.
CA
Health CanadaNO_DATA
No specific regulations identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may cause irritation in sensitive individuals; patch testing is recommended.
It's best to avoid using products with this ingredient during pregnancy due to limited safety data.
It is commonly found in fragrances, lotions, and some cleaning products.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T06:58:49.073108Z | — | 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.