6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent · preservative
Decanal
Also known as: capric aldehyde, n-decanal, decan-1-al
Molecular Formula
C10H20O
Molecular Weight
156.26 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Decanal is generally considered safe in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivities. Always check product labels.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations in cosmetic products
- included in food products within regulatory limits
- applied to intact skin
- not used by individuals with known allergies to fragrances
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- using multiple products containing fragrances
- applying to broken or irritated skin
- consuming food products for the first time
✕ Avoid If:
- you are pregnant or nursing without consulting a doctor
- you have a known allergy to decanal or similar compounds
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- using in high concentrations in cosmetics
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 156.26 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -5.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 212.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 1 ml of 80% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Density | 0.83 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 3.8 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrance oils, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed.
Food
Flavoring agents, baked goods, confectionery. Safe in food products within regulatory limits.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Use with caution in sensitive formulations.
Household
Air fresheners, cleaning products. Generally safe in household products when used appropriately.
Supplement
Flavoring agents in supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Decanal is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of decanal may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure to decanal is typically low risk but may cause mild irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Moderate
Contact with eyes may cause irritation; rinsing is recommended if exposure occurs.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher sensitivity to chemical exposure.
- pregnant — Potential for increased sensitivity and adverse effects.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with minimal risk.
- breastfeeding — Generally low risk with caution advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for decanal exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Pregnant individuals may have heightened sensitivity to certain substances. |
| infants_children | High | Children's skin and respiratory systems are more sensitive to chemicals. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk; caution is advised. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Decanal is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.
| 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 | Not irritating | SCCS Opinion (2015) |
| Sensitization | non-sensitizing | Human sensitization study | Not sensitizing | 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
Decanal is a fragrance compound with a generally favorable safety profile in cosmetics and food applications.
- Widely used in cosmetics and food products.
- Regulatory bodies have assessed its safety.
- Sensitivity may vary among individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Decanal
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Decanal is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Decanal
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Decanal is safe for use in cosmetic products under specified conditions.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Decanal
Year: 2014
Conclusion: Decanal is acceptable as a flavoring substance in food.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Decanal 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
Decanal is generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed, though some may experience sensitivities.
Yes, decanal is permitted as a flavoring agent in food within regulatory limits.
If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:07:39.938239Z | — | 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.