6.0
ISS Score
B — Acceptable — low-moderate concern
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · solvent · flavoring agent · preservative
Undecanal
Also known as: undecylic aldehyde, 1-undecanal, undecylenic aldehyde
Molecular Formula
C11H22O
Molecular Weight
170.29 g/mol
Category
fragrance
Bottom Line: Undecanal is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
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 nursing
- you are using other fragrance products
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to undecanal
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H22O |
| Molecular Weight | 170.29 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -4.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 109.0°C |
| Solubility | 1 ml in 5 ml of 70% alcohol (in ethanol) |
| Log P | 4.3 |
Common Use Cases
5 Categories
Cosmetic
Fragrances, lotions, shampoos. Generally safe in cosmetics, but patch test recommended.
Food
Flavoring agents, food additives. Used as a flavoring agent; ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Pharmaceutical
Topical creams, ointments. Used in formulations; monitor for allergic reactions.
Household
Cleaning products, air fresheners. Safe for household use; avoid direct skin contact.
Supplement
Dietary supplements. Limited use in supplements; consult a healthcare provider.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Undecanal is generally well tolerated on skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of undecanal may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause mild irritation.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause significant irritation and discomfort.
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 low risk.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated with low risk.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for undecanal exposure. |
| 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 with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate undecanal well. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Undecanal is a fragrance compound with various applications in cosmetics and food. Safety assessments indicate low toxicity.
| 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 a skin irritant | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | no sensitization observed | Human clinical study | Low sensitization potential | EFSA Opinion (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
Undecanal is a fragrance compound with various applications in cosmetics and food. Safety assessments indicate low toxicity.
- Commonly used in fragrances and flavorings.
- Generally recognized as safe in low concentrations.
- Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Undecanal
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Undecanal is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.5%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Undecanal
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Undecanal is safe for use in cosmetic products with appropriate concentration limits.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Undecanal
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Undecanal is acceptable as a food flavoring substance.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Undecanal is generally 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, undecanal is considered safe in cosmetics at low concentrations, but individual sensitivities may vary.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to undecanal; patch testing is advisable.
Yes, undecanal is permitted as a flavoring agent in food products under EU and FDA regulations.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:23:45.154249Z | — | 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.