9.0
ISS Score
A — Good — low hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
fragrance ingredient · preservative · antimicrobial agent · solvent
Undecylenal
Also known as: Undecylenic aldehyde, Undecenal, Undecylenic alcohol
Molecular Formula
C11H20O
Molecular Weight
168.28 g/mol
Category
chemical compound
Bottom Line: Undecylenal is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and food products, though some individuals may experience sensitivity.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- not applied to broken skin
- used in well-ventilated areas
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin or allergies
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using other topical treatments
- you have a history of skin reactions
✕ Avoid If:
- you are allergic to undecylenic acid or similar compounds
- you have open wounds or severe skin conditions
- you experience irritation upon use
- you are using it in high concentrations without guidance
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C11H20O |
| Molecular Weight | 168.28 g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 98.0°C |
| Solubility | soluble in propylene glycol and most fixed oils; insoluble in glycerol and water |
| Log P | 3.8 |
Common Use Cases
4 Categories
Cosmetic
Antifungal creams, shampoos, skin lotions. Use in recommended amounts to minimize irritation risk.
Food
Flavoring agents, food preservatives. Generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
Pharmaceutical
Topical antifungal medications. Follow medical advice for use in treatments.
Supplement
Dietary supplements for skin health. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Undecylenal is generally well tolerated on the skin, with low irritation potential.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of undecylenal may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but may cause mild respiratory 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 exposures may lead to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data necessitates caution during pregnancy.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with low risk of adverse effects.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitoring is advised.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically have a higher tolerance for undecylenal exposure. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on the effects of undecylenal during pregnancy. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more sensitive to chemical exposures. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on transfer through breast milk. |
| elderly | Low | Elderly individuals generally tolerate undecylenal well. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Undecylenal 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 (2012) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human patch test | No sensitization reactions observed | CIR Safety Assessment (2012) |
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
Undecylenal has been evaluated for safety in cosmetics and food applications, showing low toxicity.
- Effective against fungal infections.
- Low irritation potential in topical applications.
- Generally recognized as safe in food use.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Undecylenic Acid and Its Salts
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 10%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Undecylenic Acid
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Considered safe for use as a food additive.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Food Additive Status
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in food products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Undecylenal 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
Undecylenal is generally safe, but those with sensitive skin should patch test first.
Yes, undecylenal is recognized as safe for use in food applications.
Discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if irritation occurs.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T08:24:49.116006Z | — | 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.